Bhavana Pandey, wife of actor Chunky Panday and mother of Bollywood star Ananya Panday, has opened up about the mental toll her daughter’s online trolling took on her. In a candid interview, Bhavana admitted that she sought therapy for a year to process the harsh criticism and constant negativity her daughter faced on social media.
‘It Affected Me More Than It Affected Her,’ Says Bhavana
While Ananya Panday has become one of Bollywood’s most promising young actors, her journey has not been without challenges. Online trolls have targeted her for everything from her acting to her personal life. However, it wasn’t Ananya who felt the full brunt of these attacks—it was her mother, Bhavana Pandey, who struggled the most.
Speaking about her experience, Bhavana shared, “When Ananya started getting trolled, I thought I was fine. I tried to ignore it, but eventually, I realized it was affecting me deeply. It hurt to see my child being attacked so brutally for no reason. I felt helpless and frustrated. That’s when I decided to seek therapy.”
She revealed that while Ananya had developed a thick skin to cope with the negativity, Bhavana found it difficult to do the same. “It’s ironic. Ananya kept telling me, ‘Mom, don’t worry about it, I’m fine,’ but I couldn’t stop worrying. I thought, ‘How can anyone say such horrible things about a young girl who is just starting her career?’”
Therapy Became A Lifeline For Bhavana
Admitting that therapy helped her tremendously, Bhavana explained, “I went for therapy for a year, and it was the best decision I made. Talking to a professional gave me perspective. I learned to focus on the positives and let go of things that are beyond my control.”
Bhavana also emphasized the importance of seeking help when needed. “In our society, there’s still a stigma around mental health, but I’ve realized it’s as important as physical health. Seeking therapy doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you care about your well-being.”
Ananya’s Journey Through Trolling
Ananya Panday has faced relentless trolling since her debut in Student of the Year 2. From being accused of nepotism to being called out for her comments on various platforms, the actor has often found herself in the crosshairs of social media negativity. Despite this, Ananya has remained resilient and focused on her work.
In a previous interview, Ananya said, “I’ve learned to take trolling with a pinch of salt. Of course, there are days when it gets to me, but I remind myself that these people don’t know me personally. I try to focus on the love and support I receive from my fans and well-wishers.”
A Mother’s Support And Strength
Bhavana’s revelation highlights the emotional challenges that come with being a parent in the age of social media. Supporting a child in the spotlight isn’t easy, especially when they’re subjected to constant scrutiny.
Bhavana added, “Being a parent, you always want to protect your child from harm. But in this case, I couldn’t. It’s heartbreaking to feel so powerless. But I’ve learned to channel my energy into supporting Ananya in the best way I can.”
Online Trolling And Its Impact On Families
The Panday family’s story sheds light on the far-reaching effects of online trolling. It’s not just celebrities who suffer; their families, too, bear the emotional burden. Bhavana’s decision to speak openly about her struggles is a step toward breaking the stigma around mental health and highlighting the importance of empathy on social media.
Looking Ahead
As Ananya continues to make her mark in Bollywood, her family stands firmly by her side. Bhavana’s journey through therapy is a testament to the strength of a mother’s love and the importance of prioritizing mental health.
In an age where social media can amplify both love and hate, the Panday family’s story serves as a reminder to be kinder and more understanding. After all, behind every public figure is a family that feels every word of praise and every barb of criticism.