Ananya Panday, known for her recent hits like CTRL and Call Me Bae, has been winning hearts with her performances. But behind the glamorous facade, she has had her share of struggles. In a recent chat with Forbes India, the young actress spoke openly about the insecurities she has carried since her school days and the harsh realities of dealing with body image issues.
Ananya shared that growing up, she was often teased by her classmates. “They’d call me a ‘hunchback’ because of my posture. They’d say I had ‘toothpick legs’ or ‘chicken legs’ and even called me a ‘flat-screen TV.’” She revealed these comments deeply affected her confidence. “Even now, 12 years later, I can recall exactly what they said and who said it. Words stick, and they shape how you see yourself.”
She also mentioned being self-conscious about her arms, recalling how people would point out they were too hairy. For a young girl, this kind of attention can be overwhelming. “As kids, we don’t realize how much the things people say can shape our world. It stays with you,” she admitted.
Pressure of Unrealistic Beauty Standards
The film industry comes with its own set of pressures. Ananya, who fits into conventional beauty norms, admitted that even she feels the weight of maintaining a certain image. “People think actors have it easy, but it’s not like that. Every day I’m at the gym, watching what I eat, trying to stay fit,” she said.
Reflecting on a recent trip to Dubai, she talked about indulging in food and struggling to fit into her skirt later. “It happens to everyone. And that’s okay. It’s normal to have off days,” she added, hoping to remind people that no one is perfect.
Childhood Experiences Shaping Her Perspective
Her school experiences made her realize how important kindness is. She believes kids don’t always understand the impact of their words, but as adults, we can do better. “Even now, I work on standing straight, improving my posture, and reminding myself that my body is fine the way it is,” she shared.
Ananya also highlighted how such personal struggles help her connect with her fans. “So many people think actors have perfect lives, but that’s not true. We’re all human. We have flaws, and we all feel insecure sometimes,” she said.
On Authenticity and Supporting Others
The actress believes the industry is slowly moving toward embracing authenticity. With more people sharing their stories, she hopes the conversation around body image and mental health will continue to grow.
She also spoke about her close friend Suhana Khan, calling her “healthy competition” as the two pursue acting careers. “Suhana is amazing, and I’m so proud of her. We cheer each other on,” she said, showing that support and kindness go a long way in a competitive world.
What’s Next for Ananya?
Ananya is set to appear in Chand Mera Dil, directed by Vivek Soni, alongside Lakshay. The film is slated for release this year. She’s also working on a Dharma Productions project with Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan, keeping her fans excited for what’s to come.
By opening up about her past and embracing her flaws, Ananya Panday is setting an example of self-love and resilience. Her honesty reminds us that even those in the spotlight have their own battles to fight.
