Ananya Panday on social media trolling, evolving fashion sense and parents’ advice

Actor Ananya Panday, who won the Spotlight Actor award at Harper’s Bazaar Woman of the Year 2024 has recently been in the news, thanks to her last release, CTRL. Besides her onscreen appearances, the actor is also known for her bold fashion sense. In fact, she has quickly emerged as a favourite of fashion critics. In an exclusive conversation with India Today Digital, Ananya opened up about how she addresses social media scrutiny, her evolving fashion sense and advice from parents, Chunky and Bhavana Pandey.
“As far as my fashion goes, what’s worked for me more than anything else is experimenting with clothes. I’m the kind of person if I’m uncomfortable in a particular outfit then it’s very obvious as it’s all over my face. Hence, for me, comfort is above everything. But, I also strongly believe in trying everything out until you make up your mind because something can look completely different in a picture or a mannequin as opposed to when you wear it. If I achieve this then I guess everything else just falls into place and I’m not very worried about whether people will like it or not,” shared the actor.
Ananya also shared that she is now open to taking more risks when it comes to fashion, “Personally, my fashion sense has gotten a lot more classic. When I was younger, I would love wearing these sparkly, neon clothes. I would also steal my brother’s t-shirts because I was a bit of a tomboy. But as I’m growing up, I have fallen in love with more like lady like silhouettes and pastels and whites which mainly comprise more of my personal looks. As far as my professional dressing for events and appearances is concerned, things have gone reverse. A lot of things I thought I would never try or wear when I started out has now changed. Now, I guess I’m more open to taking risks and trying new things out.”
During the chat, Ananya also shared that her parents — actor Chunky Panday and Bhavana Pandey — also dole out fashion advice from time to time: “It’s important to cut the noise out and do what makes you happy. I’m all for experimentation and even my parents keep giving me advice. My dad often tells me to add more colour into my looks while my mom’s motto remains the same, which is to find a balance between comfort and what looks nice on you. My mum knows how cranky I get when I’m not comfortable in an outfit I’m wearing so she would always advise me to wear what I can carry with ease,” Ananya signed off.