Here’s a bold statement: Bollywood’s rising stars often face scrutiny, but Ananya Panday’s case is particularly intriguing. And this is the part most people miss—while she’s been in the spotlight, veteran author and columnist Shobhaa De recently pointed out that Ananya lacks a ‘distinct personality’ to truly set her apart in the industry. But here’s where it gets controversial: De suggests that Ananya’s success might be more about being in the right place at the right time rather than raw talent or individuality. Is it fair to judge her so harshly, or is there more to her potential than meets the eye?
During a candid podcast on Rediff Originals, Shobhaa De didn’t hold back. She discussed the new generation of Bollywood stars, including Ananya Panday and Kartik Aaryan, offering sharp insights into their careers. When asked about Ananya, De noted that her appeal seems to rely heavily on her ability to land high-profile projects, especially with international brands. ‘She could be any girl or any woman,’ De remarked, emphasizing the absence of a unique persona that makes her memorable. She did, however, praise Ananya’s performance in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, calling it her only standout film so far. ‘Maybe she needs projects that go beyond Barbie dolling up,’ De added, hinting at the need for more depth in her roles.
But here’s the twist: While some might agree with De’s critique, others might argue that Ananya is still early in her career and has room to grow. After all, she made her Bollywood debut in 2019 with Student of the Year 2 and has since worked on a range of projects like Pati Patni Aur Woh, Khaali Peeli, Gehraiyaan, Liger, Dream Girl 2, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, and CTRL. Though these films received mixed reviews, her recent appearance in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri opposite Kartik Aaryan was widely panned by critics and flopped at the box office. Yet, she has a diverse lineup ahead, including the romantic drama Chand Mera Dil and the second season of her web series Call Me Bae. Could these projects be her chance to prove the critics wrong?
Shifting focus, Shobhaa De expressed strong support for Kartik Aaryan, calling him a versatile and underrated actor. ‘He is very natural in his skin,’ she said, praising his purposeful role choices. However, she seemed less optimistic about his upcoming film Nagzilla, calling it ‘not that promising.’ During the rapid-fire round, De also lauded Ranveer Singh as ‘multi-dimensional’ and Aamir Khan as ‘a maverick’ for his bold personal and professional risks.
Here’s the burning question: Is Ananya Panday’s success a product of timing and opportunity, or is she being unfairly judged before her talent fully emerges? Let’s spark a conversation—do you think she has what it takes to carve out a unique identity in Bollywood, or is Shobhaa De’s critique spot on? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
