In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema, few young stars have managed to carve a niche as distinctively as Ananya Panday. From facing initial skepticism as a star kid to becoming Chanel’s first Indian brand ambassador and securing a coveted spot on Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2025, Ananya’s journey reflects a remarkable evolution of talent, perseverance, and strategic career choices. Her trajectory from commercial cinema to critically acclaimed OTT performances showcases her versatility and determination to be recognized for her craft rather than her lineage.
As she continues to break barriers in both entertainment and fashion, Ananya stands as a testament to how the next generation of Indian talent is reshaping global perceptions and creating new pathways for representation on international platforms. This blog explores her multifaceted career, her impact on fashion and entertainment, and how she’s redefining success for young actors on the global stage.
Table of Contents
The Evolution of a Star: Ananya’s Journey to Recognition
Ananya Panday’s entry into Bollywood in 2019 came with the inevitable scrutiny faced by star kids. Daughter of actor Chunky Panday, she made her debut in Karan Johar’s “Student of the Year 2,” followed by “Pati Patni Aur Woh” in the same year. Despite mixed reviews, her natural screen presence earned her the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut, signaling the beginning of a promising career.
The early phase of her journey wasn’t without challenges. Social media trolling and the “nepo kid” label followed her, particularly after her comments during a 2019 roundtable discussion about her father’s struggles in the industry sparked controversy. Rather than retreating from the conversation, Ananya chose to address these criticisms head-on while focusing on proving herself through her work.
Her career took a significant turn with streaming projects that allowed her to showcase her acting range. In “Gehraiyaan” (2022), she portrayed Tia Khanna with a nuance that surprised critics. As noted by Anna M. M. Vetticad from Firstpost, Ananya brought “a gravitas to Tia’s confusion and innocence that makes you wonder why she chose to debut with the hollow gloss of Student of the Year 2.”
This trajectory continued with “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan” (2023), where her portrayal of a young woman navigating the perils of social media earned her a Filmfare OTT Award. Her subsequent performances in “CTRL” (2024) and “Call Me Bae” (2024) further established her ability to connect with contemporary urban narratives.
Breaking Barriers: The Historic Chanel Appointment
In April 2025, Ananya made history by becoming Chanel’s first Indian brand ambassador—a watershed moment for Indian representation in global luxury fashion. This appointment wasn’t merely a personal achievement but a recognition of India’s growing influence in the global luxury market.
As Elle India reported, “With India emerging as a key player in the global luxury market, this move feels not only strategic but also timely.” The publication highlighted how Ananya’s “fashion fluidity enhances her appeal across diverse audiences, both within India and globally.”
Her appointment represents a significant shift in how global luxury brands view Indian cultural influencers. For Chanel, a brand with a storied history dating back to Coco Chanel’s revolutionary designs, choosing Ananya signals an acknowledgment of India’s young luxury consumers and their growing purchasing power.
At a Chanel event following her appointment, Ananya embodied the brand’s ethos of understated luxury in a tiered dress with delicate golden borders—a look that balanced traditional Chanel elegance with contemporary sensibilities, much like her own evolving public persona.
Forbes Recognition: A Global Milestone
The Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2025 marked another significant milestone in Ananya’s career. Alongside fellow actor Ishaan Khatter, she was recognized not just for her performances but for her expanding influence across entertainment and fashion.
Forbes cited her rapid rise in the industry, her massive social media following of 26 million, and her groundbreaking role as Chanel’s ambassador as key factors in her selection. This recognition places her among an elite group of young innovators and changemakers from across Asia.
The announcement prompted a wave of congratulations, including a supportive Instagram Story from her rumored partner, Walker Blanco, who celebrated her achievement with a simple yet telling clapping emoji. Her mother, Bhavana Pandey, and close friend Shanaya Kapoor also expressed their pride through supportive comments.
Ananya Panday’s Career Evolution
| Year | Milestone | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Debut in “Student of the Year 2” | Entry into Bollywood; established presence |
| 2019 | Launched “So Positive” initiative | Addressed cyberbullying; won ET Initiative of the Year |
| 2019 | Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut | Industry recognition of talent |
| 2022 | “Gehraiyaan” performance | Critical acclaim for dramatic depth |
| 2023 | “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan” | Filmfare OTT Award; praised for contemporary portrayal |
| 2025 | Chanel’s first Indian brand ambassador | Historic fashion milestone; global representation |
| 2025 | “Kesari Chapter 2” success | Proved commercial viability in period drama |
| 2025 | Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree | Global recognition of influence |
Beyond Entertainment: Ananya’s Social Impact
Ananya’s influence extends beyond her on-screen performances. In 2019, she launched “So Positive,” an initiative aimed at creating awareness about social media bullying. The project, which earned the “Initiative of the Year” title at the Economic Times Awards, reflects her personal experiences with online trolling and her commitment to fostering a healthier digital environment.
“It isn’t as easy as people say it is,” Ananya once remarked about her journey. “If you have access and don’t have the talent to back it up, people won’t invest their money in you. Having said that, I do believe nepotism exists and it exists in all industries, not just Bollywood.”
This candid acknowledgment of both her privilege and the industry’s realities has helped her connect with audiences beyond her performances. As The Hollywood Reporter India noted, “all the noise and early backlash faded once she proved herself with films like Gehraiyaan (2022) and CTRL (2024).”
What’s Next for Ananya?
Currently filming “Chand Mera Dil” opposite Lakshya, Ananya stands at an exciting juncture in her career. After a series of urban, technology-centered roles, she has expressed interest in returning to more commercial cinema while continuing to challenge herself with complex characters.
Her performance in “Kesari Chapter 2” (2025), where she portrayed lawyer Dilreet Gill alongside Akshay Kumar, demonstrated her ability to handle period dramas and more serious subject matter. For this role, she underwent extensive preparation, including dialect classes in Punjabi for over a year and shadowing practicing female lawyers.
As she continues to balance commercial success with artistic exploration, Ananya’s journey offers valuable insights into how the next generation of Indian talent is reshaping the entertainment landscape.
Ananya’s Fashion Evolution
| Style Phase | Characteristics | Notable Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career (2019-2021) | Youthful, experimental | Award shows, promotional events |
| Streaming Era (2022-2024) | Sophisticated, urban chic | OTT premieres, international events |
| Global Ambassador (2025) | Refined luxury, classic elegance | Chanel events, Forbes recognition |
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FAQs About Ananya Panday
What is Ananya Panday’s most significant achievement to date?
While being named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list is remarkable, becoming Chanel’s first Indian brand ambassador in 2025 marks a historic milestone not just for Ananya but for Indian representation in global luxury fashion. This appointment recognizes both her personal style evolution and India’s growing influence in the international fashion landscape.
How has Ananya Panday responded to criticism about nepotism in Bollywood?
Ananya has addressed nepotism criticism by acknowledging her privilege while emphasizing that talent is ultimately necessary for longevity in the industry. Rather than avoiding the conversation, she has focused on proving herself through diverse roles in projects like “Gehraiyaan,” “CTRL,” and “Kesari Chapter 2,” which have earned her critical acclaim and helped shift the narrative around her career.
