Ananya Panday, who will soon be seen in the web series Call Me Be, recently appeared on Raj Shamani's podcast, where she openly discussed her career and the "star kid" label that she received upon entering the industry. Ananya revealed that as soon as she stepped into the film industry, she was tagged as a "star kid" and faced a fair share of criticism for it.
The 'Star Kid' Tag
In the podcast, Ananya shared, "When I entered the industry, I was immediately labeled a 'star kid,' and I often had to face criticism for it. But the most important thing is that I never let this tag affect me." She further mentioned that, for her, this label was never a big deal because she was aware that success in the industry can be fleeting and can be taken away at any moment.
She explained, "When you're in this industry, you already have a living example at home. The best part is that you have a real-life example in your own house, which helps you stay focused. You become familiar with the ups and downs of the industry, and it’s not new to you."
The Difference Between Star Kids and Outsiders
Ananya also spoke about the divide that has been created between "star kids" and "outsiders" in the industry, which she doesn't believe is right. She said, "People have divided the industry into two sections — one for star kids and the other for outsiders. I don’t think this is fair at all."
The Negative Connotation of 'Star Kid'
During the conversation, Ananya pointed out that the term 'star kid' often carries a negative connotation. She said, "These days, the term 'star kid' is used almost like an insult, but I don't think it's a bad word. It’s just a tag, and it shouldn't have any negative meaning attached to it."
Pride in Her Father
Ananya spoke with pride about her father, actor Chunky Panday, and shared that she has learned a lot from him. "My father worked really hard to make a name for himself. He comes from a doctor’s family, but he chose to enter acting and succeeded in it. I have learned so much from him, and I never feel ashamed of him. If I can carry forward his legacy, it will be a matter of pride for me. I don't want to make it into a negative thing."
Siddhant Chaturvedi’s Controversial Comment
In 2019, during the Newcomers Roundtable show, actor Siddhant Chaturvedi remarked Ananya Panday, saying, “Where our dreams end, their struggles begin.” He had made this comment in the context of discussing nepotism, which sparked a lot of debate at the time.
Work Front
On the work front, Ananya Panday has an exciting line-up ahead. She will be seen next year in the film Shankara, alongside R. Madhavan and Akshay Kumar. The movie is based on the book The Case That Shook the Empire, written by Chattur Shankaran Nayar's great-grandson Raghu Palat and his wife Pushpa Palat.
Additionally, Ananya will star in the film Chand Mera Dil, alongside actor Lakshya Lalvani. The movie is set to release on Christmas Day in 2025.
by Priyanka Yadav
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