Ananya Panday challenges stereotypes that competitors can't be friends

Ananya Panday, the upcoming Bollywood actor, challenges the stereotype which established that contemporaries can’t stand each other- especially female actors. The SOTY 2 (Student of the Year 2) actor says that seeing the fellow actors’ good performances makes her happy. The 22-year-old believes in “healthy competition”, which is “fun and motivating” for her.

In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Ananya shared details about her relationship with Sara Ali Khan, who has often considered competition for actor. “I believe in healthy competition. It can be really fun and motivating. Having said that, I really get happy when other people of my age are doing something good. I was really excited to watch Coolie No 1 (2020), and kept telling Sara she’s so fabulous in all songs,” the actor said.

“We jam to each other’s music. I am happy when I see everyone do well. I am also motivated, it helps me set the benchmark higher,” she further added. 

Speaking of the Hindi film industry, which Ananya believes has changed drastically over the years, she said that it’s  “a different zone now”. The actor assured that people, who are part of the industry, have “a sense of unity”.

“...compared to when my dad became a part of it. I feel there’s still a sense of unity, brotherhood and family in the industry, which has been kind and welcoming towards me. I feel they are very supportive and kind people. All the film I worked in, and the other two, I have made sort of a family on all those sets. I am in touch with most people,” Panday elaborated. 

Ananya Panday on Sara Ali Khan : Challenges stereotypes that competitors can't be friends

Previously, Sara Ali Khan debunked the rivalry rumours between her and Janhvi Kapoor. She narrated an incident that took place on the red carpet of Kedarnath, her debut film, where Janhvi addressed the rumour with a witty remark.  When she posed with Sara she quipped that now the photographers wouldn’t have to make collages of the two of them anymore. ‘’At the screening of Kedarnath, she came and photographers took her pictures and she said to them, “Abhi aapko collage nahin banana padega,” the actor recalled. 

The talks about "catfights" in Bollywood is rarely around anymore. Actors are often seen praising the work of their contemporaries on various platforms. 

On the professional front, Ananya Panday has attached star in Liger, opposite Vijay Deverakonda. Also, she would star in Shakun Batra’s untitled next this year.