Basic Details

Ananya Panday, born on October 30, 1998, in Mumbai, India, is a prominent Indian actress known for her work in Hindi cinema. She is the daughter of actor Chunky Panday and costume designer Bhavana Pandey. Ananya made her acting debut in 2019 with the film “Student of the Year 2,” followed by “Pati Patni Aur Woh” in the same year. Her performances earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.

Physical Stats and More

Biography

Ananya Panday was born into a family with strong ties to the Indian film industry. Her father, Chunky Panday, is a well-known actor, and her mother, Bhavana Pandey, is a costume designer. Ananya completed her schooling at Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai. In 2017, she participated in Vanity Fair’s Le Bal des débutantes in Paris, an event that features young women from prominent families.

Ananya made her acting debut in 2019 with “Student of the Year 2,” followed by “Pati Patni Aur Woh” in the same year. Her performances in these films earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. She continued her career with films like “Khaali Peeli” (2020), “Gehraiyaan” (2022), “Liger” (2022), and “Dream Girl 2” (2023). Her role in “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan” (2023) was particularly well-received, earning her several awards.

Relationships & More

Career

Debut and Early Success (2019)

Ananya made her acting debut with Student of the Year 2 (2019), co-starring Tiger Shroff and Tara Sutaria. Though the film received mixed reviews, her performance was noted for its potential. Later that year, she appeared in Pati Patni Aur Woh, alongside Kartik Aaryan and Bhumi Pednekar. The film was a commercial success, and Ananya’s portrayal earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.

Exploring Diverse Roles (2020–2022)

In 2020, she starred in the action film Khaali Peeli with Ishaan Khatter, which was released digitally. Ananya then took on a more complex role in Gehraiyaan (2022), a romantic drama exploring modern relationships. Her performance as Tia Khanna was praised for its depth, marking a departure from her earlier roles .​

However, her subsequent film Liger (2022), a bilingual action film with Vijay Deverakonda, was both a critical and commercial failure, with Ananya’s performance receiving criticism .

Digital Ventures and Critical Acclaim (2023–2024)

Ananya ventured into digital platforms with notable success. In Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023), she portrayed Ahana Singh, a character navigating the complexities of social media and personal relationships. Her performance was lauded, earning her the Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actor in a Film – Critics (Female) .​

She also starred in the Amazon Prime Video series Call Me Bae (2024), playing a fashion influencer. Critics appreciated her comic timing and the nuanced portrayal of a privileged character .​

In the same year, Ananya appeared in CTRL, a screenlife thriller on Netflix, where she played an influencer targeted by a malicious AI app. Her performance was once again commended for its authenticity.

Return to Commercial Cinema (2025)

In 2025, Ananya returned to mainstream cinema with Kesari Chapter 2, portraying Dilreet Gill, a lawyer assisting in a legal battle against the British Raj. Her performance was noted for its restraint and grace, showcasing her growth as an actress .​

Upcoming Projects

Ananya is set to star in Chand Mera Dil, a romantic film opposite Lakshya, and Tu Meri Main Tera, slated for release in 2026 .​

Other Details

Contributions Beyond Work

Ananya Panday launched the “So Positive” initiative in 2019 to raise awareness about social media bullying and promote a positive online community.

Other Facts:

• Education: Ananya completed her schooling at Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai.
• Married Life: Unmarried.
• Interesting Facts:
  • She became the youngest Bollywood celebrity to participate in the Global Citizen Concert in 2021, promoting social causes through her initiative ‘So Positive’.
    
  • She has been featured in The Times of India’s “50 Most Desirable Women” list, ranking 37th in 2019 and 31st in 2020.
    
    
  • In 2025, she became the first Indian global ambassador for the luxury brand Chanel.
    
    
  • Ananya Panday was accepted into the University of Southern California but chose to pursue her acting career instead, postponing her admission.
    
    
  • Ananya is a self-proclaimed foodie, with a particular fondness for butter chicken and cheese naan, jokingly considering getting a tattoo of her favorite dish.
    
    
  • She adores dogs and has two pets named Fudge and Astro, often sharing their photos on social media.
    
    
  • Ananya is passionate about dance and claims to know the hook steps of many popular Bollywood songs.
    
    
  • In 2024, she was honored as the ‘Most Stylish Leading Entertainer of the Year’ at the Bollywood Hungama Style Icons Awards.