Ananya Panday Opens Up About Body Shaming, Nepotism, and Evolving Perceptions

Ananya Panday, one of the most talked-about young actresses in Bollywood, has faced her fair share of criticism since stepping into the industry. Coming from a film background, Ananya was quickly labeled a "nepo kid" — a term often used to describe star children in the industry. While this was expected to some extent, what followed was a wave of body shaming that was both harsh and deeply personal.

In a recent candid reflection, Ananya revealed the kind of comments she endured in her early days. “I was 18 or 19 when I started out, and I was really skinny. Everyone used to make fun of that. They were like, ‘You have chicken legs, you look like a matchstick, like a flat-screen TV. You don’t have breasts or a butt,’” she shared. The trolling was so intense that it sparked rumors of her undergoing cosmetic surgery — particularly buttock enhancement — something she denies.

As she grew older, her body naturally changed, but the criticism didn’t stop. “I feel like you can never win,” she said, pointing to the double standards women face. "People will constantly have something to say, especially about women. I don’t feel like they do that to men at all."

Ananya made her Bollywood debut with Student of the Year 2, and while she was frequently trolled online in the early stages of her career, she has steadily worked to carve out her own identity as an actress. The turning point came with her performance in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, which significantly shifted public perception and garnered praise for her acting growth and emotional depth.

Most recently, she appeared in Kesari Chapter 2, where she was once again applauded for her evolving screen presence and performance.

Despite the challenges, Ananya Panday has continued to prove her mettle in an industry that can often be unforgiving, especially for young women in the spotlight. Her journey serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience, self-worth, and pushing back against harmful stereotypes.