Ananya Panday, born to actor Chunky Panday, began her acting career in 2019 with roles in the romantic comedies Student of the Year 2 and Pati Patni Aur Woh. These performances earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Despite coming from a film family, she’s worked hard to establish herself as a talented actress in her own right. From her lightning-fast debut to becoming a Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 honoree, here’s everything you need to know about this rising Bollywood star!
Who Is Ananya Panday?
Ananya Panday is an Indian actress who primarily works in Hindi films and was born on October 30, 1998. While she’s the daughter of veteran actor Chunky Panday, she’s carved her own path in the entertainment industry through talent, hard work, and strategic choice of scripts. Her journey from her 2019 debut to becoming one of Bollywood’s most sought-after young actresses showcases her dedication to her craft and her ability to select meaningful roles.
What makes Ananya stand out is her willingness to take on diverse characters and explore different genres, from romantic comedies to cyber thrillers.
Notable Films & Career Milestones
| Film | Year | Genre | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student of the Year 2 | 2019 | Teen Drama | Debut & Awards |
| Pati Patni Aur Woh | 2019 | Romantic Comedy | Commercial Success |
| Khaali Peeli | 2020 | Action Thriller | Lead Role |
| Gehraiyaan | 2022 | Romantic Drama | Critical Acclaim |
| Kho Gaye Hum Kahan | 2023 | Comedy Drama | OTT Success |
The Blockbuster Debut: 2019
She started her acting career in 2019 with the film Student of the Year 2, for which she also received the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. After this, she also appeared in the film Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019). Pati Patni Aur Woh emerged as a commercial success with a worldwide gross of ₹118 crore.
This remarkable debut year established Ananya as a bankable performer and opened doors to bigger opportunities in mainstream cinema. Her performances demonstrated maturity, comedic timing, and the ability to hold her own alongside established actors.
Evolution & Diverse Roles
Following her successful debut, she has appeared in films like Khaali Peeli (2020), Gehraiyaan (2022) and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023). This strategic mix of commercial and content-driven films showcased her versatility as an actress. Whether it’s action thrillers, romantic dramas, or social media-centric comedies, Ananya has demonstrated her ability to adapt to various genres and character types.
Her willingness to explore unconventional stories has earned her critical appreciation from film critics and audiences alike.
2025: Major Comebacks and New Ventures
Acknowledging her previous three releases as urban-set, social media-centred projects, Panday returned to commercial cinema in 2025 with Dharma Production’s sequel Kesari Chapter 2, starring Akshay Kumar as C. Sankaran Nair. Set against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919.
This strategic return to mainstream cinema demonstrates her intent to balance commercial and artistic choices. Her collaboration with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions continues, offering opportunities to work with some of Bollywood’s finest talents.
Industry Recognition & Impact
In 2025, she was featured in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list. This recognition highlights her significant impact on the entertainment industry despite her relatively short career span. Her influence extends beyond cinema to social media, where she connects with millions of followers daily.
Discover More: For comprehensive coverage of Bollywood celebrities and entertainment news, visit our entertainment section.
Stay Connected: Follow our entertainment and celebrity news section to stay updated on Ananya Panday and other Bollywood stars!
FAQs
Q1: What was Ananya Panday’s breakthrough film, and why was it significant?
A: Her breakthrough came in 2019 with Student of the Year 2 and Pati Patni Aur Woh, for which she received the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. This dual success in her debut year established her as a talented performer capable of handling both mainstream and romantic roles. For more information about her career, check Wikipedia’s comprehensive profile or IMDb’s detailed filmography.
Q2: What makes Ananya Panday’s 2025 comeback special?
A: In 2025, Panday returned to commercial cinema with Dharma Production’s sequel Kesari Chapter 2, starring Akshay Kumar. This marks a significant shift from her previous social media-centric projects to a large-scale historical drama. For updates on her upcoming projects, visit FilmiBeat’s filmography or check our entertainment updates.
