Ananya Panday slams Bollywood's beauty standards: Called 'too skinny' and ‘matchstick' at 19, accused of surgery at 25
Ananya Panday
has often found herself in the spotlight—sometimes for her roles in films, and sometimes for being the poster child of Gen Z glamour in
Bollywood
. But behind the flawless photos and red-carpet appearances lies a reality she's now choosing to speak up about: the constant, exhausting scrutiny women face over their bodies.
In a candid conversation with
Lilly Singh
, Ananya peeled back the glossy layers of showbiz to talk about something many celebrities avoid—unrealistic beauty standards and the double-edged sword of public perception. Reflecting on her journey since stepping into the industry at just 18, Ananya said the criticism started almost immediately, and ironically, it came from both ends of the spectrum.
When she began her career, she was labelled 'too skinny' by many. Trolls casually dismissed her figure, likening her to a "matchstick" or a "flat screen TV"—mocking her for not fitting the curvy ideal. Terms like 'chicken legs' were thrown around with little regard for how deeply words can cut.
Now, as her body has naturally evolved, Ananya finds herself facing a whole new wave of judgment—this time from people claiming she must've undergone cosmetic surgery. She pointed out the hypocrisy: as a woman in the public eye, you're either 'too little' or 'too much,' and rarely ever 'just right' in the eyes of others.
What hits hardest is the double standard. According to Ananya, men rarely face this kind of body scrutiny. Women, especially in Bollywood, are often held to impossible standards that don't just exist on-screen but follow them into real life. She admitted that the industry, including herself, has played a part in projecting these unattainable images. 'You wake up in the morning and your hair is done'—that's the illusion films often sell, and it's far from reality.
To strike a balance, Ananya said she tries to stay as real as possible off camera. Her effort to keep things authentic is her way of pushing back against the same ideals she once unknowingly helped promote.
Ananya Panday's work
Ananya Pandey stepped into Bollywood with her debut film Student of the Year 2. She has starred in popular films like Dream Girl 2, Gehraiyaan, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and CTRL. She was recently seen opposite Akshay Kumar in Kesari Chapter 2. She is currently gearing up for Chand Mera Dil with Lakshya. Karan Johar's Dharma Productions movie will be directed by Vivek Soni.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
42 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Adar Poonawalla echoes Khushi Kapoor's vaccine argument from Nadaaniyan, says he's allowed to make creative inputs in Dharma movies
In the widely panned film Nadaaninyan, Khushi Kapoor's character tells her parents that she has been practicing her debating skills, and proceeds to make an argument for pharma companies charging money for vaccines during the pandemic. Nadaaniyan was produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, whose new co-owner is the Serum Institute of India's Adar Poonawalla. In the movie, Khushi's character says that the pharma sector needs to be funded in order to innovate, and that providing free vaccines would ultimately harm the industry. In a new interview, Adar Poonawalla made the same arguments. He told journalist Barkha Dutt on MojoStory that he needs the money not for personal reasons, but to fund further innovation in the sector. In Nadaaniyan, Khushi's character says that she has taken a keen interest in debating, which prompts her father, played by Suniel Shetty, to ask what her latest subject was. She says, 'It was a debate around the morality of private healthcare. Was it right to sell vaccines during the pandemic, or should they have been distributed for free.' She tells him that she chose to argue for the motion, because she wanted to give herself a 'challenge'. Her father remarks, 'You were for it, really? Arguing against it would've been easier. You would've got moral brownie points. So, what was your argument?' Also read – Nadaaniyan: Ibrahim Ali Khan makes one of the worst debuts in years; is Karan Johar determined to set fire to his career before it even begins? She says, 'I wanted a challenge, so I argued that the raw materials for vaccines are expensive. Syringes and serums obviously don't grow on trees. Not to mention the compensation deserved by scientists who've devoted their entire lives to finding a cure for this virus in such a short time. If the government or some charitable trust can cover these costs, we can distribute the vaccines to the public for free. Otherwise, pharmaceutical companies will go bankrupt, and no one will ever invest in finding the cure for any disease. Honestly, it's really the only sustainable way to fund and incentivise scientific development.' Her impressed father reacts, 'Was that my baby princess arguing? Look at you! You kept it so balanced and nuanced.' In his interview with Barkha Dutt, Poonwalla spoke about charging money for vaccines during the pandemic, and offered some context first, 'If you really look at where people are spending money today, on consumer goods, on beauty, on clothes, on cars, phones, bikes, paying Rs 400 for a vaccine as opposed to Rs 200 is not a significant increase. Even today there's a battle about price-capping being controlled by the government. If you want a Pfizer, GSK or a big company that can make, create, and innovate in India, instead of us having to partner with foreign institutes that create these molecules, you need this industry to thrive. Look at the IT or auto industries; the average company is making $1 billion in profits in a quarter. Our turnover, despite being the largest in the world, is just $1 billion. A Pfizer or GSK is 100 times that.' He continued, 'If I want to spend $500 million to create a new molecule for a vaccine, where do I get the money? My profit is some $300 million, and that's not enough for even one product. For example, we funded our malaria vaccine over five years, and managed that way. India has the best talent, the most hardworking people. Our costs in all other infrastructure are quite low. All we need is the ability to price our products in a way which is fair, and make enough profits. What are we going to do with the profits? I can't take it to heaven. I'm going to make more vaccines with it. People say, 'You're going to make more money'. But what am I going to do with that money? I'm making new vaccines to protect you only. We want to make in India, create in India, and innovate in India, but how are we going to do that?' In the same interview, he said that Karan Johar continues to hold complete creative freedom over Dharma projects, but that he will also be open to any inputs that he, Adar, were to make.
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Why are you seeing this flower hair clip everywhere?
Ananya Panday, on June 8, took to Instagram to say that she's 'so basic' because of a particular fashion choice. Dressed in an oversized pink shirt and wearing her sunnies, Ananya posed against a picturesque blue sea. But what she was talking about was her vibrant blue flower-shaped hair clip - an accessory that is viral across the to resemble the much-loved frangipani (also called plumeria) flowers, these blooming claw clips come in a variety of joyous colours. Think shades of pink, cyan blue, orange, white, and of course, yellow. What sets them apart is their non-monotone appearance. Just like real flowers boast subtle ombre accents, these clips feature bright petals that gently fade into differently coloured cores. Ananya Panday flaunts the viral flower clip. Moreover, the colour play is not like a solid colour block. It is subtle, gentle and realistic; just like what a flower boasts. The curved petals further create the illusion of real floral softness, enhanced by a glossy, jelly-like just one stroll through a local market in your area and you would know that not just Ananya Panday, but almost everyone is obsessed with these particular clips. There are vendors in markets such as Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar selling nothing else but a variety of these flower clips. Kolkata and Mumbai markets are also replete with them in a myriad of colours and online popularity is equally undeniable. From Amazon and Meesho to Accessorize, Savana and international sellers like Bershka, these clips are everywhere. Prices start at Rs 35 per piece and go up to several hundred. Flower clip buzz across online shopping platforms. Photos: Zara (left), Amazon India (centre) and Bershka (right) Celeb-approved brand Emi Jay is also credited for popularising this claw clip and making it an aesthetically pleasing must-have in every woman's flower clips have managed to become an internet sensation, holiday must-have, celebrity favourite and also an aam janta staple all at the same time. Perhaps that's why Ananya Panday called herself 'so basic' for liking it. View this post on Instagram A post shared by embelisha | waterproof jewellery | makeup & more (@embelisha)Long before 'labubus' worth lakhs took over the fashion scene, these delightful clips were already everywhere—just without all the hype and labubu-level Draper made these famous on Love Island, pairing them with her beachy sartorial are thousands of hair tutorial videos that show how versatile these clips can be. But not everyone likes to use them as hair clips. For some, they are just accessories for their bag handles. For others, they are beach companions, meant to be clipped on a bralette strap. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emi Jay (@emijayinc)'To me, these floral clips bring so much joy. I don't even use them to clutch my hair, but just as a bag accessory. I have this clip in at least 10 colours. They have become synonymous with my style, and everyone around me knows that these clips bring me the same joy as real flowers,' says Arya Ghosh, a Noida-based working professional. Viral flower clip as a bag accessory. The floral appeal is surely universal, making these clips a hit. But their widespread popularity isn't just skin-deep. Nostalgia, the return of Y2K fashion, little treat culture, and the unsaid pressure of being 'Insta-worthy' all come into play here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@pichlim_)'Hair accessories are more affordable than clothes, bags or shoes, and still make a notable impact on your look. Headbands, claw clips, barrettes, scarves, bandannas, scrunchies and bobby pins come in all textures, sizes and colours now—from the more playful to the edgy. These can instantly elevate even the most basic outfit,' says Divyak D'Souza, a celebrity fashion joys are what the younger generations are seeking. No bangla aur gaadi micro-luxury is their thing. It may mean buying that celeb-approved lipstick that costs triple the amount of their regular everyday one, going out for avocado toast and matcha brunches, or hoarding Pinterest-worthy stationery supplies. It is also a self-care strategy, rewarding themselves with something small that brings happiness, or coping with stress or finding meaning in daily life.D'Souza sees these flower clips as an opportunity to experiment with new trends without breaking the people are clinging to nostalgia more than ever before. In the world of marketing, nostalgia is now a solid tool and even the foundation for many businesses. Our love for the past has triggered a revival of several fashion and lifestyle trends. The reason we're now obsessed with Y2K fashion is a key example. So is the comeback of jelly shoes. The re-release trend of good old movies? That too screams our longing for the these flower clips are also reminiscent of earlier times. Remember all those cute little flower clips your mother used to put in your hair when you were a kid? The tin boxes that were just full of these hair embellishments? Flower clips perhaps keep the child in us alive, while also not looking too childish. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pretty woman (@prettywoman1302)"The flower claw clip trend has taken off because it's fun, nostalgic, and effortlessly stylish - everything Gen-Z loves. It's more than just a hair accessory; it's a small way to express personality without trying too hard. Whether it's spotted in a local market or on a celebrity like Ananya Panday, the appeal lies in how easy it is to wear while still making a statement. It's fashion made simple, joyful, and real - and that's exactly where Gen-Z feels at home,' says Yogesh Agarwal, Country Partner, Savana by there is a section of fashion enthusiasts who absolutely disapprove of these clips.'They are just plastic. And why would you want to hoard something that everyone else is also sporting? To me, these look too cheap. I would rather go back to an edgy silver hair pin that has some character,' says Trisha, a fashion design student studying in you team flower claw clip, or giving this trend a hard pass?
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Indian Express
‘Karan Johar will still have creative control': Adar Poonawalla reveals Dharma Productions' future plans, says overspending is an issue
Serum Institute of India's Adar Poonawalla, who recently bought a 50% stake in Dharma Productions, opened up about scaling the business up. He said that creative control will remain in Karan Johar's hands, and that they want to open a music label in the near future, while attempting to penetrate smaller towns in India. Adar Poonawalla entered the business for Rs 1,000 crore, and said in a recent interview with journalist Barkha Dutt on MojoStory that he'd known Karan for over a decade. 'We're quite well aligned, and it was easy for us to partner,' he said. He continued, 'The reason I did it was that I felt our ability to tell stories, to show the world what's happening in our nation, and bringing to light what would have been missed, he's very good at doing that. He's told a lot of emotional stories in movies on family, on romance. It's also a soft power, and it gives you access to people you wouldn't normally come across… It's a very interesting space, and don't forget, we're very under-penetrated today. People will start watching films on pay-per-view, if you start looking at the data… The penetration of our screens is just 15 or 20%.' Also read – 'No ego between Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh': Karan Johar says stars hang out together; reveals he has no 'gile-shikve' with Kartik Aaryan anymore Adar said that Karan will have creative control, but that he has the freedom to chime in with creative inputs from time to time. 'Traditionally, it was theatres, then came OTT. I think it can further penetrate in the rural areas, where business will do well… It's all about having the right budgets for films, and not overspending… One of our understandings was that Karan will have full creative freedom. We're building other verticals of distribution, like a music label that he's working on. Increasing production of content is also the name of the game.' In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Karan highlighted the 'herd mentality' of the film industry as one of the biggest reasons why movies aren't doing as well as they used to. 'We see Pushpa running and catering so strongly to the tier two and tier three audiences. Suddenly there'll be 20 others wanting to do the same. You see Chhaava working, and everybody will want to make historical dramas. After Stree, everybody wants to make horror comedies. Those worked because they were individually strong, and there was no other option in that genre. And it was a unique thought that made those films work. We all have individual thoughts that are unique to ourselves,' he said.
