Bollywood actress Ananya Panday, who initially made her mark with light-hearted romantic comedies and youth-centric dramas, has opened up about a significant shift in her artistic ambitions. Reflecting on her recent career choices and her growing appetite for more layered, emotionally complex roles, Ananya shared that she has now experienced the thrill of challenging cinema — and there’s no going back.
In a candid conversation during a recent media interaction, the young actress revealed that after stepping into roles that demanded more emotional depth and grit, she has discovered a side of acting that she hadn’t fully explored before. “I’ve tasted blood,” she said with a spark in her voice, metaphorically referring to her newfound passion for serious, character-driven storytelling. “And now I’m hungry for more.”
Ananya, who made her debut in 2019 with Student of the Year 2, was quickly labelled a Gen Z star known for her bubbly on-screen presence. But she soon realized that there was more to explore beneath the glossy surface of mainstream cinema. Her performances in films like Gehraiyaan — where she played a character grappling with emotional complexity and personal turmoil — marked a turning point for her. Critics and audiences alike noted a deeper maturity in her portrayal, and it seems the experience left a lasting impact on her.
“Once you get a taste of a role that really pushes you — emotionally, mentally, sometimes even physically — it’s hard to go back to playing it safe,” she explained. “I now understand what it means to truly become a character, to live their world, and it’s addictive in the best possible way.”
The actress also expressed her desire to break free from typecasting. Having been offered mostly glamorous or lighthearted roles early in her career, Ananya now actively seeks out scripts that challenge her, make her uncomfortable, and force her to grow. “I don’t want to be boxed in anymore. I want to surprise people — and myself — with what I can do,” she said.
She credited filmmakers who take risks on young actors and give them opportunities to prove their range. According to Ananya, the evolving landscape of Indian cinema — with more room for dark, raw, and realistic narratives — is a blessing for actors who want to break the mold.
“Audiences today want authenticity. They connect with flawed characters, real emotions, messy stories. And I want to be part of that wave. I want to dig deep, shed layers, and bring something raw to the screen,” she added passionately.
Looking ahead, Ananya Panday’s film choices are expected to reflect this new phase in her artistic journey. Whether it’s a hard-hitting drama, an intense thriller, or a psychological character study, she is eager to explore roles that demand more from her than ever before.
As she continues to evolve and redefine her space in Bollywood, one thing is clear — Ananya is no longer content with playing it safe. She’s ready to take creative risks, embrace vulnerability, and chase roles that push her limits. And as she boldly puts it, “There’s no turning back. I’ve found what I love — now I want to go all in.”
With this newfound hunger for substance and authenticity, Ananya Panday is carving a new path — one gritty, gripping role at a time.
