Student Of The Year 2, Call Me Bae To Kesari Chapter 2, A Look At Ananya Panday’s Career Milestones And What Chand Mera Dil Could Mean For Her Future

Ananya Panday has cemented her position as one of Bollywood’s most promising young actresses in a relatively short span. She initially made her mark with roles rooted in glamour and youthfulness with her debut. However, over time, her project choices reveal a clear desire to explore more complex and emotionally layered characters. As she prepares for her upcoming film, Chand Mera Dil, the buzz is that this might be a pivotal moment for her to showcase a new dimension of her talent.

A Look At Ananya Panday’s Career Milestones

Student Of The Year 2 (2019)

Ananya’s journey began with Student of the Year 2 (2019). The Dharma Productions film that introduced her as Shreya Randhawa, a bubbly, affluent student. The role was quintessentially glamorous, designed to establish her presence in Bollywood’s youth-centric space. Panday’s screen presence and charm caught the industry’s attention, laying the groundwork for future, more ambitious roles.

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Gehraiyaan (2022)

In 2022, Panday took a significant leap with Gehraiyaan, a romantic drama that explored the intricacies of relationships, insecurity, and internal conflict. Portraying Tia “Ti” Khanna, she brought to life a character layered with loyalty, vulnerability, and emotional restraint. Panday herself described this experience as a transformative one.

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It was an exploration of stillness and internal conflict that challenged her to go beyond superficial acting. Working alongside Deepika Padukone and Siddhant Chaturvedi, under the direction of Shakun Batra, Panday learned the importance of subtlety and internalisation. Critics lauded her for her nuanced performance, recognising her growth as an actress willing to take on more sophisticated roles.

Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan (2023)

Earlier, in 2023, Ananya played Ahana Singh in the coming-of-age drama Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. Her portrayal was acclaimed as one of her career-best performances. She earned praise for her vulnerability and relatability. Ahana is a corporate professional grappling with a painful breakup and the pressures of social media validation.

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Her character explores the darker side of digital life, from obsessively stalking her ex to seeking self-worth through likes and validation. The film also stars Siddhant Chaturvedi as Imaad and Adarsh Gourav as Neil. Directed by Arjun Varain Singh and written by Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, and Arjun Varain Singh, Ananya revealed that she drew from her own experiences of being “extremely online” and the anxiety that social media scrutiny can bring.

Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani (2023)

Her appearance in the hit song “HeartThrob” from Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani (2023). She featured alongside Ranveer Singh, Sara Ali Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor. Showcasing her dance talent and her seamless fit into the Dharma universe, known for its glamorous, star-studded appeal.

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Call Me Bae (2024)

Ananya Panday stars as Bella “Bae” Chowdhary in the Amazon Prime Video series Call Me Bae, a comedic drama produced by Dharmatic Entertainment. In the series, she portrays Bella, a spirited and resilient young woman who transitions from being a wealthy heiress to a determined working professional. Ananya’s character is layered, showcasing her journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and navigating the complexities of urban life with humour and tenacity.

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The show is celebrated for its fashion-forward, “BAE-coded” looks that reflect Bella’s vibrant personality and evolving style. It’s described as her performance to date, highlighting her ability to bring depth and charisma to the role. Ananya offered a fresh and engaging look at Bella’s journey.

CTRL (2024)

Ananya Panday stars as Nella Awasthi in CTRL, a 2024 Netflix screenlife thriller directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. In the film, she portrays an influencer who, after a messy breakup, uses an AI app to erase her ex-boyfriend (Vihaan Samat) from her digital life—only to find her reality spiralling out of control.

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Praised by critics as a standout performance, Ananya brings authenticity to her role, seamlessly navigating the “screen life” format and capturing the complexities of a modern influencer. The movie, released on October 4, 2024, on Netflix, attracted attention for its timely, thought-provoking premise. CTRL is produced by Saffron and Andolan Films.

Kesari Chapter 2 (2025)

She played the role of Dilreet Gill in Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh (2025), marking another milestone. Portraying a resilient lawyer fighting for justice in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Panday underwent extensive dialect training and visited the Bombay High Court to prepare.

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Her dedication paid off, earning praise for her emotional depth and transformation. This project signalled her willingness to engage with socially relevant, period-specific stories, broadening her acting horizons.

Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (2025)

Panday played Rumi in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (2025). The rom-com highlighted her versatility and was set in Croatia. Playing a rule-breaking writer navigating love and family expectations, she added a lighter, playful touch to her evolving filmography.

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Chand Mera Dil (2026)

Chand Mera Dil is a romantic drama that can define her next chapter and will be released on May 22. Directed by Vivek Soni and produced by Dharma, the film stars Panday as Chandni. She seems to be a passionate lover in a compelling love story from the teaser and songs release. The palpable chemistry between Panday and Lakshya has received love from fans. Such a project could be the breakthrough she’s been working towards—combining emotional depth with mass appeal.

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Ananya Panday’s evolution from a glamorous debutant to an actress embracing complex, emotionally rich roles illustrates her growth and ambition. Each project has contributed to her craft, and Chand Mera Dil suggests she’s eager to push boundaries further. Her willingness to explore diverse characters indicates she’s steadily carving out her space as a versatile actress. She continues to prove to be capable of glamour and gravitas.

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