Ananya Panday on the importance of learning from experiences: ‘some criticism is helpful feedback’

Actor Ananya Panday, who’s earning immense praise for her performance in ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’, has often been targeted by online trolls for her comments, fashion choices, and for hailing from a film family.

The actor said she has been vocal about letting people speak their minds and learning from their errors. She thinks everything she's gone through since she started acting has helped her become better.

‘If I hadn’t been exposed to those emotions, I would probably not be able to perform a certain way. So I’m grateful for whatever’s happened because I have been allowed to express myself through my work. And, some criticism is actually helpful and important feedback. Obviously, you have to block out the mindless trolling,’ Panday told PTI in an interview.

When asked about the praise that has come her way post ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’ and 2022’s ‘Gehraiyaan’, the actor said she has learned to take all feedback in her stride.

‘I feel like people’s perceptions change every Friday. You can’t get too carriedaway by praise or by hate. You have to keep working hard, that’s the best you can do. You can’t change the way people speak, so you can only work on yourself. That’s what I have learned,’ added Panday.

Ananya is pleased that people relate to her character Ahana, a busy marketing professional dealing with relationship and career issues, turning to social media for validation. She finds the film, co-starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Adarsh Gourav, to be one of her most enjoyable work experiences. ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’ on Netflix, directed by Arjun Varain Singh, came out on December 26.

‘I want to be able to play characters that go beyond generation, that people always remember, people feel happy when they think about and they feel like they can relate to,’ said the actor, recalling growing up on films such as Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa, Ye Jawani Hai Deewani and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

"Kho Gaye Hum Kahan" explores the downsides of excessive online connections and the constant quest for approval from strangers. It tells the story of three friends, each facing their own obstacles in life. Ananya Panday's Ahana, Siddhant Chaturvedi's Imaad, a stand-up comic with a hidden tragedy, and Adarsh Gourav's Neil, a fitness trainer aspiring for success, all struggle to move forward.

Ananya Panday said the film helped her relook at her relationship with social media. ‘At the end of the day, everyone has to realise that it is just for fun and it can be all taken away with just a click of a button. You just shut your phone and it’s all gone. And, there’s a real world out there with actual people and connections to form,’ she said.

Ananya Panday’s upcoming projects include Vikramaditya Motwane’s film ‘Control’ and her debut web series ‘Call Me Bae’, a fun chick-flick, and an untitled film.

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