Bollywood’s sweetheart Ananya Panday celebrates her birthday today, October 30, marking another year of charm, growth, and cinematic promise. From her debut as a star kid to becoming one of the most popular young faces in the industry, Ananya’s journey reflects a mix of glamour, determination, and Gen-Z authenticity.
Early Life and Family
Born on 30 October 1998 in Mumbai, Ananya Panday is the elder daughter of actor Chunky Panday and costume designer Bhavana Panday. She also has a younger sister, Rysa Panday. Raised in a creative, film-friendly household, Ananya grew up surrounded by art, culture, and cinema.
She attended Dhirubhai Ambani International School, where her early interest in drama and public speaking hinted at her future in acting.
Education
After completing school, Ananya was accepted to the University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, but she deferred her admission when she landed her first Bollywood project, Student of the Year 2. She has often said she hopes to return to academics someday.
“Education has always been important to me and my parents. But acting gave me a different kind of classroom — the film set,” she shared in an interview.
Journey in Bollywood
Ananya stepped into the spotlight in 2019 with Student of the Year 2, co-starring Tiger Shroff and Tara Sutaria. The film launched her as a stylish, confident newcomer. That same year, she appeared in Pati Patni Aur Woh, proving her comedic timing and screen presence.
She continued to experiment with genres — from the action-romance Khaali Peeli (2020) to the intense relationship drama Gehraiyaan (2022), where her portrayal of Tia Khanna received widespread praise.
Her pan-India venture Liger (2022) with Vijay Deverakonda showed her ambition beyond Hindi cinema. Then came Dream Girl 2 (2023) and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023), both reflecting her growing maturity as an actor. In 2024, she starred in CTRL, a tech-thriller by Vikramaditya Motwane, cementing her as a performer open to bold choices.
Her Circle of Friends
Ananya’s childhood best friends — Suhana Khan and Shanaya Kapoor — have been with her since school days, forming one of Bollywood’s most adored girl squads. The trio often shares pictures from vacations, birthday parties, and girls’ nights out.
In the industry, she shares warm friendships with Sara Ali Khan, Kartik Aaryan, Ishaan Khatter, and Vijay Deverakonda. Despite constant public attention, Ananya is known for maintaining grace, positivity, and loyalty toward her friends.
Hobbies and Passions
When she’s not shooting, Ananya loves to:
- Dance and work out: Pilates, yoga, and dance keep her fit and happy.
- Travel: She often jets off to the Maldives, London, or Italy for relaxation.
- Read and binge-watch movies: She enjoys romantic comedies and thrillers.
- Spend time with her dog, Fudge: Her adorable pet frequently features on her Instagram.
Food and Favorites
Ananya’s comfort food is simple — pizza, pasta, dosa, and brownies. She loves Italian cuisine and admits she has a sweet tooth. Her favorite colors are pink and white, and she admires actors Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh. She enjoys listening to Taylor Swift and Arijit Singh, blending global pop with Bollywood soul.
Vacation Destinations
Ananya’s travel diaries often feature sun-kissed beaches and chic European streets.
- Maldives: Her favorite escape.
- Goa: For laid-back breaks with friends.
- London and Paris: For fashion, food, and freedom.
- Italy: Her “dream destination” for romance and art.
The Star She’s Becoming
From a confident debutante to a thoughtful performer, Ananya Panday is defining her own identity in Bollywood. Whether it’s her performances, her elegance on red carpets, or her brand collaborations, she has evolved into a modern-day role model for young audiences — balancing fame with authenticity.
Birthday Wishes
As Ananya turns 27 today, fans, friends, and co-stars have flooded social media with wishes, celebrating her growth and positivity. Her journey proves that while she may have entered the industry with a famous last name, she’s carving her success through talent, charm, and hard work.
Team IWMBuzz wishes Ananya Panday a very Happy Birthday!
