MUMBAI, June 22, 2026 : Bollywood actor Ananya Panday has appealed to moviegoers to support films across genres by watching them in theatres, saying that nothing can replace the unique experience of enjoying a film on the big screen.
The actor, whose recent releases “Chand Mera Dil” and “Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri” received appreciation for performances and music but did not emerge as major box office successes, said cinema remains a timeless medium that deserves audience support.
Calling herself a passionate movie enthusiast, Panday said she enjoys watching all kinds of films in theatres and encouraged audiences to embrace the theatrical experience.
“I love going and watching every kind of a movie in a cinema. There’s nothing that can replace the experience of sitting down, eating popcorn, having a drink, and living that journey for two or two-and-a-half hours,” she said during an interaction with PTI.
The actress urged more people to return to cinema halls and support diverse storytelling.
Every Film Has Its Own Journey
Reflecting on the performance of her recent films, Panday said that every project has its own destiny and should not be judged solely by box office numbers.
“Every film has a journey and fate. We received a lot of love for our performances and for the music of ‘Chand Mera Dil’. The film was well received, and films are forever. People will continue to discover and watch them,” she said.
Speaking at Amazon India’s Beautyverse Event
The 27-year-old actor was speaking on the sidelines of Amazon India’s Beautyverse, a flagship beauty and lifestyle event held in Mumbai.
The event brought together several prominent personalities from the entertainment and fashion industries, including Shilpa Shetty, Sonakshi Sinha, Karisma Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Mira Kapoor, Urfi Javed, and Maheep Kapoor, among others.
On Women’s Constant Scrutiny
Addressing a question on the scrutiny women often face regarding their appearance both on and off screen, Panday acknowledged that societal expectations remain deeply entrenched and cannot be transformed overnight.
She said that while she may not be able to change perceptions single-handedly, she believes in presenting an authentic version of herself to audiences.
“When there’s a reason to dress up, I enjoy doing it. But when I’m not working or attending an event, I try to be as natural as possible and share that side of myself too. I want people to know that nobody wakes up looking glamorous all the time,” she said.
Panday added that embracing authenticity is one of the ways she hopes to challenge unrealistic beauty standards and encourage self-acceptance among young people.
As conversations around cinema, social media, and public image continue to evolve, the actress emphasized the importance of supporting films, celebrating individuality, and staying true to oneself.
