In the ever-volatile world of Bollywood, where star kids are often caught in the crossfire of privilege and scrutiny, Ananya Panday remains a name that frequently makes headlines — not always for the reasons one might hope. Whether it’s whispers of industry nepotism, criticisms of her acting range, or now, the re-surfacing of past controversies involving alleged drug-related chats with Aryan Khan, Ananya’s journey has been anything but smooth.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room — the NCB questioning. Back in 2021, Ananya was reportedly summoned by the Narcotics Control Bureau over WhatsApp messages allegedly exchanged with Aryan Khan. While no formal charges were pressed and the actress denied all claims of drug procurement, the incident left a media stain that has followed her in every subsequent public appearance. The fact that she and Aryan have been childhood friends only added fuel to the social media fire, where speculation often trumps facts.
Most recently, Babil Khan, son of the late Irrfan Khan, seemed to throw indirect shade at Ananya and others in a now-deleted video, accusing unnamed actors of being rude and undeserving of attention. Although Babil didn’t name her directly, fan speculation went into overdrive, further amplifying the chatter around Ananya’s place in the industry.
But here's where the bigger question emerges: Is Ananya Panday being unfairly targeted, or is she riding controversy as a career strategy?
Critically, Ananya has struggled to shake off the label of being "style over substance." Despite landing roles in major films, reviews of her performances often cite her as lacking emotional depth or screen presence. While she has shown slight improvement — notably in Gehraiyaan and more recently in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan — her acting skills are still seen by many as a work in progress rather than a revelation.
So where does that leave her?
On one hand, she remains a brand darling, gracing magazine covers, luxury campaigns, and fashion weeks with ease. On the other, her cinematic credibility continues to be questioned. It’s a fragile balancing act between celebrity and craft, one that few manage to master.
The truth is, controversy can only carry an actor so far. In an age where audiences are increasingly drawn to authentic storytelling and powerful performances — think Alia Bhatt, Triptii Dimri, or even newer talents like Nitanshi Goel — flash alone won't ensure longevity. Ananya Panday, if she wishes to rise above the noise, must now let her work do the talking. Not her WhatsApp history. Not her designer wardrobe. Just the work.
Because Bollywood may forgive a scandal, but it rarely forgets a lack of substance.