Actor Ananya Panday has opened up about dealing with negativity on social media, saying that looking at criticism from a broader perspective helps diminish the power it can have over an individual. Speaking to Filmfare, Panday acknowledged that negative comments can initially appear intimidating, particularly when they are personally directed at someone. She said her approach involves stepping away from the immediate reaction and recognising that criticism on social media is an experience shared by people across different levels of success.
Perspective helps
Panday said realising that even people who appear successful and confident encounter online negativity has helped her view criticism differently. She said that once a person recognises how widespread such experiences are, the negativity begins to lose some of its influence. What initially appears overwhelming can become easier to handle when viewed as part of the broader realities of being visible online.
The actor's comments come amid growing conversations around the impact of social media scrutiny on celebrities, who routinely face praise as well as criticism over their professional and personal lives. Panday has herself been subjected to considerable online scrutiny since entering the Hindi film industry. Rather than allowing every negative reaction to determine her experience on social media, she said taking a wider view helps make criticism seem less intimidating.
Friends form support system
The actor also spoke about the close circle of women she considers an important part of her life. Panday named actors Muskkaan Jaferi and Niharika Lyra Dutt among her longtime friends, describing them as her “OG baes”. She also counted Suhana Khan, Shanaya Kapoor and Navya Naveli Nanda, along with friends from school, among the women she remains close to.
Panday said she considers herself fortunate to have several strong female friendships in her life.
Her comments underline the importance she places on maintaining perspective and having a dependable support system while navigating the pressures that accompany celebrity and constant public scrutiny.