Ananya Panday has received glowing reviews for her portrayal of Ahana Singh in the film Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. Her character’s relatability and the way she navigates heartbreak and friendship resonated with audiences. Now, she takes on a new character, Bella, in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video series Call Me Bae. Directed by Collin D’Cunha, the series is a Dharmatic Entertainment Production with Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra as executive producers. Bella is a character who goes from being an heiress to a hustler, finding her worth in her intelligence and style.
Ananya shares that she feels like an older sister to Bella and is very protective of her character. Bella, with her kind heart and vulnerability, resonates with Ananya. The character has multiple layers that viewers will uncover as the series progresses, making her a complex and engaging character. Ananya has drawn inspiration from real-life people for Bella’s mannerisms and behaviors, making the character feel authentic and relatable.
The show, a comedy-drama series, maintains a light tone while delivering a meaningful message. Ananya encourages audiences to approach the series without any expectations, as they will be pleasantly surprised by the storyline. She also shares her top three skills for surviving in the world, which include being a people’s person, having great bargaining skills, and being street smart. She emphasizes the importance of practical knowledge over book smarts in navigating life.
Ananya’s experience filming for Call Me Bae has been challenging yet rewarding. She feels a personal connection to the show and believes it has the potential to resonate with audiences. Ananya acknowledges the difference between releasing a project on OTT platforms versus theatrically, highlighting the slower burn of response and the constant need to encourage viewership. In the series, Bella explores the world of social media journalism as she seeks to find herself and her place in the world.
Ananya’s approach to social media has evolved over time, and she now focuses on posting content that feels natural and authentic. She is unfazed by negative comments and embraces her role as an influencer, using her platform to impact others positively. For Ananya, success is measured by the love her projects receive and the connections she makes with her audience. She finds fulfillment in portraying characters that resonate with viewers and rewards herself by diving into new projects with renewed motivation. As she prepares for the release of Call Me Bae, Ananya remains excited and committed to bringing Bella to life on screen.