Ananya Panday Addresses Social Media Backlash Over Dance Performance in Chand Mera Dil

Ananya Panday has been in the spotlight due to her recent film, Chand Mera Dil, which features a controversial dance performance that has sparked significant debate online. In response to the backlash, Ananya has shared her strategies for dealing with negativity and emphasized the importance of curating a positive online environment. The film has performed decently at the box office, but the mixed reactions to her Bharatanatyam fusion routine have led to discussions about the representation of classical dance in modern cinema. Discover more about Ananya's insights and the film's performance in this article.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 29, 2026, 18:01 IST

Ananya Panday's Recent Film Sparks Controversy

Ananya Panday has been in the spotlight following the release of her film, Chand Mera Dil, which features Lakshya. The romantic drama, which hit theaters on May 22, is performing steadily at the box office. However, a specific scene from the movie has sparked intense discussions online. Ananya's fusion of Bharatanatyam in the film, directed by Vivek Soni, has drawn mixed reactions and is currently trending on social media. In light of the criticism, the young actress has shared her thoughts on handling online trolling.

Ananya Panday's Approach to Online Negativity

How Ananya Panday Deals With Trolls

In a conversation with a popular entertainment magazine, Ananya revealed that she has learned to rise above negativity after years of facing it. She established her initiative, So Positive, which initially focused on combating online bullying but has since transformed into a platform promoting kindness and healthier digital interactions. Ananya emphasized that her perspective has changed significantly, prioritizing self-reflection over attempting to change others. She believes that everyone can contribute to creating a more positive atmosphere and practices this by muting any Instagram accounts that cause her distress.

She highlighted the constant consumption of social media and its impact on mental health, urging individuals to curate their online experiences thoughtfully. Ananya encourages following content that brings happiness and fosters meaningful connections. For her, social media serves as a platform to engage with friends and her audience.

Understanding the Controversy

What Is The Controversy All About?

The film Chand Mera Dil, featuring Ananya Panday and Lakshya, ignited a significant online debate after a clip went viral. In the scene, Ananya's character, Chandni, performs a dance routine that blends Bharatanatyam with hip-hop and locking, diverging from traditional classical dance. This fusion did not sit well with many viewers, leading to heavy trolling of Ananya's performance. Critics on social media condemned the choreography and presentation, arguing that it undermined the integrity of classical dance. The backlash included voices from notable dance experts as well. While Ananya remained silent initially, her father, Chunky Panday, defended her, stating that the sequence was misunderstood and intended as a fusion performance, akin to what one might see at college cultural events.

Chand Mera Dil's Box Office Performance

Chand Mera Dil Box Office Performance

Chand Mera Dil, which premiered on May 22, has completed its first week with respectable earnings. The film garnered a net of Rs 2.25 crore on its seventh day, bringing its total net collections in India to Rs 21.21 crore during its opening week.