Ananya Panday, known for her candid charm and effervescent on-screen presence, has recently opened up about a rather personal aspect of her life – her unique way of dealing with heartbreak in the past. The young actor, currently in the limelight for her upcoming film CTRL, has shared how she once took a page from a classic Bollywood character to handle emotional turbulence. In an interview with Galatta India, she revealed how burning photos of her exes was her way of letting go of the past and moving forward.
“I don’t do that now, but I have done it,” she admits with a smile, recalling those emotionally charged moments from her past. “It’s not like I’m the only person on earth who has done this. A lot of people have.” This simple yet dramatic act is reminiscent of a scene many Bollywood lovers would recognize. In Jab We Met, the spirited character Geet, played by Kareena Kapoor, burns her ex’s photos, symbolizing a fiery end to a painful chapter. Ananya confessed that, like Geet, she too found catharsis in setting those memories ablaze.
For Ananya, this act wasn’t about holding on to anger or wallowing in sorrow. Rather, it was a way to symbolically release her frustrations and cleanse her emotional space. “It’s a nice way to release your frustration,” she explained, her voice echoing both the familiarity and simplicity of such an action. There’s something very relatable in the idea of physically removing someone from your life to help mend the emotional wound they may have left behind.
Breakups, after all, can often feel all-consuming, as though the world around you has shifted in an unrecognizable way. For Ananya, burning photos provided that pivotal moment of control, a small victory that empowered her to move on. It’s the kind of story that might make fans chuckle, imagining the glamorous actor indulging in such a fiery ritual, but her candidness speaks volumes about how universal these feelings of heartbreak can be.
She acknowledged that she no longer resorts to such methods, hinting at the maturity and growth she’s experienced over the years. Ananya has learned to approach breakups with a more composed and reflective mindset now. But the memory of her younger self burning those photos holds no embarrassment or regret. If anything, it’s a part of her journey that she embraces. “I think a lot of people have done it,” she says, subtly reminding us that heartbreak is something everyone goes through, no matter how poised or put together they may seem on the surface.
As the star of Call Me Bae, she has often played characters who exhibit resilience in the face of adversity, whether in relationships or personal growth. Off-screen, Ananya has channeled a similar energy. Through her openness, she reminds her fans and followers that heartbreak doesn’t have to be seen as the end of the world, but rather an experience that, while painful, can also lead to personal growth.
Ananya’s shift from the impulsiveness of youth to a more mature approach to relationships mirrors a journey many young adults undergo. While burning photos may no longer be her method of choice, she likely views those past actions with a sense of nostalgia rather than judgment. She recognizes that dealing with the end of a relationship can take many forms and that sometimes, drastic measures like burning old memories can feel like the only way to fully break free.
The actor, who has grown up under the scrutiny of the public eye, offers a refreshing take on vulnerability. By sharing her story, she humanizes the glitz and glamor often associated with her life, bringing attention to the fact that no matter how famous or successful someone may be, they still experience the same ups and downs that we all do.
As she continues to promote CTRL, which is already generating buzz for its unique storyline and Ananya’s performance, fans are reminded once again of the depth she brings, not just to her roles but to her real life as well. Through her candid revelations, she strikes a balance between her public persona and her personal struggles, encouraging others to embrace their past and their pain, no matter how they choose to deal with it.
Ananya Panday’s journey through heartbreak is not just a tale of burning old memories, but a broader reflection of how emotional experiences shape us over time. In her earlier years, she may have found solace in the symbolic act of destroying physical reminders of her ex, but now, she approaches breakups with a sense of calm and self-awareness. “I don’t do that now,” she reiterates, making it clear that her current method of dealing with emotional pain is rooted in growth and self-reflection.
The actor’s evolution in handling relationships mirrors her broader personal and professional development. As she matures both on-screen and off, Ananya has become more thoughtful about how she manages the emotional upheavals that inevitably come with life. She now views heartbreak not as something to escape, but as an opportunity to learn more about herself and what she needs in a relationship. This emotional intelligence is a significant shift from the impulsive methods she once employed, such as burning photographs.
Ananya’s candor about her past makes her relatable to her fans, especially young women who may find themselves navigating similar emotional challenges. In an industry where actors often project an image of perfection, her openness about such personal experiences sets her apart. It allows her audience to see that even those who seem to have it all together still go through emotional struggles. By discussing how she has grown from those experiences, Ananya provides a valuable lesson on self-love and emotional resilience.
As Ananya continues to carve out her niche in Bollywood, her reflections on relationships offer a deeper insight into her personality beyond the glitz of stardom. With films like CTRL on the horizon, she’s embracing her evolving self both in her personal life and career. Her message is clear: heartbreak is not something to be ashamed of. Instead, it’s a powerful experience that can fuel growth, maturity, and an understanding of one’s own worth.
By reflecting on how far she’s come, Ananya Panday stands as an example of how emotional wounds, though painful at the time, can lead to newfound strength. Through her own experiences, she reminds her fans that it’s okay to embrace all the messy, complicated feelings that come with love and loss. Because, in the end, those experiences are what make us human—and what allow us to grow into better versions of ourselves.