Deepali Singh (DNA; May 4, 2019)

At 5 feet 8 inches, Ananya Panday stands tall. And when you meet the 20-year-old, who’s making her debut with Student Of The Year 2, you realise there is a lot more to the newcomer than just being Chunky Panday’s daughter. The way she took on the nepotism topic head-on in Koffee With Karan was certainly refreshing. And the pretty young lady has no qualms about reiterating her viewpoint. “I’m well aware of my privilege. I feel there are so many people out there who are so deserving. I’m lucky I got this opportunity; I hope that audiences like me and accept me. But this has been my dream my entire life and I don’t think it’s fair for anyone to tell me that I don’t deserve to be here,” she says. Yes, nepotism exists, she agrees but adds that it’s there in every industry. “Like any other 20-year-old, I have my dreams and I’m lucky I’m getting to live it. Now, my work will speak for itself and I hope I justify people’s faith in me,” she says. The debutante, who will be seen opposite Tiger Shroff and sharing screen space with another newbie, Tara Sutaria, talks about her first acting experience...

How’s the response been to the trailer?
We are getting a lot of love. I think people are liking this bubblegum film, it’s a much-needed break from other kinds of movies. Obviously, there is trolling, but I deal with it like my dad does. He is always the first one to laugh at himself and knows how to take a joke super well. I think that’s how I’m going to take it. Whenever people put up a meme, I’m the first one to like it and put it on my Instagram stories.

You knew you wanted to be an actress for a long time?
I was always sure this is what I wanted to be in life. I remember I was 14 and my parents were going to watch Student Of The Year (2012). It was a late-night show and I begged them to take me along. I had to sit on the floor and watched Alia Bhatt on screen as Shanaya, and I was like, ‘Wow! This is what I want to do and this is what I want to be’. So, acting has been my dream. But I didn’t groom myself for it. I was studying and then got into college. I thought I’d start auditioning once college was over, but luckily, I got the chance earlier, so there was no time to prepare. I learnt a lot on set.

In a way, you and Tara are stepping into Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra’s shoes. Isn’t it a big responsibility?
And they are some big shoes! No, it’s not a pressure because I sent this out to the universe. To chicken out now is not happening! I’m trying to be the best version of myself, so there is no time to be scared.

Your director, Punit Malhotra, told us that you abused him a lot on the sets...
Excuse me, I didn’t (laughs)! Honestly, when I used to come for workshops to this office, I was a mouse. I was always loud in front of my friends but in front of Punit and Karan, I would get scared. My character in the film is how I am in real life, and Punit said I needed to open up. So, he was the one who made me scream and abuse. He said, ‘I can’t imagine you abusing and yelling.’ I asked him if he was sure because I’m like a tap — open it once and it won’t stop!

So he made me start and it helped me in my acting. I was scared and inhibited earlier. I had a lot in me but I was scared to show it to people. When he took those fears away, I had nothing to lose. When I went on the sets, I was not shy or confused.

How was it working with Tiger? Did you get any starry vibes from him?
Not at all! He would forever be chilling on the sets with us. He’s such a huge star and has so many fans, especially kids, but he’s so normal and I love that about him. It’s so easy to get carried away at our age, but when you are working with people like Tiger, who are such big stars but so humble, it really inspires you.

Are Tara and you really BFFs, the way everyone is making it out to be?
I wouldn’t say we are BFFs — that’s a very flowery word. But we have a special connection. It’s our first film and only we know what’s going on inside of us. Having someone on set who’s going through the exact same emotions as you, created a unique bond. Also, we are completely different as people but we are similar in age, so there are some things common between us.

This is your debut film but you share the limelight with another newcomer. Did that ever bother you?
No, I’m not an insecure person at all. If I like a script and I am with 10 other people, I will still go ahead and do it. And there is less pressure on me because there are so many people sharing it!