Ananya Panday reveals she feels 'insecure' about her body due to being called 'flat-screen TV' and 'hunchback' in school

Ananya Panday recently received numerous positive reviews for her performances in projects like ‘CTRL’ and ‘Call Me Bae’, which premiered on OTT platforms last year. However, she has now revealed being called a 'hunchback' during her school years and how such bullying made her feel insecure about her body.
In an interview with Forbes India, Ananya was asked about the pressure actors face to conform to certain beauty standards in the industry and how these pressures can be mitigated. The ‘Liger’ actress shared that although people assume she’s happy with her body as she fits into the conventional standards of beauty, she has always been very insecure about her appearance. “When I was in school, people would say, 'Oh, you’re a hunchback, you have toothpick legs, chicken legs, and you’re a flat-screen TV,” she stated. She revealed that her insecurities date back to her childhood.
Ananya also mentioned how people used to comment on her arms being overly hairy. She believes that a child’s external world is significantly impacted by the words of those around them. “The fact that I still remember exactly what people said and who said it, even 12 years later, just shows how much words can stick,” she added.
Ananya further addressed the unrealistic beauty standards and pressures prevalent in her industry, stressing the importance of authenticity. She shared her personal struggles, explaining that even she has "off days." She highlighted that maintaining a certain appearance requires substantial effort, including daily gym sessions. Reflecting on a recent trip to Dubai, she admitted to indulging in food and subsequently not fitting into her skirt, reassuring others that it’s perfectly okay to have such moments. By openly discussing these experiences, she hopes to convey that actors are not perfect and that maintaining their appearance involves continuous hard work.
Ananya Panday will next be seen in Karan Johar's ‘Chand Mera Dil’ alongside Lakshay. Directed by Vivek Soni, the film is expected to release in 2025. She also has an upcoming project with Dharma Productions, featuring Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan.