Actress Ananya Panday has become the subject of intense online discussion following the release of her latest film, ‘Chand Mera Dil’. A dance sequence featuring the actress has gone viral across social media platforms, attracting criticism from viewers who questioned the presentation of a performance inspired by Bharatanatyam. The scene, which takes place during a cultural programme in the film, shows Ananya’s character Chandni performing on stage. Shortly after clips from the sequence began circulating online, users started sharing their reactions, with many expressing disappointment over the execution of the dance. While some viewers criticised Ananya’s expressions and movements, others argued that the choreography itself deserved greater scrutiny.
BTS video changes the conversation
As criticism continued to grow, a behind-the-scenes video from the shoot surfaced online and reignited the discussion. The clip offered a closer look at how the dance sequence was designed and rehearsed, leading many viewers to reconsider where responsibility should lie. One social media user raised the central question now dominating the debate, asking, “Everyone is trolling Ananya Pandey’s Bharatnaty. Is this the fault of the choreography or Ananya’s dance skill?” The BTS footage quickly spread across platforms, drawing fresh reactions from audiences.
Netizens split over the real issue
The viral discussion has produced a wide range of opinions. Some users felt that the choreography failed to capture the essence and grace associated with Bharatanatyam, while others believed the performer also had a responsibility to understand the dance form before presenting it on screen. One comment read, “There’s something called grace..which both don’t have..if Madhuri or hema Malini did the same dance it would have been different..”Another user wrote, “She does more exercises than baratha natyam there, you need to watch videos , not to trust only choreographer” A third viewer defended parts of the choreography while pointing to the execution, saying, “These steps without the rigidity in movements would have been exquisite. Choreo was pretty good. There’s your answer..”
Humour and sarcasm flood social media
Alongside criticism, several users responded with humour and sarcasm. Memes and edited clips began appearing online as the sequence continued to trend. One widely shared comment read, “He said, fly away And Ananya flew away, and that too in such a style This talent shouldn’t go outside India, get it patented Then they say, trolled” Many users also debated whether actors should question creative decisions when portraying classical art forms. Another strongly worded comment stated, “Choreography deserves massive blame here, no doubt. But does Ananya Pandey not have a brain of her own? Before doing such cringe steps, didn’t she or anyone around her realize that this is not how Bharatnatyam is supposed to be performed?”
About ‘Chand Mera Dil’
Directed by Vivek Soni and co-written by Vivek Soni and Tushar Paranjape, ‘Chand Mera Dil’ is a romantic drama starring Ananya Panday and Lakshya in the lead roles. The film follows two college sweethearts whose relationship is tested as they enter adulthood and confront changing priorities, responsibilities and expectations. Loosely inspired by the Telugu film ‘Chitram’, the movie explores how love evolves with time and circumstance.