Actor Ananya Panday has spoken about the impact Deepika Padukone has had on her and on women entering the film industry. In a recent interaction, Ananya reflected on ambition, professionalism and the influence senior actors can have on the next generation.

Ananya Panday says Deepika Padukone’s choices set an example for younger actors

Speaking about her own outlook, Ananya said, “I’m very ambitious, but not ambitious at the cost of wanting to pull someone else down. I know exactly what I want to do. I admire how Deepika Padukone has done it. The choices she’s made, the boundaries she’s set for herself, have paved the way for so many girls coming after her. I like that we can have such an impact on other women in the industry and also women who are watching us. My favourite part about our job is the influence we have, the impact cinema can make on people.”

Ananya has previously worked with Deepika in Gehraiyaan and has spoken about observing her approach on set. Recalling that experience, she shared, “Deepika, as you said I idolised her growing up, she the most beautiful woman ever, and she’s such a brave actor. She is the first like female superstar that I worked with, and I saw her on Gehraiyaan, she was so clear about how the set is run, things she needs an actor on a set to give the best that she can in that moment. I was like, okay. This is how I conduct myself. You know, as a girl, you can ask step up and you can ask and you’ll get what you want. So yeah, that’s what I learnt from Deepika.”

Deepika Padukone has been part of several major productions in recent years and continues to headline large-scale projects. She will next be seen in King and is also attached to director Atlee’s upcoming film.

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