Ananya Panday birthday special: A look at her best performances

Today marks Ananya Panday’s special day, and what better way to celebrate than by looking back at her incredible performances over the past few years? From complex dramas to fun-loving comedies, Ananya has shown impressive growth and versatility. She's tackled diverse roles that resonate with audiences, especially young adults navigating modern life. Let's revisit some of her best performances.

Released in April 2025, 'Kesari Chapter 2' sees Ananya tackle a powerful historical drama. Playing Dilreet Gill, she steps into a serious role alongside Akshay Kumar, exploring the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This wasn't just another part; it was a demanding character requiring her to delve into a significant historical moment. It’s a brave move that highlights her commitment to evolving as an actress and taking on stories that matter.

'CTRL', a slick, modern thriller where Ananya played Nella Awasthi. Imagine turning to an AI app to erase your cheating ex, only for the app to take over – intense, right? Ananya dove headfirst into this dark, tech-driven world, delivering a performance that felt urgent and surprisingly gripping. This role proved she could handle suspense and complexity, showing a whole new side beyond her bubbly image.

Ananya made her sparkling series debut in September 2024 with 'Call Me Bae'. She shone as Bella "Bae" Chowdhary, a rich fashionista forced to hustle after being cut off by her family. Ananya embraced the comedic and glamorous aspects of the role, delivering a performance that was both fun and relatable. The show was a huge hit, praised by critics and viewers alike, proving she could effortlessly lead a series with charisma and charm.

Widely considered her breakout performance, 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan' released in December 2023. Playing Ahana Singh, Ananya perfectly captured the nuances of navigating friendships, love, and self-worth in the digital age. Her portrayal felt incredibly real and resonated deeply, especially with Gen-Z audiences. This performance earned her significant critical acclaim and awards, marking a turning point in her career towards more mature and impactful roles.

Released in February 2022, 'Gehraiyaan' marked Ananya’s first major step into complex relationship dramas. As Tia Khanna, she played a young woman caught in a web of infidelity and family secrets. Her performance showed considerable growth, demonstrating her ability to handle emotional depth and hold her own in an ensemble cast featuring Deepika Padukone and Siddhant Chaturvedi. It was a pivotal role that hinted at the exciting performances to come.