'The maximum messages I got were about relatability' — Ananya Panday on why people connected with Netflix's 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan'

Ananya Panday has emerged as one of the most relatable and versatile actresses of her generation. With a string of successful films across genres, she has steadily built a reputation for selecting roles that mirror the emotions, struggles and aspirations of today’s youth. What sets her apart is not just her choice of projects but the ease with which she breathes life into her characters — making them feel familiar, accessible and deeply human.

Reflecting on the overwhelming response to her character Ahana in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Ananya shared, “I think the reason people connected to Kho Gaye Hum Kahan so much is because they were like, finally a Hindi movie that is showing us the way we actually are. I was so happy about that. Because honestly, the way Gen Z has been represented in movies, it’s not been us. It’s been like someone’s idea of us. The maximum messages I got after that film were about relatability, from girls and boys both. And I was like, shit, this is why I want to make movies. I want people to feel seen. I want people to watch something and think, oh my god, I have been Ahana at some point in my life.”

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For Ananya, it’s this ability to connect with audiences that defines her work. Whether it’s through comedy, drama, or coming-of-age narratives, she consistently brings an authenticity that resonates with viewers across age groups. With her grounded performances and a keen understanding of contemporary issues, she continues to redefine what it means to represent Gen Z on the big screen — effortlessly, empathetically and powerfully.