Ananya Panday opens up on Gen Z connecting with Kho Gaye Hum Kahan; says, “I am glad they could because I want people to feel seen” : Bollywood News

Ananya Panday recently spoke about the response to her character Ahana in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, the 2023 Hindi coming-of-age drama directed by Arjun Varain Singh. The film which explored the lives of contemporary youth navigating friendships, relationships, and self-discovery, has been noted for its depiction of Gen Z experiences, moving away from stereotypical portrayals often seen in mainstream Hindi cinema.

Ananya Panday opens up on Gen Z connecting with Kho Gaye Hum Kahan; says, “I am glad they could because I want people to feel seen”

Ananya Panday opens up on Gen Z connecting with Kho Gaye Hum Kahan; says, “I am glad they could because I want people to feel seen”Reflecting on the audience’s reaction, Ananya Panday opened up about the film during a recent New York Institute of Fashion podcast, wherein she said, “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.”

The actress highlighted that this connection with audiences stems from the film’s approach to authentic storytelling, capturing the nuances of friendships, struggles, and personal growth in today’s youth. Produced by Excel Entertainment and Phantom Films and starring Adarsh Gourav and Siddhant Chaturvedi, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan focuses on the emotional journey of its characters, blending humor and drama while addressing contemporary issues such as mental health, social pressures, and career uncertainties.

On the work front, Ananya is preparing for a slate of upcoming projects. She will star in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri alongside Kartik Aaryan, and Chand Mera Dil opposite Lakshya, marking their first collaboration. Additionally, she revealed that she will begin work on Call Me Bae Season 2 starting October 2025, returning to the digital platform for the continuation of the popular series.

With her choices reflecting a focus on youth-centric stories and digital projects, Ananya Panday appears to be positioning herself to continue exploring narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences across mediums.

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