In The Ring with Filmfare is one talk show where stars from Bollywood don’t hold back. In conversation with Editor-in-Chief, Filmfare, Jitesh Pillai, the stars layout their honest and most candid emotions, insights and unheard-of stories. In the latest episode, Ananya Panday comes clean on her relationship mantras.
She talks about stalking boyfriends on social media, giving 100s of missed calls and being attracted to red flags and more. She even calls herself “Ali from the Dhoom franchise”, a character played by Uday Chopra and one who used to have fantasies of marriage, kids and a well-settled life after the first meeting.
Is Ananya a ‘dil phek’ aashiq? Is she a ‘control freak’? Does she take pride in having made it to the cover of a phuljadi packet? How does she manage a long-distance relationship with alleged-boyfriend Walker Blanco? She answers all this and more in the latest episode of In The Ring with Filmfare.
Here are the major highlights from Ananya’s episode of In The Ring with Filmfare:
– Ananya acknowledged the trolling she received for Vijay Deverakonda’s Liger (2022) and how it affected her mental health.
She said, “When things go well, the noise around you fades, but it’s on tough days, when even a whisper can echo loudly. I’ve learned that doubt often creeps in when you’re already vulnerable, but pushing through those moments—showing up despite the fear—is where real growth happens. You can’t control what people say, but you can control how you rise above it.”
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– She confessed that she learnt important lessons from Deepika Padukone while shooting for Gehraiyaan.
Ananya shared, “Gehraiyaan was a transformative journey for me. Working alongside someone like Deepika Padukone, whom I deeply admire, was an opportunity for me to learn and grow. Besides that, Shakun Batra made me realise that directors can’t always hold your hand—you have to build your character, do your homework, and take ownership of your craft. That experience pushed me to step up, take ownership of my work, and believe in the power of learning from those you look up to.”
– Ananya displayed maturity as she broke down relationship truths and toxic boyfriends.
She highlighted, “Pay attention to how someone treats you when others are watching—that shift in behaviour speaks volumes. True support isn’t selective, and if someone can’t celebrate your victories or stand by you consistently, it’s a clear sign they’re not fully in your corner.”
– Will Ananya prefer to date a co-star? Her answer was on point.
Ananya revealed, “Being with another actor has its advantages—they understand the ups and downs, the constant travel, and the pressures of the job. But sometimes, being with someone outside of the industry is a breath of fresh air. They don’t know you for your fame or your work, just for who you truly are, and that can feel like a pure, fulfilling connection.”
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– Her career looks exciting after the success of Call Me Bae, CTRL and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan.
Ananya said, “I’m excited about the variety of roles ahead. I’m stepping into unchartered territories—like playing a lawyer in a period drama, something I’ve never done before. After doing so many OTT films and portraying Gen Z characters, it feels refreshing to break away from that mould. I’m also diving into a hardcore romantic film, which is a completely different experience for me. It’s all about growth, challenging myself, and embracing different genres to see where they take me.”
– She loves to party with Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan and the Khan family.
Ananya said, “The after parties are always the best at Mannat.” Ananya also shared her admiration for Shah Rukh and said, “He’s someone who can help his kids with their homework despite being such a big star. That’s the kind of humility I look up to.”
Catch all these candid conversations and more in the latest episode of In The Ring with Filmfare which is streaming on YouTube.
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