The days of tabloids’ glamorous catfights between female stars are over. As feminism takes off and new stars come forward to advocate for women’s rights, the film industry has become more inclined to celebrate female friendships and sisterhood.
Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sons star Sanya Malhotra promoting each other’s love, Radhika Madan and Jasleen Royal joining Sanyanan on an all-girls trip for the first time since her wedding, Sara Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor sharing glimpses from their trip to Kedarnath. Women’s Day is being commemorated with poignant reminders of the strength present in female relationships.
Reflecting on this shift, Ananya Panday exposes the fallacy of women being manipulated in the industry. Speaking exclusively to News18 Showsha, she rejects the idea of rivalry among actresses as a story driven by external factors rather than the actors themselves. Her close friendships with fellow actresses are a testament to their support and camaraderie, as Ananya points out.
Ananya’s unwavering support for peers like Sara and Janhvi is evident in her lack of hesitation towards their comparisons. They always lend each other a hand, either through kind messages or attending each other’s films, she says. Ananya acknowledges their unique abilities and views them as sources of motivation rather than competitors.
The absence of competition doesn’t bother Ananya, who recognizes the unique qualities of every actress. Citing examples such as Janhvi’s portrayal in Mili and Sara’Sabtani at Atrangi Re, she says that it is important to praise their achievements. Ananya’s willingness to acknowledge and honour her colleagues is a testament to her commitment to elevating the status of others and creating sanctity in the industry.
She is confident in sharing her enthusiasm for working with talented individuals, recognizing the importance of encouraging collaboration. Essentially, Ananya’s perspective is one of a paradigm shift within the film industry, where actresses are valued for their contributions rather than just their competition. The stories like Ananya’s are a testament to the strength and support that women can offer each other, as they inspire each other in an ever-changing industry.
