Since her debut in 2019, Ananya has made significant strides in her career, especially with the success of the original series Call Me Bae. At the Maitri event, she reflected on her early years as a woman in the industry and her journey toward finding her voice. Ananya highlighted the importance of fostering a supportive environment among her peers and discussed the impact of female friendships in the entertainment world.
“I’ve become a lot more vocal about what I stand for. What keeps me motivated is witnessing change; knowing that by speaking out or through cinema, I can truly make an impact. If even one young girl approaches me and says she feels comfortable in her skin because of my authenticity, that means I’ve done my job. Seeing change is a huge reason I continue,” Ananya shared.
She also pointed out the tendency to pit women against each other in the industry, emphasizing that her relationship with Sara and Janhavi is about mutual support. “We don’t consciously try to make a statement, but we genuinely strive to uplift each other publicly. We want to show that this is what female friendships should look like—don’t buy into any other narrative.”
Launched in 2022, the Maitri: Female First Collective is an initiative designed to create a safe space for women in Indian media and entertainment. It aims to bring together women to discuss their experiences, challenges, and successes while working towards a positive shift in the industry.
