'I like all the attention that is coming my way.'
Ananya Panday i making the most of the lockdown by spending all the time with her parents.
Chunky Panday's little girl opens up to Subhash K Jha, and says, "I am really close to my parents and share everything with them."
How are you keeping yourself busy in the lockdown?
I am spending most of my time with family and my dogs.
As a family, we had not got such time off together and we are making the most of it.
We have been playing board games and watching films together.
Other than that, I work out in the evenings, go on FaceTime with my friends... We stay connected, virtually.
What about Bollywood's favourite lockdown past time: Baking?
My sister and I bake together, but usually, she bakes and I eat (laughs).
I am reading a lot; it used to be a hobby when I was younger, but I lost touch. So I am glad I am getting back to that.
I have been watching all the old Hindi and English classic films that I hadn't watched before.
Your career had just started when Nature's brake was applied. Does it frustrate you to be sitting at home when you should be studio-hopping?
I really miss being on set as this has been my life for the last two years.
I was literally living life out of a suitcase.
But considering the current situation, staying at home is the need of the hour.
People's health and safety is a priority and what we should be focusing on that.
I am blessed that I am at home safe with my family.
We are in this together and this too shall pass.
How important is social media to keep you involved with your audience?
I am really active on Instagram. I enjoy it.
Other portals, not that much.
I feel it is a great way to stay connected with my social media family.
After two back-to-back hits, do you feel the burden of pulling off a hat trick?
No pressure of pulling off a hat-trick, but only to work towards betterment and deliver the best to my audience.
I just want to keep improving and learning as I go forward.
The most important thing that I am focusing on is getting better with my skills so that I can give my 100 percent to everything I take up.
The rest is up to the audience.
How has your life changed? How do you handle fan attention?
I've always wanted to do this and I am really happy.
I like all the attention that is coming my way.
I love speaking to people and interacting with them, especially young girls and boys.
After my films, everything became so real and I am grateful for all that love.
Tell us about your forthcoming projects.
Only the last day of the shoot was left for Khaali Peeli, with Ishaan Khatter, so that's in the pipeline first.
I had so much fun shooting that film that I didn't want it to end... so I am glad I get to go back on that set!
The film was going to release in June, but now there will obviously be a change.
I was simultaneously working for my pan India project with Vijay Deverakonda.
I was excited to shoot the first schedule of Shakun Batra's film, but now everything has halted.
Who are your best friends in the film industry? Is it possible to make good friends here?
I am good friends with everyone I've worked with.
I'm fortunate to have worked with so many talented, chilled out and fun people, which has made my experience of being on sets super enjoyable.
How do your parents react to your link-up rumours?
Being a public figure, there is always some news or the other doing the rounds.
I am really close to my parents and share everything with them.
Sometimes, they know it much before even I do (laughs).
