What’s the Teen Parade that Made Chunky’s Daughter Ananya Trend?

Touted as the ultimate ‘princess’ moment for teen girls, le Bal is a French high fashion event.

Ananya Panday made her debut in the 25th annual Bal des Débutantes in Paris.

(Photo courtesy: Instagram)

Ananya Panday, Chunky Panday’s 19-year-old daughter made her society debut at the 25th annual Bal des Débutantes in Paris and social media went ballistic. Say wha?

Simply known as le Bal (nothing hairy about it), it is one of the most anticipated events on the international social calendar. So we know that Ananya dazzled in an off-shoulder blue and black shimmery gown by Jean Paul Gaultier.

But what else do we know about this grand teen parade?

A fashion event or a debutante ball, it sees 20–25 girls aged 16 to 22 from about a dozen countries making a glam debut. It’s their introduction to the world of high fashion. Forbes even called it one of the hottest parties, once!

The idea is to raise money for one or more charity organisations while also indulging in the ‘French way of life’. Ananya joined the ranks of women like Navya Naveli, Amitabh Bachchan’s granddaughter, who made a debut at the ball in 2015.

Amitabh Bachchan’s granddaughter and Shweta Bachchan’s daughter, Navya Naveli at le Bal in 2015.

What do these young IT girls decked up in gowns designed by international couture houses (think Chanel and Dior) have to do to be a part of this ritzy event?

So it’s a strictly ‘invitation-only’ affair. Usually ‘escorted’ by young men ( a la retro prom dates) the debutantes simply hail from famous families (celebrated for their contributions to arts, politics, business, and more ( read heiresses, aristocrats and celebrities’ offspring). Ananya Panday definitely belongs to the last category - ‘and more’. And a huge social media following definitely counts as an achievement, no?

So who exactly had this brainwave - this Cindrella-esque idea steeped in old-fashioned glamour?

Ophélie Renouard invented the concept of the ball.

That would be the acclaimed French PR maven, Ophélie Renouard. She insists that she is not interested in breeding but the focus is more on ‘achievement’ than ‘ancestry’. No matter how noble it sounds, the event seems to reek of pedigree. *Cough* Nepotism *Cough*. Renouard has reportedly been deeply involved, every step of the way - from convincing the parents to the fittings and choosing the arm candies for the debs. And it all began in 1992.

How is this event not a ‘traditional’ social event? 

Apparently, the aim of traditional deb balls was marriage, but Renouard says that her girls are not concerned with that. This ball is apparently geared towards making new friends and wearing haute couture for the first time. It’s all about the G word. Glamour!

What exactly happens at le Bal?

The debs are paraded in front of family, press and assorted attendants, before they are whisked off for some ballroom dancing. There’s something in it for the parents as well. They get to spend a weekend at the best of hotels. This year it was hosted at the Peninsula in Paris. Parents, Chunky and Bhavna, and sister, Rysa, Ahaan Panday, Ananya’s cousin, and Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur were present as cavaliers. But the main escort for the evening was Prince Philip of Arenberg.

Who were the other ‘lucky’ girls that made it to the debutante event?

Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's daughter, Ava Phillippe were present at the event with princesses from around the world. The daughters of Hollywood biggies like Bruce Willis and Forest Whitaker have attended the previous balls.

We wish the best of success to these dynamic girls and we also do hope that they redefine the traditional ‘princess’ narrative.