Ananya Defends Nepotism, Siddhant Chaturvedi Has a Befitting Reply

The actors had recently appeared in the Newcomers Roundtable 2019.

Rajeev Masand’s Newcomers Roundtable 2019 comprised actors who made their debut last year. Among those present were Tara Sutaria (Student of the Year 2, Marjaavaan), Vishal Jethwa (Mardaani 2), Ananya Panday (Student of the Year 2, Pati Patni aur Woh), Siddhant Chaturvedi (Gully Boy), Geetika Vidya Ohlyan (Soni), Abhimanyu Dassani (Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota), and Saloni Batra (Soni).

When asked about nepotism, Ananya Panday, who has been launched by Karan Johar, went on to speak about how she is proud to be Chunky Pandey’s daughter. While speaking about struggles, Siddhant Chaturvedi had the best reply to her answer.

Ananya began by saying, “Everyone says that it’s all glamorous and I’ve gotten everything that I wanted. But I’m very grateful that I’m my Dad’s daughter and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“When people hate on me for nepotism, I’m not going to shy away that I’m Chunky Pandey’s daughter. My Dad has worked really hard and he’s still working.”

Ananya Panday, Actor

Ananya also went on to say that the Bollywood industry is so fickle that Chunky Panday didn’t congratulate her till Student of The Year 2 released. “I’m so proud of him. I’m proud of being his daughter. When Student got delayed, my Dad didn’t even congratulate me till it released. That’s how fickle the industry is. That’s how indispensable people are. Anything can happen and he knows that. Mine has been a lot of personal experience and I’ve seen my Dad go through a lot. I overcompensate personally. I’ll come extra early to places. I’m so happy I’ve this chance, I’m the most starstruck person in a room.”

She even added that just because her father is an actor she will never say no to a film. “My Dad never did a Dharma film, my Dad never went on Koffee with Karan. It isn’t as easy people say it is. Everyone has their own journey.”

Siddhant Chaturvedi had a befitting reply to this. Acknowledging that everyone has their own struggle, the Gully Boy actor said, “But difference yahi hai ki jahan hamare sapne poore hotein hai, wahan inka struggle shuru hota hai (The difference is that where our dreams get fulfilled that’s where their struggles begin).”

Watch the clip:

Ananya Pandey complaining about nepotism and Sidhant Chaturvedi ending her existence with one line 😭 look at her reaction lol pic.twitter.com/hX2R7Jc1F7

— Devdas (@shahrukhdevdas) January 1, 2020

This gave rise to the debate around nepotism and privilege in Bollywood. Here’s what netizens had to say:

Nepotism in Bollywood is absolutely despicable.

By the way, we think Rahul Gandhi should be made Prime Minister of India because his father, grandmother and great grandfather were PMs. 🙄🤔🤐

— Amit Chaturvedi (@Amit_knc) January 2, 2020

Rememebr Sara Ali Khan talking about how she begged Rohit Shetty to take her in Simmba and how none of her parents approached on her behalf. She was 'dedicated', as per Rohit Shetty. The fact that you have the platform to put yourself across to such big names is what #Nepotism.

— Chhaya Sharma (@draamchi) January 2, 2020

Anyone who defends Privelege & nepotism with 'still hardwork' 'extra struggle' 'over compensate' or 'being punished for having a good start' should watch this

Well said @SiddhantChturvD 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽#fb https://t.co/ZjtUpRW6Sy

— Yogesh B (@yog8sh) January 2, 2020

Social media is brutal. Nepotism is a well-known accepted way of life in Bollywood. That is very common in business and politics too. These star kids don't need to defend it. They sound stupid when they try to do it. Poor #AnanyaPanday #Bollywood

— Ashish Srivastava (@ashishct) January 2, 2020

Now someone should keep her/himself in her shoes to feel the stress & think kiske sapne pure ho rahe hain aur kiska struggle shuru ho raha hai. Not defending nepotism or proving @SiddhantChturvD wrong but only saying that the girl can't wish away her being @RajeevMasand

— Varun (@varunsin) January 2, 2020