Bollywood actress Ananya Panday recently made headlines at the IIFA Awards by expressing her admiration for Pakistani actors Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan.

In an interview, Ananya shared her respect for their work, stating, “Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan are two of my absolute favorite Pakistani actors. I admire their work immensely.” Her comments attracted attention on both sides of the border, highlighting the mutual appreciation for acting talent in India and Pakistan.

Ananya also revealed her connection to Mahira Khan, recalling that she worked as an assistant director on Raees—the Shah Rukh Khan and Mahira Khan-starrer—at just 16 years old. While clarifying that her role was an unpaid internship, Ananya noted how this experience gave her invaluable insights into the film industry. She reflected on how working closely with professionals at such a young age helped shape her career, even before her acting debut in Student of the Year 2 in 2019.

Ananya’s acknowledgment of Mahira and Fawad Khan at the IIFA Awards emphasized the cultural connections between India and Pakistan through cinema. Her praise for the two stars resonated with audiences across both countries, demonstrating the ongoing admiration for talent across borders despite political tensions.

Both Fawad and Mahira Khan are celebrated for their work in Pakistani and Indian cinema, with a devoted fan base in India. Ananya’s public admiration for them only further strengthened the cross-border appreciation.

Beyond this, Ananya has also been making waves for the meaningful themes her projects explore. At the India Today Mind Rocks Youth Summit 2024, she spoke about how her work aligns with her personal values, particularly around women’s safety and empowerment. While she tends to avoid political discussions, Ananya expressed pride in her roles that touch on important societal issues, such as her upcoming project Call Me Bae, which addresses women’s empowerment.

Ananya emphasized how her acting roles have allowed her to voice concerns that she may not have felt comfortable addressing in public. “If I could do that through my work, I felt like that also had a large impact,” she shared.

Reflecting on her journey, Ananya noted the responsibility that comes with being in the public eye in a country where pop culture has a significant influence. She expressed her commitment to choosing roles that align with her values, knowing the impact they have on audiences.