The Rise And Times Of Ananya Panday

When Ananya Panday says she is in control, you believe her. After her turn as the heiress who turns hustler in Call Me Bae, the actor is all set to navigate the dark world of cybercrime in CTLR on Netflix.

Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film delves into the world of social media, and how humans have become slaves to technology. "The intention of doing this really interesting screen life kind of format thriller was an interesting way of telling a story," says Vikramaditya Motwane. "The idea of data, advertising, and stuff has become a conversation now, at least in pop culture. Are we sharing things or are we doing it for profit? CTLR is a way of having that conversation."

With nearly 25.5 million followers on Instagram, Ananya Panday's social currency and social media influence are undeniable. But is her stardom directly proportional to it? She responds in the negative.

"When you are in the thick of social media, you start feeling it's your entire world," says Ananya Panday. "But I have often seen it doesn't translate into people going into watching your films. You have to see stardom and social currency as two different worlds. Your popularity on social media does not mean that people will come to watch your work. I see my social media audience as separate, yes they can help me promote my film, but to get people to watch my work is part of my job."

Though she confesses being in the public gaze makes it difficult to keep her life private. "One tries to keep personal aspects of one's life away from the public glare. But one does not succeed all the time, there is always someone or the other crossing the line," she adds resignedly.

No stranger to scrutiny and being judged, Ananya says she is well aware that people come with their preconceived notions about her. "It has taken me time, for people to cut me some slack, and notice me for the kind of work I am doing. I think everything has happened at the right time, and I'm happy that I went through that journey I did, it has made me a stronger person," she says.

Vikramaditya Motwane further adds he was impressed with her dedication and patience on set. "She is genuinely one of the best, and I was happy to see my assumptions and presumptions being broken while working with her," he says.

Ananya Panday won hearts for her performance as a young woman caught in a murky love triangle in Gehraiyaan. Her emotive performance as Ahana, a successful professional dealing with a broken heart in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, won accolades. The actor credits it to being a bit more confident in her skin.

"I think it's about belief," she says. "At the start, I was also young and very nervous. I didn't know what the right thing to do was, nor did I believe in myself that much. I have had to kind of build that confidence not only in myself, but also instill that confidence in the makers and creators myself. And that made me feel a lot more sure about the craft I'm working with some incredible people, and I get to learn so much from them every single day."

With Gehraiyan, even though it was not a big part, Shakun Batra gave me a lot to do, and when you do that much, it sets a benchmark that yes you can do this as well. Now I want to do more and won't settle for anything less. I want to keep challenging myself and see how much more I can improve myself.

"I am no longer as self-conscious as I was before and am learning to love myself every day and be more confident," she says.

CTLR premieres on October 4 on Netflix.