Ananya Panday EXCLUSIVE: From How ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’ Transformed her as a Person to Offering Powerful Advices for Friends Sara, Janhvi & More!

Kho Gaye Hum Kahan! A sensational youth film that has recently strongly resonated with the audience due to its relatable storyline, depicting the ongoing experiences in the lives of many young boys and girls. The film revolves around the themes of friendship tribe featuring compelling characters portrayed by three lead actors - Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Adarsh Gourav.

Among the talented cast, one who stands out with her outstanding performance is none other than Ananya Panday! This sweet and cute woman has captured the hearts of many through her remarkable presence and earned her the limelight that we all were eagerly anticipating. The film, released on OTT, has propelled her into the spotlight, and her stellar performance deserves all the appreciation it receives.

Celebrating the heartfelt acclaim for her role in 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan,' Ananya Panday engaged in an exclusive chat with us, sharing a lot of insights from her professional to personal life by offering powerful bits of advice to her real-life friends. 

Spilling the beans on how 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan' changed her as a person, overcoming toxic traits in life and the lessons she learned for self-improvement. From spending quality time with her girl tribe, including Suhana Khan and Shanaya Khan, to participating with us in a game of offering advice—“Sara, I say, do not simply say what you feel…”—she also expresses her wish to see Janhvi Kapoor take on more commercial dance songs, praising her mind-blowing performance in the much-loved and sizzling 'Nadiyon Paar'. Read the full interview to discover more.

Did you expect 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’ would be such a huge hit, how’s it feeling?

“I had a couple of films released on OTT – ‘Khaali Peeli’ and ‘Gehraiyaan,’ both released on OTT. Even with this film, I had a sense that even if it had come to theatres, a lot of people would have loved it and resonated with it.

When we went on the film set – from the start when we read the script, did workshops, or had readings and rehearsals – since then, we all had this feeling that it would be a very special film because everything aligned. All of us, as actors, were able to give that time and respect to workshops and preparations. Every department of the film was phenomenal. They were all filled with people, super experienced but also with young individuals who had something to contribute to this film. Because this film needs that sort of young energy and a perspective on what this generation is going through.

So, it was one of those stars-aligning scenes where everything just worked out for the best, and we always felt very proud of this film even before its release. It was like, no matter what the fate of the film would be, we made a film that we are happy with, that we love, and that we are very proud of. Maybe that’s what translated.”

Ananya is very elated at the realization that, while growing up and watching films, she used to relate to certain Bollywood characters. Now, some young boys and girls can connect with her and her character, Ahana, in ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan.’

“I’m happy. I think, for me, it’s more about the fact that people feel seen and represented by Ahana; they could connect. Because growing up, when I used to watch films, I used to see Aditi in ‘Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na’ or Kalki as Aditi in ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’—that slightly tomboyish girl—and I used to relate so much to them. So, the fact about Ahana could connect and relate with a young girl or young boy out there, it feels very comforting.”

If Ananya Panday could identify one toxic trait in herself, what would it be, and have you taken steps to change it or planning to change it?

“It is very similar to Ahana (her ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’ character). I have a very validation-seeking side, so I can become a little needy sometimes. I need to know, ‘Is everything okay? Are you okay with my performance? Did you like this or that?’ Sometimes what I’m trying to get better at is not basing myself so much on someone else’s opinion. It is very similar to Ahana’s journey.”

ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: “I Stopped Caring…,” Ananya Panday Opens About Overcoming a Toxic Trait Linked to People’s Opinion & Social Media!

Have you ever sought validation or attention by attempting to validate yourself through social media?

“In general, I used to see before, when I post pictures on Instagram and be like, ‘Who messaged me?’ or ‘What are the comments?’ or ‘What are the likes?’ or ‘Who all have reacted to it?’ and get very upset if it didn’t reach that many likes. But I’ve actually realized that I stopped caring about this, and I’m so happy because it was a very toxic and sad way to go.”

From each movie you’ve undertaken, leading up to ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan,’ each one has seemingly left a mark on you, both as an actor and as a person. Up to this point, what is that one thing that ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’ has left on you?

“As an actor, it really did show me the importance of preparation because even though it seems like a film where we are playing versions of ourselves or an urban film, a lot of prep went into it. Such extensive preparation didn’t happen for any film other than this movie. Hence, valuing that or trying to inculcate that in every film I do – having a very solid backstory, focusing on things that are not even on the screen but you work on them, it will show eventually on-screen.

And as a person, not being so harsh on myself. I got better with that after this film – being easy and not worrying about what someone else is thinking of you.”

ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Ananya Panday Shares How 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan' Strongly Changed Her as a Person – “I Got Better with that...”

As the film revolves around friendship, echoing sentiments that resonate with various friendship clans and tribes, towards the end, you mentioned, ‘Find your tribe and be with them, get validation from them because they will give it to you without asking.’ In your tribe, consisting of Suhana and Shanaya, when you all are in masti mode, how do you typically spend your time together?

"It’s very simple for us: just chilling, talking, eating, or watching old episodes of Koffee With Karan… that’s our best way to spend time with each other. But it has become really hard now because we are all working. Amidst such a busy schedule, when we had a get-together at my new home for dinner and expressed how happy and proud they were for me.

In the end, it’s just about spending quality time and knowing what is going on in their lives. I see what Suhana is doing or what Shanaya is up to because of social media, but actually knowing what’s going on in their lives and talking about it is important."

ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Ananya Panday Offers Advice for Friends, "To Sara, I say, do not simply say what you feel…” & Opens on how her Tribe, Suhana-Shanaya, Spend Time Together!

Ahana appears to be an empath and a problem solver, as we see throughout the movie. If you were to give one piece of advice to your respective friends then what it would be?

Suhana Khan – "Don't let things get to your heart so easily."

Shanaya Kapoor – “Shanaya is very strong and solid. To her, I would advice, don’t be so hard on yourself.”

Janhvi Kapoor – “I want to see Janhvi in a super commercial dance song, advice her to do more songs. As she was fantastic in ‘Nadiyon Paar’."

Sara Ali Khan – “I give too much advice to Sara, to her I would say “Do not simply say what you feel all the time”.”

Tiger Shroff – “I would advice him to have a cheat meal.”

Tara Sutaria – “I want to sing her a lot more and release an album”.

Since its release on December 26, 2023, 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan' has been making waves on Netflix, offering a heartwarming conclusion to the year and a great start to the new one. The film, directed by Arjun Varain Singh and written by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, explores the journey of three friends navigating their goals and relationships amidst the pressures of social media.

Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, and Farhan Akhtar under the banners of Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby Films, the movie has become a comfort watch for audiences. In addition to the stellar cast, including Kalki Koechlin, Anya Singh, and Rohan Gurbaxani, the movie promises an engaging storyline and relatable themes.

Watch it now, if you haven’t done so yet – streaming on Netflix!

Watch the Full Interview here below: