Ananya Panday’s Bharatanatyam fusion scene in 'Chand Mera Dil' sparks debate online
Ananya Panday faces backlash: Ananya Panday is making headlines for her recentky released film 'Chand Mera Dil' along with Lakshya. Though the film is getting mixed reactions, Ananya Pandey is facing backlash online after social media users resurfaced clips from her latest film, Chand Mera Dil. The clips, featuring a Bharatanatyam-inspired fusion performance, quickly went viral and triggered criticism from viewers and classical dance enthusiasts alike.
The film stars Ananya opposite Lakshya and follows the story of two aspiring engineers, Chandni and Aarav, as they navigate love, heartbreak, emotional baggage, and the complexities of long-term relationships. The controversial dance sequence appears during a college orientation scene, where Chandni performs a fusion routine that leaves Aarav mesmerised.
Several users on X criticised the performance, with many arguing that the sequence lacked the grace, technique, and expressive storytelling traditionally associated with Bharatanatyam.
One user wrote, “AnanyaPandey’s Bharatanatyam = cultural desecration in designer lehenga. Ananya, Bharatanatyam survived 2000 years of history. It didn’t survive for you to butcher it. Stick to ramps and leave sacred arts for those who actually train. Talentless nepo cosplay at it’s worst.”
Ananya pandey's "Bharatnatyam " shows how the industry is insensitive to classical arts, how they mock it and the audacity to put it up publicly on a screen. Unfortunately in India there is no mechanism to sue those who mock classical arts. Its very fluid which makes anyone do…
— krithika sivaswamy (@krithikasivasw) May 24, 2026
Another social media user compared Ananya’s performance with Sai Pallavi’s Bharatanatyam sequence in Shyam Singha Roy, praising Sai Pallavi’s technical precision and expressive abhinaya.
A separate post mocking the performance read, “Bharatnatyam was founded in 200 BCE and ended with Ananya Pandey in 2026.”
Despite the criticism surrounding the dance number, viewers have simultaneously praised the lead actors for handling the film’s emotionally charged narrative and bringing depth to their characters.
Ananya pandey's "Bharatnatyam " shows how the industry is insensitive to classical arts, how they mock it and the audacity to put it up publicly on a screen. Unfortunately in India there is no mechanism to sue those who mock classical arts. Its very fluid which makes anyone do…
— krithika sivaswamy (@krithikasivasw) May 24, 2026
Much of the backlash, however, appears rooted in audiences treating the sequence as a traditional Bharatanatyam recital, while the film itself presents it as a stylised fusion performance.
Another user shared a screengrab from the film and commented, “Someone needs to stop Ananya Panday ji before she further destroys Bharatanatyam. The audacity to have a Nataraja idol in the background and perform like this...”
Reacting to the controversy, celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer Anita Ratnam also criticised the sequence.
She wrote, “Watching this clip felt like Bharatanatyam being held hostage by a catastrophic misunderstanding of the form. Somewhere between the flailing arms and random camera moves, the dance quietly packed its bags and exited the building.”
Directed by Vivek Soni and backed by Dharma Productions, Chand Mera Dil released in theatres on May 22.
The screenplay has been written by Akshat Ghildial, Rahul Nanda, and Tushar Paranjape. The supporting cast includes Resad Ajim, Aastha Singh, Pratham Rathod, Ankur Poddar, and Elvis Jose.
At its core, the film traces the evolving relationship between Chandni and Aarav, charting their journey from the excitement of first love to the emotional realities that challenge their bond.
- PTC PUNJABI
