Ananya Panday praises Deepika Padukone’s influence in cinema: 'I idolised her growing up...'

Ananya Panday praises Deepika Padukone’s influence in cinema: 'I idolised her growing up...'

• Deepika Padukone ranked No. 1 heroine in Indian cinema poll
• Ananya Panday praises Deepika for inspiring her ambition and authority
• Deepika praised for redefining ambition for women in the industry

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Deepika Padukone continues to stand tall as one of the most influential and powerful actors in Indian cinema today. Over the years, she has built a career that balances box office success with critical acclaim, while also shaping conversations around ambition, professionalism and self-worth. Her journey has never been limited to stardom alone. It has also been about clarity, discipline and the courage to define her own space in an industry that has not always been kind to outspoken women.

A recent poll ranking the top heroines of Indian cinema further reinforced her stature, placing her at the No. 1 spot as the Heroine of Indian Cinema. The recognition reflects not just her popularity, but also the strong emotional connection she shares with audiences across generations.

Among those who have consistently expressed admiration for Deepika is Ananya Panday. The younger actor has often credited Deepika for influencing the way she views ambition and authority in the film industry.

Speaking about her own drive, Ananya said, “I’m very ambitious, but not ambitious at the cost of wanting to pull someone else down. I know exactly what I want to do. I admire how Deepika Padukone has done it. The choices she’s made, the boundaries she’s set for herself — has paved the way for so many girls coming after her. I like that we can have such an impact on other women in the industry and also women who are watching us. My favourite part about our job is the influence we have, the impact cinema can make on people.”

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Ananya has also spoken about observing Deepika closely while working with her on Gehraiyaan. Recalling the experience, she shared, “Deepika, as you said I idolised her growing up, she the most beautiful woman ever and she’s such a brave actor. She is the first female superstar that I worked with, and I saw her on Gehraiyaan, she was so clear about how the set is run, things she needs an actor on a set to give the best that she can in that moment. I was like okay. This is how to conduct myself. You know as a girl you can step up and you can ask and you’ll get what you want. So yeah, that’s what I learnt from Deepika.”

Such praise from contemporaries highlights Deepika’s larger-than-life presence, not just as a performer but as a role model who has reshaped how ambition and authority are perceived for women in cinema.

With major projects like King and filmmaker Atlee’s next directorial venture in the pipeline, Deepika Padukone’s reign at the top appears stronger than ever.