26 May,2026 05:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Chunky Panday and Ananya Panday (Pics/Instagram)
Ananya Panday and Lakshya's Chand Mera Dil recently released in theatres. The actors are praised for their impeccable act and for bringing emotional depth to the story. However, Ananya is facing criticism after a Bharatanatyam dance sequence went viral on social media. Chunky Panday has reacted to the backlash, clarifying that the performance was a fusion act and not traditional Bharatanatyam.
In an interview with ETimes, Chunky addressed the backlash surrounding Ananya's dance sequence in Chand Mera Dil and said, "I think people completely misunderstood it. It was never meant to be pure Bharatanatyam. It was a fusion performance, the kind of experimental dance you often see college students perform at social or cultural events. People assumed it was traditional Bharatanatyam and started judging it from that lens."
He further added, "But pure Bharatanatyam requires years and years of rigorous training, almost 20 years of discipline and precision. It's extremely technical and structured, almost robotic in its movements and expressions. This is a fusion of futuristic, advanced dance forms with elements of traditional dance. It's a creative blend, not a classical recital. I would request people to watch the film and understand the context before reacting."
In the video, her character is seen performing a Bharatanatyam-fusion dance on stage at a college event, while Lakshya's character watches her in admiration. However, the internet was quick to react, with many users claiming that the choreography and execution did not do justice to Bharatanatyam. Sharing the clip, one user wrote, "Ananya Panday has literally turned Bharatanatyam into Bharta. Instead of proper mudras, we got robot arms."
Chand Mera Dil is directed by Vivek Soni. The romance drama follows a young couple who fall in love in college, but an unexpected pregnancy turns their lives upside down. Will they part ways or stay together? The question forms the premise of this intense love saga. In five days, the film has managed to cross Rs 13 crore at the box office.
On the work front for Chunky Panday, he is currently awaiting the release of his upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. Helmed by David Dhawan, the film stars Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde in lead roles.
