Bollywood actress Ananya Panday has been receiving widespread praise for her performance in the recent series Call Me Bae. Among her many public appearances, Panday was one of the high-profile attendees at the wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in July. In a candid conversation on The Bombay Journey with Mashable India, the actor spoke about her experience at the wedding and addressed rumors that Bollywood celebrities were compensated for attending the event.
Ananya Responds to Rumours
During the interview, Ananya clarified the speculation regarding Bollywood stars being paid to attend the Ambani wedding. “Nahi (no)! I don’t know why people think that. They are my friends. So obviously, I would dance like that at my friend’s wedding, right?” she said, dismissing the claims with a laugh.
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The wedding, one of the most talked-about events of the year, drew attention not just for its star-studded guest list but also for the grandeur and extravagance of the celebrations.
Lessons from the Wedding
Reflecting on her takeaways from the event, Ananya described the deep connection between the bride and groom as particularly moving. “One big takeaway from the wedding was that so much was happening, but whenever Anant and Radhika would look at each other, it was just pure love. It felt like violins were playing behind them,” she shared. “That’s something I want in life — that no matter how much chaos is around, you and that person share that connection.”
She also remarked on the inclusivity of the celebrations, saying, “They made everyone feel welcome. No matter how many functions there were, they greeted everyone with so much love and warmth. That’s such a great quality because it makes everything feel very personal.”
A Star-Studded Affair
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant tied the knot on July 12, in a ceremony attended by celebrities from across the globe. The guest list included notable figures like Rajinikanth, Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Ranveer Singh, and Priyanka Chopra, many of whom danced at Anant’s baraat. Ananya, along with several other Bollywood personalities, wore specially designed outfits emblazoned with “Anant’s brigade,” further highlighting the personal connection between the Ambanis and their guests.