Ananya Panday’s latest release Chand Mera Dil opened in theatres last Friday and has received positive reviews from critics. However, the actor has also found herself at the centre of online trolling over a Bharatanatyam fusion dance sequence in the film. Now, Charu Shankar, who plays Ananya’s mother in the movie, has reacted to the criticism and defended the intent behind the scene.
Charu Shankar Reacts To Ananya Panday’s Trolling
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Charu addressed the social media backlash surrounding Ananya’s dance sequence and said that while people are free to have opinions about art, trolling crosses a line.
She said, “I think everyone is entitled to their opinion, but trolling is never in good taste. Conversations around
art are valid. Mockery is not.”
Explaining the sequence, Charu said it was never meant to be a traditional Bharatanatyam performance. Instead, it was designed as a contemporary and edgy introduction to Ananya’s character, Chandni.
She added, “The sequence being discussed was always conceived as a contemporary, edgy breakout introduction for Chandni’s character. In the film’s visual storytelling, this moment announces the arrival of a young woman who is not afraid to break the rules.”
Chunky Panday Defends Ananya Panday
While Ananya has not yet responded to the trolling, her father Chunky Panday has defended her. Speaking to ETimes, Chunky said that people have misunderstood the intent of the sequence.
He clarified that the performance was never meant to be purely Bharatanatyam. According to him, it was a fusion act similar to the kind of experimental performances often seen at college cultural events.
He said, “It was a fusion performance, the kind of experimental dance you often see college students perform at social or cultural events.”
Chand Mera Dil Box Office Collection
Meanwhile, Chand Mera Dil has been recording average numbers at the box office. On its seventh day, the film collected Rs 2.20 crore, taking its total collection to Rs 19.45 crore.
The film is reportedly made on a budget of around Rs 30 crore, which means the second week will be crucial for its theatrical run. With no major Bollywood release arriving this week, Chand Mera Dil may get some breathing space at the box office.
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