Why Is Ananya Panday's Chand Mera Dil Bharatnatyam Dance Receiving Backlash

With

Chand Mera Dil, Ananya Panday slipped into the role of an undergraduate engineering student, who is also a Bharatnatyam danseuse. Her character, Chandni Prasad, is introduced with a dance performance. The classical and robotic fusion performance left Lakshya’s on-screen character, Aarav, stunned. Ananya’s dance has now become the talk of the town. Chand Mera Dil has released in theatres and has received mixed reactions so far. A section of netizens has reacted to the actress’ dance and is divided in their opinions. While some enjoyed the fusion choreography, others were disappointed with the Bharatnatyam steps and their execution.

Ananya Panday's Bharatnatyam dance in Chand Mera Dil draws criticism

In Chand Mera Dil, Ananya’s character Chandni takes the centre stage on the first day of college. Lakshya’s Aarav is initially clueless about what’s coming ahead. When Chandni begins her Bharatnatyam, Aarav is judgemental. But as she shifts to a modern beat, he is impressed. Their love story begins there. One netizen remarked, “As a Kathak dancer myself, it genuinely hurts to watch such a mockery of divine Bharatanatyam… We know the years of discipline, riyaaz, grace, & dedication it takes to learn these classical art forms…they are far beyond costumes, expressions, & aesthetics… Classical dance deserves respect & dignity!” Another commented on X, “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.”

Another person wrote, “That dance is bad. Like really bad. But I feel makers should be blamed more than the artist. You just can't put an actor in a spot to perform Bharatnatyam who is not trained enough for it.”

Netizens defend Ananya Panday

Defending Ananya, one wrote, “Bro, relax! this is a movie ..she is not performing live as Bharatnatyam dancer. If we go by your logic ..NO actors should play Gods, Soldiers, Doctors, Biopic of Legends ever.” Another comment read, “She is just an actor, blame the choreographer. Tbh she is a good dancer. She did improve a lot in terms of acting. I’m not her fan but just stating facts.”

About Chand Mera Dil

Chand Mera Dil, directed by Vivek Soni, follows the story of two engineering students who struggle to keep their relationship and marriage afloat while raising a child in their early 20s. Chand Mera Dil’s total India gross collection after three days is Rs 13.23 crore, and total India net collection is Rs 11.10 crore. According to Sacnilk, the film’s worldwide gross collection stands at Rs 14.73 crore.DISCLAIMER: The article is a compilation of thoughts posted by netizens and satire doing the rounds on the subject. Ideas expressed do not reflect the view of Times Network.