When Ananya Panday made her debut in Bollywood, there were some inevitable comparisons with another one of Karan Johar‘s protégé, Alia Bhatt. Both the pretty ladies are star kids who got their big break with Student Of The Year and Student Of The Year 2.
While Alia’s career graph has scaled new heights ever since her first film, Ananya’s is yet to take flight. The latter’s future prospects look bright though, and she has a bunch of films such as Khaali Peeli and Pati Patni Aur Woh in her kitty.
During an interaction with Hindustan Times, Ananya was all praises for the senior actress. She said:
(But) it’s not as if I am trying to imitate or be like someone in particular. Obviously, Alia is a huge source of inspiration. In fact, what I have learned from Alia is that she never claimed to be perfect from the start. She was raw in her first film and then she grew from there and people could see that evolution.
Ananya also told PTI that she considers Alia her inspiration:
I look up to Alia so much. She has always been my idol. When she came in with Student Of The Year, she was raw and fresh and people saw her grow. I’ve been inspired by her growth.
Alia has definitely been an inspiration for a lot of people. She has proved that privilege gets you places but hard work is what puts you right on top. Amirite, guys?!