Ananya Panday has recently opened up about her school days and her experiences with fellow actor Sara Ali Khan. Despite both being prominent figures in Bollywood now, their relationship wasn’t always warm. Ananya candidly shared how she used to be “terrified” of Sara when they were in school together, describing Sara as a force to be reckoned with.
School Days: A Different Dynamic
In a heartfelt conversation, Ananya revealed that Sara was three years her senior. This age gap, combined with Sara’s outspoken personality, left a lasting impression on young Ananya. “She was like the myth—Sara Ali Khan. I would actually hide from her in school because I was terrified,” Ananya admitted.
Ananya’s fear of Sara wasn’t unfounded. She described Sara as someone who was not afraid to speak her mind, saying, “If she was walking down a certain staircase, I would walk from the other staircase.” This avoidance behavior stemmed from Sara’s straightforward and candid nature, which Ananya found intimidating.
The “Ae Girl” Incident
Ananya fondly recalled a specific incident that showcased the dynamic between them during their school years. Although they did not know each other well, they acted in a school play together. Ananya played a smaller role, holding an umbrella for Sara. However, to her surprise, Sara didn’t even know her name. Instead, she would call out to her with, “Ae girl, come here.”
“It’s not because my name started with A; she didn’t even know that,” Ananya chuckled, reflecting on the memory. She noted that while Sara may not have been aware of her, the nickname certainly made an impression. Ananya remarked, “Now when I tell her, she says, ‘What rubbish! I treated you so well,’ but she didn’t even know my name.”
From Fear to Friendship
Despite their rocky start, Ananya and Sara’s relationship has evolved positively over the years. Thanks to their shared career in Bollywood, they’ve grown closer. Ananya highlighted how Sara has been incredibly welcoming since they both entered the industry.
“Now we’ve become friends. She debuted a year before I did, and she was very welcoming,” Ananya said. “She was always like, ‘Let’s go for lunch.’ She’s really made an effort to be friends.”
Their friendship was further showcased when they appeared together on filmmaker Karan Johar’s popular talk show, Koffee With Karan. The chemistry between them was evident, reflecting their genuine bond that has blossomed since their school days.
The Evolution of Their Bond
It’s interesting to see how time can change perceptions and relationships. Ananya’s initial fear of Sara transformed into admiration and camaraderie. Ananya emphasized that Sara’s approachability and willingness to connect made a significant difference in their relationship.
Reflecting on how far they’ve come, Ananya shared, “It’s funny how life works out. The person I was scared of in school has become one of my friends in the industry.”
Conclusion: Celebrating Friendships in the Industry
Ananya Panday’s reflections on her school days with Sara Ali Khan serve as a reminder that relationships can evolve in unexpected ways. What started as fear and intimidation blossomed into a strong friendship grounded in mutual respect and understanding.
Their journey from being schoolmates to becoming friends in Bollywood highlights the importance of open-mindedness and communication in building relationships. As they navigate their careers in the spotlight, it’s inspiring to see how they support each other as friends.
