📌 Key Points
- Ananya Panday’s Bharatanatyam fusion in ‘Chand Mera Dil’ sparked widespread criticism.
- Chunky Panday defended his daughter, stating it was a “fusion” and “misunderstood.”
- Renowned dancer Anita Ratnam called the performance “catastrophic” and lacking technique.
- The film ‘Chand Mera Dil’ has struggled at the box office, grossing ₹13 crore in 5 days.
Bollywood actress Ananya Panday is embroiled in controversy over her Bharatanatyam fusion performance in ‘Chand Mera Dil’. Her father, Chunky Panday, has stepped in to defend her, claiming the performance was misunderstood as a classical recital rather than a creative blend.
Ananya’s Bharatanatyam Fusion Draws Fire
Bollywood actor Ananya Panday recently faced backlash after a clip of her performing a Bharatanatyam fusion routine in Chand Mera Dil went viral on social media. Many users criticised her dance moves, while several Bharatanatyam dancers described the performance as “catastrophic”. Now, Ananya’s father and actor Chunky Panday has defended her amid the criticism.
He further added, “But pure Bharatanatyam requires years and years of rigorous training, almost 20 years of discipline and precision. It’s extremely technical and structured, almost robotic in its movements and expressions. This is a fusion of futuristic, advanced dance forms with elements of traditional dance. It’s a creative blend, not a classical recital. I would request people to watch the film and understand the context before reacting.”
Chunky Panday Clarifies “Misunderstood” Performance
Well-known dancer and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recipient Anita Ratnam reviewed Ananya’s performance and wrote, “Bharatanatyam is built on technique, control, tradition, geometry, musicality and emotional depth. This clip treats it like a wedding sangeet filmed during a mild earthquake.” She further criticised the choreography, adding that it appeared to bulldoze through “centuries of sophistication, training, dedication and devotion”. Several other Bharatanatyam dancers also criticised the moves on social media.
Dance Experts Slam Choreography & Execution
The film opened to mixed reviews from audiences as well as critics, which also reflected in its box office performance. In five days, the film has managed to cross ₹ 13 crore at the box office and is struggling to maintain momentum.
Despite Chunky Panday’s defense, the controversy highlights the delicate balance between artistic fusion and traditional respect. The debate continues as the film struggles at the box office, leaving audiences divided on the performance.
