Ananya Panday recently shared a powerful piece of acting advice she received from Shah Rukh Khan that completely changed her approach to emoting grief on screen. The young actress revealed this gem during her appearance at IFP Season 15, where she decoded how the superstar taught her to portray one of the most difficult emotions with natural ease and authenticity.
In addition to his movies and impeccable screen presence, Shah Rukh Khan is loved for his words of wisdom. The actor who has been part of the industry for decades knows almost every trick of the trade. Therefore, several young stars often reach out to him or look up to the King for guidance, and Ananya was fortunate enough to receive this invaluable lesson directly from the legend himself.
SRK’s Formula For Emoting Grief Naturally
Ananya shared that Shah Rukh Khan decoded for her the formula to emote beautifully and naturally in a scene that features someone’s demise. Instead of the conventional approach, he gave her a completely different perspective that makes all the difference.
“Shah Rukh sir had actually told me once that when there’s a scene where someone dies, instead of thinking about that person being dead, think about how life would be without that person,” she revealed. The actress elaborated further, saying, “Think about continuing life, but that person is not there anymore. Or think about the happy moments with that person, and that will make you sad.”
This technique shifts the focus from death itself to the absence and emptiness that follows, creating a more relatable and emotionally resonant performance. By thinking about life continuing without someone rather than their death, actors can tap into genuine feelings of loss and sadness that translate powerfully on screen.
Ananya On Cousin Ahaan’s Saiyaara Success
During the same session, Ananya shared another interesting anecdote about her cousin Ahaan Panday and his debut film Saiyaara. She recalled how nervous Ahaan was just days before the release, with nobody even knowing that the film was coming out or who the newcomers were.
“I remember speaking to Ahaan like 3 to 4 days before the film was coming out. And he was just like, I don’t know what’s gonna happen. I hope people watch my film. And I was like, yeah yeah, people will watch it,” Ananya recounted. What happened next shocked everyone, as Saiyaara opened to Rs 22 crores and made history, becoming one of the highest grossing films of 2025.
The actress used this example to emphasize the unpredictability of the film industry. “Time has changed so much. You really don’t know what is going to work and what’s not going to work. So you really have to just do your best as an actor. For me, success would be just being the best possible actor that I can be,” she stated.
About Ananya Panday’s Upcoming Film
Ananya Panday will next be seen in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri opposite Kartik Aaryan. The romantic comedy is already making noise for the lead pair’s chemistry and vibrant vibe. Directed by Sameer Vidwans and produced by Dharma Productions, the film releases in cinemas on December 25, 2025. More updates on the film’s promotions are awaited.
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