Bollywood actress Ananya Panday has been making waves with the release of her debut web series ‘Call Me Bae,’ which started streaming on Amazon Prime Video on September 6. This significant milestone in her career coincides with the festive occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, a beloved Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Ananya Panday, in a heartfelt gesture, welcomed Lord Ganesha into her home, thus blending the joy of her professional achievement with cultural traditions.
Taking to Instagram, Ananya shared intimate moments of her family’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The caption, “Welcome home Bappppa,” resonated with her followers, who were treated to a visual feast of vibrant and festive photographs showcasing her family’s devotion and excitement. This post garnered significant attention, with fans and well-wishers lauding the actress for her cultural adherence.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day extravaganza that begins on the fourth day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month ‘Bhadrapada.’ This festival, also known as ‘Vinayak Chaturthi’ or ‘Vinayak Chavithi,’ celebrates Lord Ganesha, the ‘God of New Beginnings,’ the ‘Remover of Obstacles,’ and the deity of wisdom and intelligence. The celebrations are particularly grand in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, where millions of devotees gather at mandals to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha. The festive period involves bringing intricately crafted idols of Lord Ganesha into homes, observing fasts, preparing delightful delicacies, and visiting pandals adorned with elaborate decorations.
On the professional front, Ananya Panday’s OTT debut with ‘Call Me Bae’ marks a significant step in her acting career. Speaking about the project, Ananya expressed her excitement and satisfaction with the role. “From the get-go, I knew ‘Call Me Bae’ was a project I wanted to be a part of. Even without having heard the script, I knew this was going to be something special. As an actor, it is always exciting and rewarding to play a multi-layered character like Bae. There’s more to Bae than what meets the eye, and that is what makes her journey from heiress to hustler compelling and intriguing.
. Despite the challenges she faces, she remains true to herself, retaining her innocence and zest for life. This authenticity is what drew me to the role,” Ananya shared.
The series ‘Call Me Bae’ begins by showcasing Bae’s opulent lifestyle in New Delhi. However, her glamorous world comes crashing down when she is disowned by her family. The narrative then shifts to Mumbai’s bustling streets, where Bae has to adapt to her new reality. The audience gets to witness Bae’s transition from navigating public transportation to coping with the demanding life of a journalist in Mumbai. The upbeat music accompanying these scenes sets a dynamic pace, making Bae’s journey both engaging and relatable.
Ananya Panday leads the ensemble cast as Bella Bae Chowdhary, supported by actors Vir Das, Gurfateh Pirzada, Varun Sood, Vihaan Samat, Muskkaan Jaferi, Niharika Lyra Dutt, Lisa Mishra, and Mini Mathur. The series is the brainchild of Dharmatic Entertainment, overseen by Executive Producers Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra. The writing team comprises Ishita Moitra, Samina Motlekar, and Rohit Nair, with Collin D’Cunha helming the directorial responsibilities.
Ananya Panday’s simultaneous celebration of ‘Call Me Bae’ and Ganesh Chaturthi has indeed made this period unforgettable for her and her fans. Not only has she marked a significant milestone in her acting journey, but she has also embraced her cultural roots, reflecting a beautiful blend of personal beliefs and professional achievements.
In a world where the boundaries between personal and professional lives can often blur, Ananya Panday’s celebratory act sets a precedent of how one can pay homage to cultural traditions while basking in the glory of career milestones. Her heartfelt welcome of Lord Ganesha serves as a reminder of the importance of staying grounded and connected to one’s roots, even amidst the euphoria of newfound success.
With inputs from ANI.
