In a delightful update from the entertainment world, Ananya Panday has been confirmed to make a special appearance in the much-anticipated film ‘Bad Newz,’ directed by Anand Tiwari and starring Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri, and Ammy Virk. The comedy, which has piqued audience interest with its unique premise centered on heteropaternal superfecundation—a condition where a woman conceives twins from two different fathers—has now added a glittering layer by roping in Panday for a cameo appearance.
The news that Ananya Panday joins the ensemble of ‘Bad Newz’ comes on the heels of a prior mid-day report that shared intriguing details about the film’s central theme. This latest development suggests that Panday’s foray into the art-imitating-life role will see her portraying a movie star within the movie’s universe.
Ananya Panday, who found her gateway to fame through the Karan Johar-produced ‘Student of the Year 2’ in 2019, was seen alongside the film’s female lead, Triptii Dimri, at Johar’s office in mid-April, fueling speculation about potential collaboration. That speculation has since been confirmed, with reports indicating that Panday filmed her special appearance scenes on April 19.
Panday’s on-screen portrayal promises to bring a touch of realism to the film, as she steps into the shoes of a film personality. Her character’s arc is interwoven with that of Dimri, who plays a chef in the narrative. The filming of Ananya’s cameo involved a high-energy sequence at a renowned five-star in Juhu, Mumbai, capturing her arrival amidst a frenzied crowd of paparazzi and fans—an all too familiar sight for a movie star of her stature.
“A sequence saw Ananya’s character alight at the hotel, immediately surrounded by a sea of fans and flashlights,” a source close to the production shared. “These moments were followed by another scene with Panday sharing screen space with Dimri, adding a vibrant dynamic to the plot.” Yet, this is not the closing chapter for Panday’s appearance in ‘Bad Newz,’ as she is scheduled to complete the remaining portion of her shoot on May 13.
Ananya Panday’s collaboration with her mentor, Karan Johar, isn’t a new saga: she previously dazzled in the opening song ‘Heartthrob’ in another Johar production, ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.’ Her journey with Johar continues to evolve, with the actor set to make her debut in the digital arena through the web series ‘Call Me Bae.’ In this series, Panday will embody a fashionable heiress facing a downturn in fortune, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Furthermore, Panday is branching out into roles steeped in historical contexts, as she is cast in ‘Shankara’ alongside Akshay Kumar. This represents her initial venture into narratives inspired by true events; more specifically, the project draws from the historical exposé by C Sankaran Nair of General Michael O’Dwyer’s involvement in the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. In ‘Shankara,’ Panday will portray the mentee to Akshay’s lawyer character.
The inclusion of Ananya Panday in this already stellar lineup promises to infuse ‘Bad Newz’ with additional charm and pizzazz. With her track record of scene-stealing performances and her imminent portrayal of a film star within a comedy that playfully explores complex themes, audiences have yet another reason to eagerly await the release of ‘Bad Newz.’ As the film industry continues to craft narratives that surprise and engage, cameo roles like Panday’s serve as delightful reminders of the interconnected worlds of film and reality.
