Indian actor Ananya Panday added another milestone to her career after Chanel named her its fragrance and beauty ambassador for India this week.

In a recent interview, she described the recognition as a “dream come true,” while reflecting on her personal and professional evolution over the years. Ananya said she now feels more comfortable in her own skin compared to the early phase of her career, marking a clear shift in her journey in the public eye.

Speaking about beauty, she linked it to early memories at home, recalling how her mother and grandmother experimented with makeup and colour. She also shared that she first discovered makeup by playing with it on her grandmother’s face.

The actor acknowledged the ongoing pressure of beauty standards in the entertainment industry, admitting that insecurities still exist despite public perception. She added that her current approach to beauty is more natural and relaxed, preferring authenticity over constantly polished appearances off-screen.

On her professional growth, Ananya highlighted her transition from being labelled a “Gen Z star kid” to establishing her credibility through recent projects such as Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and CTRL.

She also spoke about dealing with criticism, online trolling, and the nepotism debate, saying she relies on solitude and self-awareness to filter external noise. She added that she has learned to distinguish between excessive noise and constructive criticism, allowing her to manage public scrutiny better while maintaining focus on her work.

Reflecting on the scale of her Chanel association, she said she is mindful not to let the magnitude of the achievement overshadow her individuality. “Representing India on a global scale for me is always such a proud feeling,” she said.

She added that she wants her work with the brand to feel expansive, centred on emotional connection rather than image. “I want people to experience joy with beauty,” she noted, adding firmly, “I want to be remembered for being myself.”