Beyond his blockbuster films and charismatic screen persona, Shah Rukh Khan is revered in Bollywood for his profound wisdom and mentorship. With decades of experience, the superstar has become a guiding light for many newcomers in the industry. Young actors frequently seek his counsel, hoping to learn from the 'King Khan's' vast reservoir of knowledge. Actress Ananya Panday recently joined this list, revealing a piece of invaluable advice she received from the icon, which she credits for helping her tackle some of the most challenging emotional scenes.
Shah Rukh Khan's Formula for Authentic Emotion
During her appearance at IFP Season 15, Ananya Panday opened up about a specific acting lesson imparted by Shah Rukh Khan. The advice focused on the difficult task of portraying grief in scenes involving death. According to Ananya, Shah Rukh Khan suggested a nuanced shift in perspective to achieve a more natural and powerful performance.
"Shah Rukh sir had actually told me once... I could be saying this completely wrong, but this is what I remember," Ananya recounted. "He had once told me 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 elaborated that the key is to focus on the absence and the continuation of life without the departed individual. "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," she shared, highlighting how this technique helps evoke genuine sadness rather than a forced performance.
Ananya on Ahaan Panday's Nerve-Wracking Debut
The conversation at the event also took a personal turn as Ananya spoke about her cousin, actor Ahaan Panday. She recalled a heartfelt conversation with him just days before the release of his debut film, 'Saiyaara', in 2025. Ahaan was filled with the typical pre-release jitters, uncertain about how his work would be received by the audience.
"Even with my brother Ahaan's film, Saiyaara, before that, no one even knew that this film was coming out. No one knew Ahaan. No one knew Aneet [director]," Ananya said. "And I remember speaking to Ahaan like 3–4 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.'"
The outcome, however, was historic. The film defied expectations, opening to an astounding ₹22 crores and quickly securing its place among the highest-grossing Bollywood films of 2025. Ahaan Panday became a household name overnight. Reflecting on this, Ananya noted the unpredictable nature of the film industry. "They made history. 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.
What's Next for Ananya Panday?
On the work front, Ananya Panday is gearing up for her next project, a romantic comedy titled 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri'. The film pairs her with popular actor Kartik Aaryan, and early reports suggest their on-screen chemistry is already creating a significant buzz among fans and industry circles alike. The film is highly anticipated and adds to Ananya's growing portfolio of diverse roles.
The anecdotes shared by Ananya Panday underscore the enduring influence of veterans like Shah Rukh Khan in shaping the next generation of Bollywood talent. His advice transcends simple technique, offering a deeper, more human approach to acting that resonates with young artists navigating the complexities of their craft.
