Ananya Panday On Being Called ‘Chicken Legs’ and ‘Flat Chest’ In School & Why We Must Talk About It

Bullying is often dismissed as harmless banter, but for actress Ananya Panday, it left scars that linger to this day. Speaking at Barkha Dutt‘s We The Women event, the actress opened up about being bullied in school, revealing the hurtful nicknames she endured, such as hunchback, flat chest, chicken legs, and hairy. “It did affect my self-confidence. It still does today,” she admitted, showing vulnerability rarely associated with Bollywood stars.

What’s striking about Ananya’s story is its relatability. For someone viewed through a glamorous lens, her candid admission highlights the universality of bullying. Beyond the playground insults, Ananya also faced baseless rumors about her education. “People said I lied about where I went to school, and when I saw others believe those rumors, it really upset me,” she shared. Her story is a poignant reminder of the long shadow bullying casts, even on those who seem to have it all.

The Weight of Words: Ananya’s Painful Experience

Ananya’s journey growing up wasn’t as perfect as it might appear. At We The Women, she spoke of how cruel nicknames became part of her daily life. “The words ‘chicken legs’ or ‘flat chest’ might sound trivial to some, but they chipped away at my confidence bit by bit,” she explained.

These weren’t the only challenges. A fake Instagram account once claimed she had cheated during her exams. “Initially, I thought no one would believe it, but when people did, it hurt me deeply,” she said. The lies weren’t just about her academics; they were a direct attack on her integrity, leaving her to constantly defend herself.

For many, these might seem like the woes of a celebrity, but Ananya’s story reflects the struggles millions face in silence. Her candor is a powerful reminder that fame doesn’t shield anyone from insecurity or the sting of harsh words.

The Role of Therapy

One of the most empowering aspects of Ananya’s journey is her decision to seek therapy. “I think therapy is something everyone should try, even if you feel nothing is wrong,” she shared, normalizing mental health care in a country where it’s still stigmatized.

Therapy became a safe space for her to address not only her past but also the constant scrutiny she faces as a public figure. “It’s not about fixing yourself; it’s about understanding yourself better,” she explained, encouraging others to embrace the process of healing without shame.

Her openness about seeking help sends a vital message: vulnerability is strength. It’s a step toward breaking the silence around mental health, showing that even those in the limelight are human and have their own battles.

Why Ananya’s Story Matters?

Ananya’s revelations resonate because they highlight how damaging bullying and unrealistic societal expectations can be. It’s not just about the hurtful words but about the culture that enables them. Young girls grow up under immense pressure to fit into narrow beauty standards, and any deviation invites ridicule.

Her story also sheds light on the toxic nature of online trolling. For someone already carrying childhood insecurities, the barrage of negativity on social media can be overwhelming. Yet, Ananya’s choice to confront her struggles head-on is a testament to resilience.

By speaking out, she challenges the narrative that celebrities must be invincible. Instead, she presents herself as relatable, reminding us that the fight for self-worth is universal.

Ananya Panday’s story is more than just a celebrity confession; it’s a call to action. Her bravery in addressing her insecurities and her steps toward healing are reminders of what we can all do: be kinder, be empathetic, and, most importantly, hold ourselves accountable for the words we use.

As Ananya said, “Words have power. Even if someone seems okay on the outside, you don’t know what they’re going through.” It’s time we take that lesson to heart and create a world where no one has to carry the weight of someone else’s judgment.

Let’s ask ourselves: Are we being the kind of people who lift others up or tear them down? Because, as Ananya’s journey shows, the scars we leave with our words can last a lifetime—but so can the support we offer.