Ananya Panday faces backlash over a Bharatanatyam sequence in Chand Mera Dil, with social media users calling the performance “robotic” and “disrespectful.”
Ananya Panday’s Bharatanatyam Performance: Ananya Panday is facing a wave of criticism on social media after a Bharatanatyam-inspired dance sequence from her latest film Chand Mera Dil went viral online. The romantic drama, also starring Lakshya, released last Friday and has received a lukewarm response at the box office, but it is the film’s dance sequences that have now become the centre of discussion.
In the film, Ananya Panday’s character Chandni is shown performing a fusion-style Bharatanatyam routine in two key moments — once during her college introduction scene and later at an alumni meet. The choreography blends classical dance elements with modern styling, a creative choice that has divided audiences.
Social Media Reaction Turns Critical
Soon after clips surfaced online, viewers began criticising the performance, calling it “robotic,” “forced,” and lacking authenticity. Many users argued that the portrayal did not do justice to Bharatanatyam, one of India’s oldest classical dance forms.
One widely shared comment read: “Should have had AI do those steps. Would have been better.” Another user wrote, “She is literally making fun of it.” Others expressed stronger disapproval, stating that Bollywood should avoid misrepresenting traditional art forms.
A particularly viral reaction said: “Such a disgrace. Her performance is an insult to the beautiful dance form. Let Bollywood kids stick to western dance styles.”
The hashtag-driven discourse has also revived debates around how mainstream cinema portrays Indian classical arts, especially when fused with contemporary choreography.
Ananya panday has literally turned Bharatanatyam into Bharta.
Instead of proper mudras , we got robot arms , Instead of abhinav expression we got surprise emoji face and..
Instead of footwork it look like a vibrating washing machine it feel like a some Ai took 2 hours of… pic.twitter.com/Org4HNJRsR
— Krisha 🌸 (@KrishaAsiagh) May 24, 2026
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Debate Over Fusion vs Authenticity
While critics argue that the performance undermines the discipline and cultural depth of Bharatanatyam, some viewers believe the sequence was intended as a stylised, cinematic interpretation rather than a strict classical recital.
Dance experts online have also weighed in, noting that Bharatanatyam requires years of rigorous training and that even short cinematic representations should maintain a level of authenticity to avoid misinterpretation.
However, supporters of film choreography argue that Bollywood often blends traditional and modern styles for storytelling purposes, and such creative liberties are common in mainstream cinema.
Film Performance Overshadowed
Although Chand Mera Dil was expected to perform as a youthful romance drama, the controversy surrounding the dance sequence has overshadowed discussions about the film’s storyline and performances.
As of now, neither Ananya Panday nor the film’s makers have issued an official statement addressing the backlash.
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