“I didn’t know I could say no on set, I learnt that from Deepika": Ananya's SURPRISING revelation

When actors share the screen, sometimes the collaboration goes beyond the script. For Ananya Panday, working alongside Deepika Padukone in Gehraiyaan turned out to be one of those defining moments. What began as a professional collaboration slowly became a learning experience that reshaped how Ananya approached her work and her voice on film sets.

In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, the young actor reflected on a turning point in her career when she realised she had the power to question things, express discomfort, and take control of her craft. Interestingly, she credits Deepika for helping her discover that confidence. From finding her voice on set to publicly backing Deepika during the ongoing eight-hour shift debate in the film industry, Ananya’s words highlight a sense of solidarity between the two actors.

Learning To Speak Up In The Early Years

Starting out in the industry at a young age, Ananya admitted that she initially struggled with the idea of saying no. She began acting at 19, and like many newcomers, she was still figuring out the dynamics of a film set.

She explained that during her early projects, she wasn’t always sure whether it was acceptable to question something or express discomfort. Sometimes that meant going along with things she wasn’t entirely sure about, simply because she didn’t know she had the option to refuse.

The actor shared that films live on forever, which makes every decision on screen important. According to her, even a small line or moment can stay with audiences for years and influence how people remember a character. Because of that, she believes actors must think carefully about what they agree to portray. Yet, when she first entered the industry, she didn’t feel confident enough to draw those boundaries. That mindset gradually began to change while she was filming Gehraiyaan.

The Lesson She Took From Deepika Padukone

During the shoot of Gehraiyaan, Ananya closely observed how Deepika approached her work. What struck her was the way Deepika communicated her needs without creating conflict.

Ananya recalled that if Deepika wanted something on set, whether it was quiet, a clearer understanding of a scene, or a discussion about dialogue, she simply asked for it. The requests were always made with calmness and respect. Seeing that changed something for Ananya.

She realised that asking questions or wanting clarity did not make an actor difficult. Instead, it showed involvement and responsibility towards the role. Ananya admitted she had once worried that speaking up too much might make people think she was demanding. Watching Deepika handle such situations gracefully gave her the confidence to start doing the same.

That shift helped her understand that actors are allowed to participate actively in shaping their performances. Since then, she says she has become more comfortable asking questions and voicing her thoughts on set.

Backing Deepika In The 8-Hour Shift Conversation

Recently, Deepika found herself at the centre of an industry debate after reports suggested she had requested eight-hour workdays following motherhood. The discussion gained momentum after she reportedly stepped away from projects like Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD.

Amid the ongoing conversation, Ananya publicly supported her former co-star. Speaking about it, she pointed out that she had worked with Deepika before she became a mother and had never seen her make such demands earlier. According to Ananya, Deepika was fully committed during Gehraiyaan, attending workshops and working without complaints.

However, Ananya believes things naturally change when someone enters a new phase of life. In her view, a new mother wanting more time with her child during the early years is completely reasonable. She explained that such discussions should simply be conversations between actors and producers to find a workable balance.

The connection between Ananya and Deepika may have begun on the set of Gehraiyaan, but their professional respect seems to have grown beyond that film.