When Ananya Panday expressed hunger for gritty, challenging roles: “I’ve tasted blood”

Ananya Panday who is getting compliments for her stunning performance in ‘Kesari 2’, once opened up about her desire to take on more challenging and gritty roles.The actress, who won hearts for her comedy role in 'Call Me Bae' opened up about her growing passion for meaningful performances, a shift she described as having "tasted blood" after doing complex characters in films like CTRL and Kesari Chapter 2.Speaking to Film Companion, she said, “Maybe unconsciously and now consciously, it’s always been a choice.”Ananya added, “But I don’t want to be reduced to just glamour or just my face. I want to do more, and I am hungry for more.”Reflecting on her journey post-'Pati Patni Aur Woh' and digital projects like ‘Call Me Bae’, Ananya noted that she has begun to understand the thrill of immersing herself in a character and surrendering fully to the process. “Because now I’ve tasted blood,” she added emphatically, implying a deeper, more personal connection to her craft.Playing Real Women, Telling Their StoriesThe actress expressed a sense of responsibility when it comes to portraying female characters on screen. “If I limit myself, it would be disappointing for the women watching. I’m telling their stories — so I have to do them justice,” she said.No Looking BackAnanya’s performance as Dilreet Gill in Kesari Chapter 2, opposite Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan, marked a breakthrough moment. The film, directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, was praised for its powerful storyline and performances, with Ananya earning acclaim for stepping into a more intense and layered character.