Bollywood actor Ananya Panday has just landed a major global milestone; she is now the first Indian to officially represent French fashion house Chanel. At 26, she has carved a niche for herself not just in Indian cinema but also as a rising style icon. This move is in fact a turning point for both her career and Chanel’s growing focus on India as a key luxury market.
However, the decision does not come as a surprise to those who have been watching her closely. Ananya has been increasingly associated with Chanel over the past year from attending their Spring Summer 2025 show in Paris to being styled in the brand for Vogue India and Grazia India covers. She was also seen at high profile events like BoF’s Mumbai dinner, often dressed in Chanel, subtly hinting at a growing relationship with the brand.
Chanel, which entered the Indian market back in 2005, has been quietly expanding its presence. Its current footprint includes a fashion boutique in New Delhi, beauty stores in major cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, as well as an online shopping platform launched last year. Appointing a homegrown ambassador now feels like a logical step, as India’s appetite for luxury goods continues to rise. A recent Bain and Company report estimates that Indian spending on luxury will triple by 2030, touching nearly £25 billion (₹2.6 lakh crore).
For Chanel, choosing someone like Ananya who is young, fashion forward and influential online reflects a clear effort to connect with Gen Z and millennial consumers in India. With over 25 million followers on Instagram and a growing list of film credits like Call Me Bae, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and Gehraiyaan, she will bring both mass appeal and industry credibility.
This also puts her in the company of fellow Bollywood actors who have been snapped up by global brands: Deepika Padukone with Louis Vuitton and Cartier, Alia Bhatt with Gucci and Sonam Kapoor with Dior. But Ananya’s addition stands out because she is the first of the newer generation to land a solo ambassadorship with a legacy label like Chanel.
Alongside Chanel, Ananya also fronts campaigns for Swarovski, Jimmy Choo India, Lakmé, Beats and Timex, strengthening her status as a go to face for global brands eyeing Indian consumers.
Her next film, Kesari 2, releases on April 18. But for now, it is this fashion milestone that is making headlines.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.