For Ananya Panday, Mental Health Is Prime, Fashion Is Therapy

MUMBAI — Bollywood actress Ananya Panday says mental health is the cornerstone of her life, shaping not only her well-being but also how she shows up in her work and personal style.

“Mental health, 100 percent. You can look amazing on the outside, but if you’re not okay on the inside, none of it matters,” she said, when asked what defines her philosophy more — fitness, fashion, or mental wellness.

Ananya shared that over the years she has discovered the importance of prioritizing self-care through practices like therapy, journaling, walking, or simply stepping away from social media. “Taking time for yourself is so important,” she noted.

Fashion, too, plays a therapeutic role in her life. “I spend so much time in my closet, putting looks together, playing with new combinations, and just enjoying the process of dressing up. It’s my creative outlet and a space where I feel confident and completely myself.”

For Ananya, fitness and fashion are essential parts of her routine, but mental health is what “ties it all together.” She added, “When I feel good mentally, I show up better — in my work, in my style, and in how I carry myself.”