We were captivated by Ananya Panday's performance in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. She continues to earn accolades for her role as Ahana Singh, a young woman navigating life with her two closest friends while dealing with a heart-wrenching breakup. Her character's relatability made her so endearing; who hasn't experienced a devastating heartbreak or brainstormed a business idea with friends? Now, Ananya breathes life into another character, Bella, in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video series Call Me Bae. This eight-episode series, directed by Collin D’Cunha and produced by Dharmatic Entertainment with Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra as executive producers, follows Bella, also known as Bae, as she transitions from an heiress to a hustler, realizing her true assets are her intelligence and style rather than material wealth. Bella is financially strapped but on a quest to discover herself.
"I feel like an older sister to her," Ananya shared during a conversation with City Times. "I have a very protective feeling towards her." Bella is described as having a golden heart; she is kind, respectful, non-judgmental, and always sees the best in people. "But she definitely has her vulnerabilities," Ananya added. "She feels lonely and misunderstood, so there are many layers to her character that unfold as you watch more episodes. These are the reasons I fell in love with her." Ananya's favorite aspect of Bella is her consistency: "She remains the same regardless of how much the world around her changes." Ananya believes Bella is a blend of several people she knows in real life, though she is a unique character.
Call Me Bae, a comedy-drama series, maintains a light-hearted tone while delivering a meaningful message by the end. Ananya advises the audience not to set expectations, as they will be pleasantly surprised by the show's direction. When asked about essential skills for surviving independently, Ananya emphasized the importance of being a people person, having great bargaining skills, and being street smart. "Book intelligence isn't everything; you need to know your way around," she noted. The Amazon Prime Video project marks Ananya's debut series, which has been challenging due to the increased commitment required. Despite the simplicity of the character on the surface, portraying Bella demands full energy, encompassing comedy, drama, and romance.
Ananya expressed nervousness ahead of the show's September 6 release, feeling a personal connection to the project. She described OTT releases as a "slow burn" compared to theatrical releases, which provide immediate feedback. In Call Me Bae, Ananya's character Bella works as a social media journalist in Mumbai's newsrooms, seeking self-discovery. Ananya finds the ability to make others feel comfortable and share their thoughts a valuable skill. Initially, she felt pressure to engage with social media but now enjoys it more naturally. The show's humor is self-referential, fitting well with the character's situation. As an influencer, Ananya believes in using her voice responsibly to positively impact her audience. She measures success by the reach and love her projects receive, finding it rewarding when people relate to her characters.
