In a recent promotional video for her Netflix series CTRL, Bollywood actress Ananya Pandey shared a humorous yet revealing anecdote about her childhood friendship with Aryan Khan, the son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The story highlights the playful dynamics of their friendship, which included Aryan threatening to leak Ananya’s personal vlogs as a form of “blackmail.”
Ananya, who has made a name for herself in the film industry, particularly with her recent role in CTRL, recounted how she used to create daily vlogs documenting her activities and meals but never posted them online. During a discussion with CTRL director Vikramaditya Motwane and comedian Tanmay Bhat, she explained that she, along with her close friends Suhana Khan and Shanaya Kapoor, would record their daily lives using the PhotoBooth feature on Apple devices.
Ananya recalled that Aryan would jokingly threaten to leak these private videos if they didn’t comply with his requests for favors. “I used to record what I do in a day and what I eat, but I never posted them anywhere. Aryan would threaten us that if we didn’t do work for him, he would leak those videos,” she said with a laugh. This lighthearted recollection was framed as a “random trauma story,” showcasing the innocent mischief of childhood friendships.
Tanmay Bhat humorously suggested that someone should have a word with Aryan about his past antics, further adding to the light-hearted tone of the conversation. Ananya’s candidness about this incident not only entertained viewers but also highlighted the importance of online safety—a topic that resonates deeply in today’s digital age.
Ananya, Suhana, and Shanaya have been friends since childhood and often share glimpses of their close-knit bond on social media. Aryan Khan, being Suhana’s older brother, was an integral part of their childhood experiences. Despite the playful threats, Ananya emphasized that these moments were all in good fun and part of their youthful camaraderie.
In addition to this anecdote, Ananya has had her own share of internet mishaps. She once accidentally leaked Suhana’s phone number on Instagram while trying to FaceTime her. “I screenshotted the picture and posted it on Instagram without realizing her number was visible,” she explained. This incident led to some humorous exchanges between the friends, showcasing their ability to laugh off such blunders.
Ananya’s recent project, CTRL, is a thriller that delves into themes of artificial intelligence and privacy in the digital world. In the series, she plays Nella, a content creator who uses an AI assistant to erase memories of a cheating ex-boyfriend. However, things take a dark turn as the narrative unfolds. The show has received praise for its engaging storyline and Ananya’s performance.
The release of CTRL marks another significant milestone in Ananya’s career as she continues to explore diverse roles in the entertainment industry. Her ability to balance serious themes with lighthearted anecdotes about her life reflects her multifaceted personality and relatability.
Ananya Pandey’s recent revelations about her childhood friendship with Aryan Khan provide a glimpse into the playful dynamics of their relationship while also addressing important issues like online safety. As both actors continue to navigate their careers in Bollywood, these stories remind fans of the importance of friendship and laughter amidst life’s challenges.
With CTRL now streaming on Netflix, audiences can look forward to more engaging performances from Ananya as she establishes herself as a prominent figure in Indian cinema. Excerpts:
Ananya Pandey revealed Aryan Khan playfully threatened to leak her vlogs during childhood, emphasizing their innocent friendship dynamics amid humor.
