Bollywood actress Ananya Panday has made an impactful entry into the world of digital entertainment with her debut web series ‘Call Me Bae,’ which began streaming on Amazon Prime Video on September 6. In a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, Ananya celebrated this new chapter in her career by welcoming Lord Ganesha into her home during the auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Demonstrating her adherence to cultural norms, Ananya took to Instagram to share heartfelt pictures of her family alongside their deity, captioning the post with, “Welcome home Bappppa.”
Ganesh Chaturthi is a much-loved ten-day festival that commences on the fourth day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month ‘Bhadrapada.’ This sacred period starts with ‘Chaturthi’ and culminates on ‘Anantha Chaturdashi.’ Known by various names like ‘Vinayak Chaturthi’ or ‘Vinayak Chavithi,’ the festival venerates Ganesha as the ‘God of New Beginnings,’ the ‘Remover of Obstacles,’ and the deity of wisdom and intelligence. Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra become the epicenters of grand celebrations, drawing lakhs of devotees to mandals to seek blessings from Lord Ganesh. During this period, people bring Ganesha idols to their homes, observe fasts, prepare sumptuous delicacies, and visit elaborately decorated pandals.
On the professional front, Ananya Panday’s enthusiasm for her OTT debut was palpable. Speaking about ‘Call Me Bae,’ she remarked, “From the get-go, I knew ‘Call Me Bae’ was a project I wanted to be a part of. Even without having heard the script, I knew this was going to be something special. As an actor, it is always exciting and rewarding to play a multi-layered character like Bae. There’s more to Bae than what meets the eye and that is what makes her journey from heiress to hustler compelling and intriguing. Despite the challenges she faces, she remains true to herself, retaining her innocence and zest for life. This authenticity is what drew me to the role.”
The plot of ‘Call Me Bae’ introduces viewers to the opulent lifestyle of Bae in New Delhi. However, her life of luxury takes an unexpected turn when she is disowned by her family, forcing her to step into a new and demanding reality.
. The narrative then transitions to the bustling streets of Mumbai, where Bae has to navigate the complexities of her new life. Set against an upbeat musical score, the series sees Bae embarking on a transformative journey, from mastering the intricacies of public transportation to thriving in the high-pressure environment of a journalist in Mumbai.
Ananya Panday leads the cast with her portrayal of Bella Bae Chowdhary. The series is further enriched by a talented ensemble, including actors Vir Das, Gurfateh Pirzada, Varun Sood, Vihaan Samat, Muskkaan Jaferi, Niharika Lyra Dutt, Lisa Mishra, and Mini Mathur. This promising show is produced by Dharmatic Entertainment, with esteemed industry figures like Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra serving as Executive Producers. The narrative has been brought to life by writers Ishita Moitra, Samina Motlekar, and Rohit Nair, with Collin D’Cunha at the directorial helm.
The timing of Ananya Panday’s celebration with Ganesh Chaturthi adds a layer of cultural resonance to the launch of ‘Call Me Bae.’ As Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that symbolizes new beginnings and the overcoming of obstacles, it creates a fitting parallel to Ananya’s own journey in the entertainment industry. Both the festival and the actress’s new endeavor highlight themes of perseverance, transformation, and the embracement of new beginnings.
In Mumbai, Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a festival but a grand communal experience. At this time, life in the city seems to pause for a brief period as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate and worship. Each year, colossal idols of Lord Ganesha are installed in homes and public pandals, adorned with intricate decorations and illuminated with vibrant lights. Devotees engage in various rituals, ranging from the daily artis (prayer ceremonies) to grand processions.
For Ananya Panday, merging her professional milestone with this significant cultural festival signifies a moment of dual celebration. It is a testament to how tradition and modernity can beautifully coexist in the lives of contemporary Indian celebrities. Her participation in Ganesh Chaturthi festivities while launching ‘Call Me Bae’ serves as a beautiful homage to her cultural roots, even as she takes strides into her professional aspirations. This harmonious blend evokes a sense of unity and continuity, bridging the past with the present, and paving the way for an auspicious future.
