Ananya Panday’s Bharatanatyam-inspired fusion scene in Chand Mera Dil has triggered criticism online

Ananya Panday Dance Scene Faces Criticism

Ananya Panday has become the centre of online debate after a Bharatanatyam-inspired dance sequence from Chand Mera Dil went viral on X. Congress leader Dr Shama Mohamed criticised the performance, saying classical dance needs years of learning and should not be treated casually. She said she had learnt Bharatanatyam from childhood and felt hurt by the way the art form was shown in the film.

Video Title: Ananya Panday Bharatanatyam Scene Sparks Backlash Online
Video Source: X

Fusion Act Or Classical Insult?

The scene shows Ananya’s character Chandni performing a fusion act that mixes Bharatanatyam-style moves with hip-hop and locking. The sequence appears during the college and reunion portions of the romantic drama. Many social media users and some classical dance followers criticised the choreography, calling it disrespectful to Bharatanatyam. However, others noted that the film presents the performance as fusion, not a pure classical recital.

Chand Mera Dil, directed by Vivek Soni and produced by Dharma Productions, stars Ananya Panday opposite Lakshya. The film was released in theatres on May 22, 2026, and has now gained fresh attention mainly because of the viral dance controversy.