Ananya Panday, Siddhant react to Babil Khan’s clarification on naming them in ‘toxic’ Bollywood video: ‘We love to hate’

Actor Babil Khan recently addressed a viral video in which he appeared to critique Bollywood’s work environment, clarifying that his comments were misinterpreted. The late Irrfan Khan’s son took to Instagram to explain that a clip from a 2023 roundtable discussion, where he named actors Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Shanaya Kapoor, and Arjun Kapoor, was edited out of context by a news portal, leading to widespread misunderstanding.

Babil expressed admiration for the four actors, citing their talent and positive influence in the industry. He emphasized that his remarks were not meant to label Bollywood as toxic but to highlight challenges he faced as a newcomer. “It’s disheartening to see my words twisted,” Babil wrote, urging fans to watch the full discussion for clarity.

Ananya Panday responded on Instagram, condemning the tendency to sensationalize personal stories for drama. “People love to hate,” she wrote, praising Babil’s sincerity and calling for more constructive dialogue. Siddhant Chaturvedi echoed her sentiments, criticizing those who exploit emotional moments for attention. “This is personal, not a spectacle,” he posted, standing by Babil.

Arjun Kapoor also supported Babil, sharing on social media that he appreciated the young actor’s honesty and vulnerability. Shanaya Kapoor, yet to debut in Bollywood, reposted Babil’s clarification, expressing solidarity and disappointment over the misrepresentation.

The controversy stems from a news portal’s selective editing, which Babil said distorted his narrative. The full roundtable, available online, shows him discussing industry pressures while praising his peers. The incident has sparked conversations about media ethics and the scrutiny faced by Bollywood’s next generation.