Ananya Pandey on life during lockdown and her forthcoming projects

I am spending most of my time with my family and my dogs. As a family, we haven’t got such time off together and we are making the most of it. We’ve been playing a bunch of board games and watching films together. Other than that, I am working out in the evenings on facetime with my friends its fun and we stay connected, virtually.

My younger sister and I bake together but usually, she bakes and I eat (laughs). I am reading a lot which used to be a hobby when I was younger but I lost touch so I’m glad I’m getting back to that. I’ve been watching all the old Hindi and English classic films that I hadn’t watched before.

I really miss being on set as this has been my life for the last two years. I was literally living life out of a suitcase. But considering the current situation, staying at home is the need of the hour. People’s health and safety is a priority and what we should be focusing the most on right now. Also I am blessed that I am at home safe with my family. I get to spend time with them. I feel, we are in this together and this too shall pass.

I am really active on Instagram. I really enjoy it. Other portals, not that much. I feel, it is a great way to stay connected with my social media family.

There’s no pressure of pulling off a hattrick but only to work towards betterment and deliver the best to my audience. I just want to keep improving and learning as I go forward. The most important thing that I am focusing on, is getting better with my skills so that I can give my 100% to everything I take up. Rest, is up to the audience.

I’ve always wanted to do this and I’m really happy. I like all this attention that’s coming my way. I love speaking to people and interacting with them especially young girls and boys. After my films, everything became so real and I’m grateful for all that love.

For Khaali Peeli with Ishaan Khatter, only the last day of the shoot was left so that’s in the pipeline first. I’m happy because I had so much fun shooting that film that I don’t want it to end - so I’m glad I get to go back on that set! The film was going to release in June but now there will obviously be a change. I was also simultaneously working for my PAN-INDIA project with Vijay Deverakonda. I was all excited to shoot the first schedule of Shakun Batra’s film but now everything is on a halt. Everyone’s safety and health is a priority. I just can’t wait to go back to the sets!

I am really good friends with everyone I’ve worked with. I’m fortunate to have worked with so many talented, chilled out and fun people which has made my experience of being on sets super enjoyable.

Being a public figure, there is always some news or the other doing the rounds. I am really close to my parents and share everything with them. Sometimes, they know it much before even I do (laughs).