Chanel has selected Ananya Panday to represent the brand in India, making her the first Indian to hold this role for the French luxury label. The decision comes as the brand ramps up its presence in India’s fast-growing fashion and luxury industry.
Announcing the news on her Instagram, Panday expressed her excitement and gratitude, writing, “Beyond grateful and excited for my journey with Chanel. The first ever brand ambassador for and from India. Dreams really do come true”.
Her appointment follows a series of high-profile appearances at Chanel events, including the brand’s Spring/Summer show at Paris Fashion Week and her debut on the runway for designer Rahul Mishra’s ‘Superheroes’ collection.
“Ananya characterises a generation of evolving tastes and fiercely independent identities who navigate the world with their curiosities,” Chanel said in a statement. According to a report by The Times of India, the brand stated, “Her values resonate with Chanel, making her the perfect choice to represent the house.”
Ananya Panday made her film debut in 2019 with Student of the Year 2 and Pati Patni Aur Woh, quickly earning the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
Since then, her career has spanned genres — from the sports action film Liger in 2022 to the coming-of-age drama Kho Gaye Hum Kahan in 2023, and most recently, the historical thriller Kesari Chapter 2, based on the story of lawyer C Sankaran Nair.
Beyond her association with Chanel, Ananya Panday has collaborated with other international brands, including Swarovski and Jimmy Choo, and has fronted campaigns for Lakmé, Beats, and Timex.
Panday now joins the ranks of Chanel’s global ambassadors, a list that includes Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o, Blackpink’s Jennie, Australian actress Margot Robbie, Lily-Rose Depp, and Monaco royal Charlotte Casiraghi, among others.
