‘Gen Z isn’t about hook-ups’: Ananya Panday says Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri shows the real story
Talking about her return to the rom-com genre with Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, Ananya Panday says she grew up on classic Karan Johar films and believes Gen Z still craves old-school love. Calling her character Rumi a perfect mix of modern sensibilities and rooted values, she adds that the film challenges stereotypes around today’s hook-up culture and celebrates commitment, family, and heartfelt romance. IBNS-TWF correspondent Souvik Ghosh reports.
Q. How was it delving into the rom-com genre again?
A. Rom-coms are my absolute favourites. These are the films I grew up watching—especially Karan Johar’s movies. With Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, we had the perfect team in place. The film was made with a lot of fun, and that energy translates beautifully on screen. Everything came together in the right proportions to create a wholesome rom-com.
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Q. Is your character heart-led or head-led?
A. A bit of both. She’s a modern girl but deeply rooted in her values. The film places strong emphasis on family relationships. Once she makes up her mind, she stands by her decision.
Q. What do you think the film says about love in today’s generation?
A. My character is searching for a 1990s-style love story in the hook-up culture of 2025. Gen Z is often labelled as a generation that believes in situationships, but as someone from Gen Z myself, I don’t agree with that perception. Having grown up on classic rom-coms, I feel we crave love and commitment just as much. This film reflects the real Gen Z—not the stereotype people often imagine.
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Q. How do you relate to your character, Rumi?
A. I’m a very family-oriented person. I believe in the integration of my family and my partner’s family. Like Rumi, I believe in old-school love stories from the 1990s rather than today’s hook-up culture, which is why I relate to her so deeply.
Q. How would you describe your on-screen chemistry with Kartik Aaryan?
A. Our friendship plays a big role. We’re very good friends off-screen, and that bond naturally translates on screen.
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(Photos: Ananya Panday/Instagram)
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