Chanel has appointed Bollywood star Ananya Panday as its first-ever Indian ambassador, marking a significant shift in the luxury house’s approach to the fast-growing Indian market. The 26-year-old actress, who has established herself as one of India’s most prominent young stars in just six years, is a strategic choice for the French fashion powerhouse, which has had a presence in India since 2005.
Chanel said Ananya Panday represents a new generation with bold, changing tastes and a strong sense of self. Her personal style and confidence align with the brand’s vision, making her an ideal ambassador.
The daughter of actor Chunky Panday and reality TV personality Bhavana Pandey, Ananya has built an impressive career with roles in “Call Me Bae” (2024), “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan” (2023) and “Gehraiyaan” (2022). With 25.9 million Instagram followers, she brings considerable clout to her new position at Chanel.
Her appearance at Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2025 show in Paris and frequent brand appearances on social media and magazine covers foreshadowed this partnership.
Panday shared that Chanel represents freedom and confidence and encourages people to express their unique style with classic sophistication.
Chanel has been steadily expanding its presence in India with a fashion boutique in New Delhi, seven fragrance and beauty stores in major cities including New Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Mumbai and Bengaluru, three airport retail locations and a recently launched e-commerce platform. This ambassadorial appointment seems strategically timed, as Indian consumer spending on luxury goods is expected to nearly triple by 2030, reaching €25-30 billion euros, according to Bain & Company.
Panday joins a list of Indian celebrities representing global brands, among them Deepika Padukone for Louis Vuitton and Cartier, Sonam Kapoor for Dior and Alia Bhatt for Gucci, but she stands out as the first of her generation to partner with a heritage house like Chanel. In addition to Chanel, Panday also collaborates with brands such as Swarovski, Jimmy Choo, Lakmé, Beats and Timex.
