Hannah Jackson
Updated on: October 8, 2024 6:31 pm GMT
Excitement at Mumbai Metro with Ananya Panday and Cast of ‘Call Me Bae’
Earlier this week, on Tuesday, September 8, 2024, chaos erupted at Mumbai’s Versova Metro station as Ananya Panday, along with director Collin D’Cunha and co-stars Lisa Mishra, Niharika Lyra Dutt, Muskkaan Jaferi, Gurfateh Pirzada, Vihaan Samat, and Varun Sood, boarded the 12:40 pm train. They were en route to promote Prime Video’s latest original series, “Call Me Bae.” This unique promotional event leveraged a creative approach to generate buzz for the show as the cast and crew engaged with commuters in an unexpected venue—the Mumbai Metro.
Call Me Bae Takeover: A Unique Marketing Strategy
As commuters made their way through the bustling metro system, they were greeted by a vibrant “Call Me Bae” takeover at both the Versova and Western Express Highway stations. Promotional activities included trailers playing on overhead screens, branded trains, and even branded handrails, creating a fun-filled atmosphere that was difficult to miss. The cast’s presence heightened the excitement, drawing cheers and curious glances from surprised metro riders and paparazzi alike.
At the Western Express Highway station, activity zones were set up for photo opportunities with the cast, enhancing the interactive experience for fans. Amidst the buzz, opportunities arose to discuss the show and its characters in a relaxed setting on the metro.
Ananya Panday’s Character Insight
As the metro journey began, Panday shared insights into her role as Bella Chowdhary, affectionately nicknamed ‘Bae.’ Bella’s story revolves around her transition from heiress to hustler, highlighting her resilience and adaptability in the face of life’s challenges. Panday explained, “Bae discovers that her most valuable assets are her street smarts and style as she moves to a new city, Mumbai, where she tries to build a new life for herself.”
Panday emphasized the depth of her character, describing her as someone who, despite facing adversity, remains true to herself. She expressed that it was this authenticity that initially attracted her to the role. The transformation from wealth to simplicity explores themes of self-discovery, making Bella’s journey both compelling and relatable.
Inspirations and Influences
When asked about influences from classic chick flicks and early 2000s rom-coms, Panday cited her admiration for characters like Alexis from “Schitt’s Creek,” Cher from “Clueless,” and Regina George from “Mean Girls.” However, she firmly stated that Bella is an original character in her own right. Panday expressed her hope that Bella can resonate with the Gen Z audience in the same way Poo, a beloved character from “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” impacted previous generations.
Experimenting with a New Format
“Call Me Bae” marks Ananya Panday’s first foray into web series, a format that allows for greater character development and storytelling depth compared to traditional film. “When working on an 8-episode series, you can dive deep into character backstories and showcase their complexities,” she remarked.
Director Collin D’Cunha, in his series debut, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential for rich character arcs afforded by the episodic format. He described the challenge as balancing the expansive direction needed across multiple episodes while ensuring a cohesive narrative. D’Cunha summarized the essence of the series in just five words: “Fun, fresh, thoughtful, inspiring, fashionable.”
Cast Interactions and Audience Engagement
Throughout the commute, the cast engaged in light-hearted interactions, including rapid-fire questions and conversations about their viewing preferences. When asked what was on their Amazon shopping carts, the response was unanimous—”Call Me Bae, every day!” This response not only showcases their enthusiasm for their project but also reflects a growing trend of visibility and direct interaction between artists and their audiences.
Upon arriving at the Western Express Highway station, the actors were met with excited fans and media, eager to capture the moment. The event illustrated a merging of entertainment and daily commuting, highlighting the innovative strategies being employed in today’s entertainment marketing landscape.
Fashion Forward: Ananya Panday’s Promotional Style
As a fashion icon, Ananya Panday’s promotional appearances for “Call Me Bae” have captured attention. She consistently steps out in stunning ensembles that reflect her character’s flair for fashion. One notable outfit included a striking orange knotted top and wide-leg black pants, crafted by renowned designer Prabal Gurung. This look featured bold details, including strategically placed cuts and a dramatically long side extension, epitomizing her role as a modern fashionable protagonist.
Details of the Eye-Catching Ensemble
- Top: Orange wrap-styled chiffon with a V-shaped neckline.
- Pants: Floor-length black wide-leg design with a flared style.
- Accessories: Minimal metallic gold hoops, statement rings, and matching black pumps.
- Makeup: Radiant base, subtle eyeshadow, and peach lip tint for a fresh look.
- Hairstyle: Sleek high bun showcasing her earrings.
This attention to detail extends to all her outfits, cementing her as a true style icon for her generation.
Engagement with Fans and Social Media Presence
Through her social media channels, Ananya continues to connect with fans, sharing snippets of her promotional outfits and behind-the-scenes moments. Platforms like Instagram serve as a vital space for her to showcase her style and engage directly with her audience, which has become instrumental in building her brand.
Fans can keep up with Ananya Panday and her appearances on her official [Instagram account](https://www.instagram.com/ananyapanday) where she frequently shares updates about her work and personal style.
Streaming Availability and Future Prospects
“Call Me Bae” is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video, inviting viewers to dive into the compelling story of Bella Chowdhary. The series promises a mix of humor, drama, and fashion that is poised to appeal to a wide audience. With its engaging narrative and chic characters, “Call Me Bae” is set to be a standout in the digital entertainment space.
Enjoy the ride as you follow the adventures of Bae and her ensemble cast, and witness how this new series captures the complexities of modern relationships and self-discovery.
To learn more and watch the show, check out Prime Video.
