Ananya & Kartik Trolled over Tanned Looks from New Film

Ananya Panday and Kartik Aaryan are currently in Croatia shooting for their upcoming film Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri.

But it’s not the exotic location that’s grabbing attention; it’s their drastically altered looks.

Leaked photos from the shoot have gone viral, showing both actors looking noticeably more tanned.

The images appear to be from a song sequence and depict Ananya with voluminous hair streaked with golden and light brown highlights, far removed from the film’s earlier poster.

Kartik Aaryan’s transformation is just as dramatic. The actor sports a short fade haircut with spiky hair on top. He, too, appears very tanned.

While fans are used to seeing Kartik try new styles for film roles, this particular look has not landed well with social media users.

One person wrote: “It is fake tan.”

Another added: “Kartik is giving Jethalal hairstyle energy.”

A third said: “Kartik Aaryan looks like a 50-year-old’s idea of what a youngster looks like.”

But most of the criticism has been directed at Ananya.

Many drew comparisons between her and Deepika Padukone, pointing out similarities in her bronzed appearance and styling.

One mocked: “The Deepikafication of Ananya.”

Another wrote: “First thought that came to my mind. She has tanned her skin colour 10x to look like DP.

“The hair colour, hairstyle, the make-up… they’ll try everything to make these nepo wannabes 1% palatable. It’s NOT WORKING.”

Others said their looks reminded them of Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.

A comment read: “She wants to be DP and he wants to be Ranbir but it’s giving just ‘wannabe’.”

Another user joked: “Ranbir and Deepika Lite.”

One viral comment read:

“When your embarrassing friends dress up as Ash and Hrithik from Dhoom for Halloween.”

Some questioned the film’s creative direction, as one asked:

“Why is Ananya bronzed? Please don’t do this. Is this a YRF production? Ananya resembles Deepu from Pathaan and Fighter.”

The styling choices have also raised eyebrows, with Ananya pictured wearing a neon pink top and feather dangler earrings.

One viewer observed: “I live in Europe and haven’t seen anyone wearing anything other than muted colours and NEVER with those long earrings.”

Another added: “They are going for that Iberian tanned look which is very popular among Italian and Spanish women.”

A third weighed in: “Tanning is getting increasingly popular among white Western women for the same reason.”

Ananya and Kartik’s tanned looks are far different to their appearance in the poster. Whether the look is intentional, a creative choice, or the result of lighting remains unclear.

But for now, fans seem less than thrilled.

Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri is all set to arrive in theatres on February 13, 2026.