Rysa Panday, daughter of Bollywood actor Chunky Panday and designer Bhavana Panday, made a dazzling impression at Le Bal des Débutantes 2024 in Paris, where she represented India on the international stage. Known as one of the most exclusive high-society debutante events, Le Bal celebrates young global icons combining cultural heritage with modern influence. Dressed in an elegant couture ensemble, Rysa stood out not just for her style but also for her multifaceted personality, celebrated as a budding filmmaker, social media influencer, and fashion trendsetter. Currently pursuing Film and Photographic Arts at NYU, Rysa has directed short films, engaged in philanthropy, and grown a strong online presence, where she shares music, food reviews, and lifestyle content. Her appearance at Le Bal marks another milestone in her journey of emerging from her family’s Bollywood legacy to carve her own identity as a Gen Z role model who blends creativity, confidence, and global recognition.
Introduction
Born on March 10, 2004, in Mumbai, Rysa Panday has quickly made a name for herself beyond the fame of her family. Daughter of the established actor Chunky Panday and costume designer Bhavana Panday, Rysa is the younger sister of Ananya Panday, a popular Bollywood actress. She is distinguishing herself in her own right with interests spanning filmmaking, music, and social media.
Tabular Overview
Family Background
Raised in Mumbai’s vibrant entertainment circles, Rysa’s family is a cornerstone of Bollywood legacy.
- Father: Chunky Panday, an actor with an extensive film career.
- Mother: Bhavana Panday, a successful costume designer and entrepreneur.
- Sister: Ananya Panday, celebrated for her rapid cinematic rise.
She holds strong bonds with extended family, including cousins like Alanna and Ahaan Panday, and values family togetherness.
Early Life and Education
Rysa attended Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai, renowned for nurturing Bollywood star kids. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film/Video and Photographic Arts at New York University (NYU), highlighting her commitment to creative arts and storytelling.
Career as a Filmmaker and Social Media Personality
Rysa’s creativity emerged early with the 2020 short film “Daud,” starring fellow star kids Samaira Kapur and Jahaan Kapoor.
- Her short film debut was well-received among her social circle and reflected her interest in direction.
- She starred in the Netflix reality series “Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives” (2022), giving audiences a glimpse into her family’s day-to-day life.
Rysa also maintains a strong presence on Instagram, sharing singing performances and food reviews through her primary account and her food critic handle “Rice and More”.
Achievements and Public Recognition
One of her notable milestones was attending Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris (2024), a prestigious global event spotlighting influential young women.
- She was India’s sole representative in 2024, following in her sister Ananya’s footsteps.
- Le Bal celebrates cultural heritage and social responsibility, causes close to Rysa’s heart.

Personal Style and Influence
Rysa Panday is celebrated for her chic fashion sense, considerably influencing Gen Z college trends.
- Her style mixes edgy streetwear, classic elegance, and boho chic elements.
- She inspires social media users with outfit ideas, wellness tips, and beauty routines, demonstrating a relatable, modern approach to fashion.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Rysa actively participates in charity alongside her family, supporting children’s causes and animal welfare.
- Her positive, grounded disposition is widely admired, setting an example for young aspiring creators.
- Rysa’s journey showcases the balance between leveraging family legacy and forging a unique identity.
Lesser-Known Facts About Rysa Panday
- She enjoys experimenting with chocolate-inspired desserts, evident in her food vlogging activities.
- Rysa aspires to blend her passions for filmmaking and culinary arts, potentially as a food critic in entertainment.
- Her paternal grandfather, Dr. Sharad Panday, performed India’s first heart transplant, cementing the family’s place in history.
- The Panday sisters share a close emotional bond, strengthened by their shared experiences and family values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rysa Panday?
Rysa Panday is an aspiring filmmaker, social media personality, and food critic from India, best known as the daughter of Chunky Panday and the sister of actress Ananya Panday.
What is Rysa Panday’s age?
Rysa Panday was born on March 10, 2004, making her 20 years old as of 2024.
Where is Rysa Panday studying?
She is currently studying at New York University (NYU), working towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film/Video and Photographic Arts.
Has Rysa Panday directed any films?
Yes, she directed a short documentary, “Daud,” in 2020, which received positive attention among Bollywood star families.
What reality show has Rysa Panday appeared in?
Rysa appeared in the Netflix series “Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives” in 2022, spotlighting her family’s life.
What are Rysa Panday’s hobbies?
Her hobbies include singing, filmmaking, food reviewing, travelling, and baking unique desserts.
Is Rysa Panday active on social media?
Yes, Rysa shares singing videos and food reviews on Instagram through her main handle (@rysapanday) and her food blog, “Rice and More”.
What are her major achievements?
She represented India at the elite Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris (2024), a prestigious high-society debutante ball.
Does Rysa Panday have any siblings?
Yes, her elder sister is Ananya Panday, a successful Bollywood actress known for movies like “Student of the Year 2”.
What is her net worth?
Her estimated net worth is approximately 200,000 USD.
Social Media Presence and Trends
Though Rysa’s public presence is relatively private compared to her sister, she connects through selective posts and interactions, focusing on creativity, wellness, and lifestyle trends.
- Her food blogging efforts attract a significant following, inspiring others to combine interests for unique online ventures.
- Rysa’s blend of humility and confidence makes her a role model among Bollywood’s younger generation.
Why Rysa Panday is a Noteworthy Gen Z Icon
Rysa represents a bridge between tradition and new-age expression, balancing the weight of family legacy with personal ambition.
Her achievements, from filmmaking to social media and international recognition, inspire young Indians to pursue dreams while remaining grounded in values. She deftly navigates the intersection of celebrity, creativity, and personal purpose, embracing both opportunity and responsibility.
Additional FAQs
What makes Rysa Panday different from other Bollywood star kids?
Her focus on education, internships with major production houses, and willingness to blend her love for food critique and films set her apart from her peers.
Is Rysa Panday involved in philanthropy?
Yes, she participates in charitable initiatives, particularly those supporting underprivileged children and animal welfare.
What is her relationship status?
Rysa is unmarried and has not publicly disclosed any romantic relationships.
How can fans connect with Rysa Panday?
Fans can follow her on Instagram (@rysapanday and @rice__and__more) for updates on her creative projects, food journeys, and personal milestones.
Will Rysa Panday act in Bollywood movies?
While she remains focused on filmmaking and creative arts, her career trajectory may eventually include acting, given her family background and evolving inter