As 2026 unfolds, a surprising wave of nostalgia zooms the internet, with users fixated on the playful, unfiltered vibes of 2016. This viral “2016 comeback” trend, flooding Instagram feeds everywhere, sees people reviving retro filters and memes for a row. Tired of perfect posts, netizens chasing the simple joy of a less curated era, and Bollywood’s Ananya Panday is the latest star embracing it.
Ananya Panday’s throwback photo drop
Soon after netizens started missing 2016, Ananya jumped on the trend with a fun throwback to 10 years ago. Her new photo post revealed rare 2016 pictures, three years before her debut film ‘Student of the Year 2’. It begins with her trying the flower crown filter, then shows her in an orange bikini, her 18th birthday party, a sweet pic tying Rakhi on cousin Ahaan Panday’s wrist, and a dog filter selfie. The collection also includes her playing with Shah Rukh Khan’s son AbRam Khan, a shot with best friend Shanaya Kapoor, and a selfie next to Suhana Khan.
In her caption, Ananya wrote, “2016 was really it man .” Shanaya chimed in with agreement: “Good times,” while Ananya’s younger sister Rysa Panday teased her, saying: “shocked you know this trend..” Suhana left several comments like: “Omg , Well done , The orange bikini was iconic, And bram cutie pie.” One social media user noted in the comments: “the flower & dog snapchat filters were peak 2016 memories!,” and another fan raved, “From a girl to Lady .”
Ananya Panday’s recent projects
On the work front, Ananya Panday recently starred alongside Kartik Aaryan in ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’. Next up, the actress will be seen sharing the screen with Lakshya for ‘Chand Mera Dil’.
