Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, has been making headlines not for cricket this time, but for embracing her identity and celebrating her return to India in a truly heartwarming way. Known earlier as Aryan Bangar, she underwent a gender transition in the UK and has since confidently stepped into her life as Anaya.
After returning to India from England, Anaya didn’t just reunite with her roots — she also fell in love… not with a person, but with something beautifully symbolic.
Anaya’s Heart Belongs to Indian CultureUpon her return, Anaya shared a joyful video on Instagram that’s captured the attention and admiration of many. In the reel, she is seen dancing gracefully in a traditional Indian salwar kameez, complete with a dupatta, radiating happiness and pride.
In the caption, Anaya wrote:
“I fell in love with the traditional dress of India.”
The video reflects a strong connection with her Indian heritage and her joy in expressing her identity through fashion and culture.
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A Warm Welcome HomeAnaya first turned heads upon landing at the airport in India, where she was seen in a casual jeans-and-top look, wearing a cap over her naturally curly hair. Her transformation sparked discussions online — not out of controversy, but out of curiosity and appreciation for her courage.
After arriving in India, Anaya also underwent a slight makeover, straightening her curly hair and sharing more of her new look on Instagram.
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Time with Friends and Embracing ChangeAnaya has been enjoying her time reconnecting with friends in India. Her Instagram posts show her meeting people, socializing, and fully embracing her new life chapter with confidence and joy.
From Cricket Fields to Courageous JourneysLike her father, Anaya has a cricketing background. She’s played for county clubs in England and previously for Mumbai’s Under-16 team, even sharing the field with current Indian star Yashasvi Jaiswal. Though her path may have diverged from cricket for now, her journey continues to inspire many — not just for who she is, but for the strength and grace with which she’s embracing it.
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