EXCLUSIVE! Anud Singh Dhaka traces journey from the background to the limelight in a pool of nepotism

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Anud Singh Dhaka is the newest face to grace the arena of Bollywood in the season of debuts. Coming from a middle-class household, Anud started with background roles in films like Super 30 and Chhichhore and now will be the leading male in the upcoming social comedy Janhit Mein Jaari. Tracing his journey from a background actor to now starring opposite Nushrratt Bharuccha in a movie, Anud spoke to First India Filmy about the struggles of an outsider in Bollywood and more.

 

 

 

 

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Talking about how he landed Janhit Mein Jaari, Anud said, “An actor like me who is still trying to make it in the film industry does not really get the chance to read the script prior to getting selected. We get a scene which we have to rehearse and perform as an audition. If the makers like the audition tape and you get selected, then the discussion starts.”

 

 

 

 

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About the film, the actor called it the need of the hour. He stated, “The film has these small scenes that address the issue on a subliminal level that it makes you realise that it is not just about population control. It is about so much more that we in the society know but are conveniently ignoring.”

 

 

 

 

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Adding on why he did this film, Anud said, “A serious and contemporary film that talks about societal struggle may be entertainment for the class that does not know how many bathrooms their house has. But for a middle-class man who knows the struggles he is facing in real life, something light-hearted that makes them laugh but also gives them something valuable is entertainment. This movie does not preach.”

The Taj Mahal 1989 actor revealed that his journey to reach this stage was not easy and had to also face family rejections. He said, “I asked myself if I want a family, house and stable job in 10 years or do I want to pursue acting. I believed in myself that I can do better and that one day I’ll reach where I want to because I could not think of a career alternative for me.”

“I remember being completely broke while in Mumbai when I got a call for Super 30 where I played a side character. Even though my character did not have a name, I gave my everything to play the role. I know I’ll do what I have come here to do. Not now, not in 10 years, but someday,” he added.

Talking about nepotism, Anud stated, “The star kids have a fan following that even big actors do not have. They get clicked by the media, they get articles and coverage even before they debut. This is a game. The problem is a middle-class man like me cannot play this game because it requires money.”

On whether he felt intimidated to star as the male lead in a woman-centric film, he said, “You have to know what you are getting into. No one is bigger than the story.”