—Rajesh Kumar BhagtaniNewcomer Anuj Saini, who made his Bollywood debut with Rajkumar Santoshi's 'Gandhi Godse Ek Yudh', has worked in many advertisements and music videos before films. In these advertisements and videos, he has shared screen space with great actresses like Alia Bhatt, Jacqueline Fernandez and Jhanvi Kapoor.
special news dot com caught up with the budding actor for an exclusive telephonic interview where he talked about working with the veteran director, his journey in the industry as an outsider, the actors he would love to work with , and many more.
Here are some excerpts from actor Anuj Saini's exclusive interview with Top News Bulletin.com:
You made your Bollywood debut with 'Gandhi Godse Ek Yudh'. What attracted you to be a part of this film?
I was attracted towards the film mainly because of Raj Kumar Santoshi sir. I have grown up watching his films. He is a wonderful and extremely talented director. It was like a dream to be directed by him. Secondly, when I heard the narration of the film, I realized that the content is the real hero of the film. There are many new things in the film. After hearing the script, I couldn't say no to the film. Everything was perfect and in the right place.
How was it working under the direction of Rajkumar Santoshi?
Working under the direction of Rajkumar Santoshi was a very learning experience for me. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The way he narrates and directs a scene makes it very easy for the actors to act. Everyone knows that he is a great filmmaker. I admit, I was quite nervous on my first day of shooting. He made everyone very comfortable on the set. His filmmaking process was quite unique, and that made shooting with him very easy.
Your character in the film was with Tanisha Santoshi. How is she as an actress and costar?
It was great working with Tanisha. She is a very good actor and a very supportive costar. When I was working with her, it didn't seem like she was doing her first film. She was so nice.
Did you feel intimidated by the fact that she is the director's daughter,
I was not at all scared by the fact that she was the daughter of Raj Kumar Santoshi. I just saw her as my costar. Even on the sets, he was treated like all the other actors. We had a great professional relationship.
You come from a theater background and have worked with stalwarts like Rajat Kapoor and Vinay Pathak. How has your experience been and what have you learned most?,
I have learned the most from my theater days. I used to assist Rajat Kapoor sir and Vinay Pathak sir. When I watched him speak his dialogues, rehearse and perform, I learned a lot from him. The most important thing I learned from theater is confidence. It was truly an amazing experience to see these amazing actors performing in front of a live audience. What I learned from there is still helping me today. Have you been fond of films since childhood? Who do you consider as your role model? When I was growing up, I used to watch a lot of movies. I have been the biggest fan of not one but four actors – Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan and Ranbir Kapoor. I like this actor very much.
With so much being said about the industry (nepotism, insideroutsider debate), what exactly inspired you to choose this profession?
Yes, I've heard everything said about the industry and honestly, I believe all of these things exist. However, nepotism is everywhere. A doctor's son becomes a doctor, no one questions him. When a driver's son becomes a driver, no one questions him. So if an actor's son is becoming an actor, I don't think there is anything wrong in it. An actor works hard all his life to make his mark and if his children are benefiting from it, then what is the harm in it?
It's difficult to make your way as an outsider.
I come from a nonfilmy background. When I came to Mumbai, I did not think about all these things. I don't even think about it today, I just follow my passion and work hard. I will continue to do so in future also. I firmly believe that if you work hard and you are talented, you will find opportunities. Many outsiders have succeeded; Be it Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao or late Sushant Singh Rajput or Kriti Sanon. If you are willing to work for it, you will get good work.
Are you satisfied with the way the writerdirector of your new film is working?
When I took the first narration of the story, there was a lot of romance, comedy and social message in it. Like toilet was a love story. The beauty of Banaras was shown in this film and a social message was also given.
In my film Ayushmati Geeta Matriculation the emphasis is on education. It has been told how important it is to educate the girls of the house. Where this is true in this story, it has been presented to the audience with comic scenes.
You mentioned Toilet Ek Prem Katha. This film had a strong social message. Does your film also have a similar strong message about education?
The plot of Ayushmati Geeta Matriculation revolves around the entire family, in which it is told about the importance of education in the family. It is not necessary that you educate only the boy. It is more important for the girl to be educated, because she runs two generations. One to his parents and the other to his inlaws. Due to this dual responsibility, it is very important for him to be educated.
Anuj Saini This film is going to be released in theaters on October 18. Kanishka Kapoor will be seen with him in this.
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Image Credit: Khaskhabar.