By Ameesha MD Nathaniel
Pics: Mohtshim Khan
Anil Charanjeett, known for his versatile performances in Bollywood, has appeared in films like Simmba, Cirkus, Golmaal Again, Hasee Toh Phasee, Shershaah, and most recently Sarfira. He opens up about his journey from a small town to the big screen, his experiences in the industry, and his passion for biking. In this exclusive interview, he shares his thoughts on acting, working with Bollywood’s biggest names, and the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
From Childhood Dreams to Bollywood
What inspired you to pursue acting, and how did your time at Whistling Woods International shape your journey?
Initially, I wanted to be a cricketer, but my passion for acting took over. My love for performing began in school and college functions. Acting was my way of self-expression, free from societal norms. Encouraged by my teachers, I pursued acting seriously and moved to Pune to study at a film school before enrolling at Whistling Woods International in Mumbai.
Can you tell us about your connection with Dehradun and its potential as a filming location?
Dehradun has been special to me. It’s a city where I’ve spent time, and it has this peaceful energy.
One of my closest friends, Anand Kanti, who studied direction at Whistling Woods, is from Dehradun. Although Anand is now in the food business, owning T Bistro in Dehradun, his artistic sensibilities remain evident. The café’s unique ambiance, with its varied cinema influence like his collection of movie posters displayed in TBistro, is his brainchild—a reflection of his passion for storytelling and filmmaking. Even though he has shifted industries, his creativity continues to shine through his work.
With Bollywood expanding beyond Maharashtra, do you see Uttarakhand becoming a major filming destination?
Absolutely! Uttarakhand, and Dehradun in particular, has immense potential as a filming location.
More filmmakers are now exploring Uttarakhand as a shooting destination. Bollywood is no longer confined to Maharashtra. More films are being shot in diverse locations across India—whether it’s Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, or Uttar Pradesh. Filmmakers are actively looking for fresh and visually rich settings, and Uttarakhand offers everything from mountains to rivers and historical sites. With more projects being set here, the region has a bright future in the film industry.
The Challenges and Joys of Acting
You’ve played a variety of roles in Bollywood. What has been your most challenging or rewarding role so far?
Every role comes with challenges, but Hasee Toh Phasee was tough because I had to learn beatboxing and singing. It required a lot of preparation, making it really demanding. On the other hand, physically, Shershaah was incredibly challenging. We underwent 15 days of army training to prepare for our roles. Wearing heavy ammunition gear in high-altitude regions pushed my endurance to its limits. However, I believe that acting is not just about physical preparation; it’s about finding authenticity in every role.
How was your experience working with some of Bollywood’s biggest names, and what have been your key takeaways?
I’ve had the privilege of working with Rohit Shetty, Ranveer Singh, and Ajay Devgn on films like Simmba, Cirkus, Golmaal Again, and most recently Sarfira. Every successful actor and director has one thing in common—hard work. While they may have different styles, they all take their craft seriously. Ranveer is full of energy, Ajay Devgn is methodical and extremely professional, and Akshay Kumar is extremely punctual but fun-loving at the same time. When you work with such people, you automatically learn discipline and precision. Their commitment to their work inspires me to push my boundaries.
Casting and Industry Evolution
How have casting opportunities evolved in Bollywood?
Casting has become more organised. Earlier, actors had to carry CDs to showcase their work. Now, auditions are conducted digitally, and actors can send in self-tapes via WhatsApp. The process has become more transparent and accessible.
Today, if an actor knows what they want and has the proper training, they can make it big in Bollywood. It’s all about persistence and preparation.
The Impact of OTT and Social Media
How do you view the impact of OTT on the film industry?
OTT platforms have undoubtedly expanded opportunities, but they have also changed cinema-going habits. Earlier, people would decide what to watch based on a movie poster. Now, they watch reviews, check ratings, and often wait for films to be released on streaming platforms instead of going to theatres. While OTT has increased work for actors, it has also altered the magic of experiencing cinema on the big screen.
Do you believe that actors today can explore multiple professional and personal avenues simultaneously, and how does your YouTube show Two Wheels One State fit into this?
Absolutely! Social media has changed the game, allowing actors to engage in various creative pursuits beyond traditional cinema. Today, actors are becoming influencers, and influencers are stepping into acting. It has become easier to juggle multiple professions while maintaining artistic integrity. Personally, I love how I can balance acting with my passion for biking and storytelling.
One of my most exciting projects in this space is my YouTube show ‘Two Wheels One State’, where I combine my love for motorcycles with travel and storytelling through my channel ‘The Motorcycle Journal’. Exploring different fields not only keeps things exciting but also helps in evolving as an artist.
Personal Insights & Passion for Biking
How do you feel about fame and maintaining privacy?
I love the kind of fame I have—it allows me to enjoy recognition while still maintaining my privacy. I can walk down the street, travel, and enjoy life without being overwhelmed. I think I’m luckier than superstars in that way—I get to experience the best of both worlds. I get to work on great projects, connect with fans, and still have the freedom to live my life on my own terms.
How did you get into biking, and how did Shershaah influence this passion?
Biking became a major part of my life after Shershaah. There was a scene where I had to lie in a coffin and play dead, and that day happened to be my birthday. It made me reflect deeply—howfleeting life is, how important it is to truly live and experience the world. That was the moment I decided to travel more, to embrace adventure, and to start biking seriously. Since then, I’ve explored places like South Africa, Thailand, Bhutan, and Ladakh on my bike, and I plan to do a caravan experience in the US or UK in the future.
Acting as an Art Form
What is your ultimate goal as an actor?
I want to be remembered like Charlie Chaplin. He wasn’t just an actor; he was a character that
stayed with people long after they left the cinema. That’s what I want to do—create roles that resonate, that people remember and connect with beyond just a single performance. My ultimate goal is to create a lasting impression, much like Charlie Chaplin did. I want my characters to stay with audiences long after the film ends.
Looking Ahead
What upcoming projects can we expect from you?
1 have two projects in the pipeline. I can’t reveal too much yet, but I hope they leave a lasting impact.
Do you see yourself exploring direction, writing, or production in the future?
Absolutely. Two Wheels One State is a step in that direction. I love telling stories, and directing excites me. While acting is my core passion, I see myself venturing into storytelling in a more holistic way in the future.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring actors?
Don’t rush into it. Acting is about experiences—fill your life with stories which can come through travelling being having meaningful relationships with your loved ones. Keep learning, stay persistent, and never be afraid of rejection. Every opportunity, big or small, contributes to your journey.
With his unwavering dedication and multifaceted interests, Anil Charanjeett continues to carve a niche for himself in Bollywood and beyond. Whether it’s acting, biking, or storytelling, his journey is a testament to passion and perseverance.
