Mahabharat has been a life changing experience for me – Thakur Anoop Singh

Thakur Anoop Singh, the talented actor who dons the role of Dhritarashtra in Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Mahabharat on Star Plus is today happy with the fame and recognition that he is getting. Being the youngest actor on the sets, Anoop takes it upon himself to put in that extra effort to look natural and convincing on screen.

In an interview with us, Thakur Anoop Singh speaks about his Mahabharat journey and how life has changed post bagging the show.

Excerpts:

You gave up flying for acting. Don’t you think this was an extreme decision?

Well, at times you need to make certain decisions depending on the circumstances, and that is exactly what I did. When recession took over the world, the airline sector was badly hurt. I just had to be sure that whatever I chose to do next, I needed to surrender myself to it and enjoy doing it. This attitude worked wonders for me when I got a beautiful platform like Mahabharat to get into acting. It is nice to be known as a performer. Having said this, I am still a pilot holding a current Pilot license.

How has life changed post you bagged Mahabharat?

Mahabharat has been a life changing experience for me indeed. It is crazy and amazing at the same time when even kids as small as six years old recognize me as Dhritarashtra when they see me walking with long hair. I believe that with recognition comes certain responsibilities and I am busy fulfilling that. I get invited as a celebrity chief guest at schools, colleges, wedding receptions etc and it feels great to spread awareness about my show through these appearances. In short, I am dreaming and I hope I don’t wake up from this sweet slumber.

How much do you relate about Dhritarashtra? What do you like and dislike about this character?

I am an actor who follows method acting. I believe in being and feeling that person within me, if I have to act as that character. I have been preparing and living this character for four long years now. I can only say that we all have a little bit of Dhritarashtra in all of us. A father always wants the best for his child, and he will go to any limit to get it. This is what I like in Dhritarashtra. The unconditional love with the power of 10,000 elephants – a man as strong as a mountain with a tender loving heart is what the character is all about. The aspect I did not like about the man is his vulnerability, in the sense that he could be manipulated well. And that’s what caused a great war like Mahabharat.

Any interesting fan experience?

There was a fan who travelled all the way from Orissa to Mumbai just to meet me and express her feelings for me and my character. She gifted me a trophy which looks like an award, which said ‘Best Actor’. A huge photo frame of mine and a big picture of Lord Jagannath Puri were also gifted to me by her. And in return, all that she wanted was my autograph. I think it was a very touching moment for me.

Who are your close pals on the set?

I am normally always in my character, when I am on the set. So I like to be left alone and aloof, lost in the scene. But the bonding off-screen is the same with all my co-actors. However, the three actors I am closest with are Kunwar Naveen Jinger (who essays Vidur), Ajay Mishra (Sanjay) and Nirbhay Wadhwa (Dusshasan).

How is it working with Siddharth Kumar Tewary?

I have now known Siddharth Sir for four years, and I can only say that he is one of those people besides my dad who has inspired me to the greatest extent in achieving success. The man’s passion for his show and work hold no boundaries.

Have you ever thought that you are too young to do a mythology show?

On the contrary, I think I am late. This is the perfect age to explore a genre. Knowing my limitations, I am trying to expand my horizons as an actor with every passing day. I have figured out that age is just a small two digit number in the film industry. It is only the hard work and passion that speaks. This role of Dhritarashtra is actually making me ready for more challenging roles which will make me a better performer.

How is it working with Pooja Sharma aka Draupadi?

I personally adore her as Draupadi. I think she is a perfect match to play the character. There have been times when I have got lost in the expressions she delivers on screen. With what I have observed so far, she is extremely professional.

What would be your track with reference to Draupadi?

The answer to this can be given by the Producer Siddharth sir as this is totally his interpretation. But as far as I can think of, she is my daughter-in-law, but married to five men. So a repelling force could be seen in the scenes between us.

Do you think actors are self-obsessed?

I am certainly!! I think quite a lot of actors are.. We really take care of ourselves at the gym to look our part onscreen. I think that gradually makes one a little obsessed.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I only see myself as one of the most performance-oriented and successful actors of Indian cinema. I feel there is a lot to do and there is little time. So I would rather invest all of it in showing people what I can do best and entertain them with my skills.