'12th Fail was my film school, it prepared me for Ajey': Anant Joshi on playing UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Anant Joshi will be playing the role of UP CM Yogi Adityanath in Ajey

Actor Anant Joshi, who has many hit films to his credit including the 12th Fail, is going to play the lead role in the upcoming movie Ajey.

He will portray the titular role in 'Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi', a biographical drama on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Anant Joshi's acclaimed performance as Pritam Pandey in the hit film '12th Fail' appears to have been an instrumental preparation for his demanding role in 'Ajey.'

The depth and nuance that was required to portray the role of Pritam Pandey in '12th Fail' helped him hone his ability to delve into complex roles.

His portrayal in '12th Fail' presented his range as an actor and eventually making confidently take on the role of Yogi Adityanath in Ajey.

Talking about his experience from 12th Fail to now starring as the lead in Ajey, Anant said "Working with Vidhu Vinod Chopra is nothing less than training in a film school. He is a walking film institution. Being able to spend my every day on film set with him, it was like every moment was a lesson. I think that learning prepared and improved me so much as a professional and as an artist that I was able to take the challenge to portray Ajey. And I think it all made sense to have done 12th Fail before being able to take on a lead role. I am happy that Ajey came after 12th Fail."

Prior to this lead role in Ajey, he was seen in the critically acclaimed film 'Kathal' and '12th Fail.'

He has made his mark in the popular web series 'Maamla Legal Hai.'

Joshi was seen in the documentary 'Zero Se Restart,' which showed the making of '12th Fail,' offering audiences a glimpse into his work.

Anant spoke about his experience of working with Vidhu Vinod Chopra during his interaction in 'Zero Se Restart'.

He said it was satisfying to work under Vidhu Vinod Chopra and that the noted director brought out the best in him.

Vidhu and the entire cast, including Anant, undertook rigorous workshops and countless revisions to ensure every character authentically portrayed their real-life inspirations.

Ajey will showcase the journey of Ajay Mohan Singh Bisht who is now known as Yogi Adityanath, from his early life in Uttarakhand to him becoming a revered Yogi and ultimately, entering politics.

The film's teaser is already out and its trailer will also be released soon. Ajey is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 1, 2025.

In the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where hard hitting narratives and powerful performances of actors often capture audiences' imagination, a leading man with a solid project is set to take center stage.