Anuj Singh Duhan, an actor from a small town, recently reflected on his journey in the film industry, sharing the ups and downs, his struggles, and what cinema means to him. Speaking with Money Control in an exclusive conversation, he opened up about his experiences and aspirations, shedding light on the hard work and determination required to make it in the competitive world of Bollywood.
Anuj's journey to securing a role in Superboys of Malegaon began through the rigorous audition process, which he describes as a waiting game.
“This film came to me through audition process. It's a waiting game, right? In Bombay. Because if you are an outsider, you have no connections. Then you wait,” he said.
He shared that after receiving praise for his performance in PIPA, he expected more opportunities to come his way, but he found himself waiting for almost a year.
However, that waiting game took a turn when the casting director, Karan Malli, reached out to him. “I was testing for Vinit's part. I got shortlisted for that. But then Vinit said yes. So, I got the next part. That is Akram, which I am playing now,” he explained.
It was a month of anxiety, but eventually, he received the confirmation, and the excitement was palpable. He recalled how, as a child, he had always dreamed of working with top production houses like XL and Tiger Baby.
“Being part of XL and Tiger Baby, it was my childhood dream. I grew up watching XL films...and all these films. They are all inspirational films.”
As an outsider in the industry, Anuj acknowledges the unique struggles that come with the territory. "The main struggle is finding your footing in Bombay. Bombay is a city of creative people, but it’s also a city of aspirational people. Sometimes you can be aspirational, you can be motivated, you can be hardworking. But it depends on your personality."
Anuj said that as an outsider, one does not have the same access to opportunities as someone who belongs to a film family.
“You won’t get many opportunities in normal conditions. There are exceptions. But if you get an opportunity, like I got an opportunity to prove myself, then you have to prove yourself 100%.” He also mentioned that, for those from non-film backgrounds, proving themselves through their craft is the only way to gain recognition. “Only your work can make people talk about you. There is no other way,” he emphasised.
Anuj’s determination to overcome these challenges is rooted in his belief in himself and his craft. "I love thriving in difficult conditions," he says.
"All I know is, this is what it is and this is who I am. And I have to do it. And I have to perform."
The actor has had to deal with rejections throughout his career, which sometimes took a toll on his mental health.
“Every audition starts with a rejection. It's always like, yes, it will happen or not. I don't know what will happen,” he admits.
Yet, he keeps going because of the hope that the city offers. “It's the hope in the city that keeps you going."
Rejections have also shaped his understanding of resilience. Anuj shared a personal experience that moved him emotionally, reflecting on how many of his peers left the industry, especially during the pandemic.
“All my actors that we started learning together, after 4-5 years, they all went back to Delhi...none of them could come back,” he recalled.
Despite facing these challenges, Anuj chose to stay in Mumbai, believing that the city would eventually provide him with the opportunities he desired.
“I stayed. I paid my rent during COVID. I had an option to go back to my hometown, but I chose to stay in Bombay because I believed that this city will give me. I'll get this job.”
Anuj expressed immense gratitude for his opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in the industry, particularly Zoya, Farhan, and Reema.
“I love Zoya, Farhan. I grew up watching their films. Like I said, I’m a fanboy of Farhan,” he said, recalling how Farhan's films like Lakshya and Milkha had a significant impact on his life, especially during his formative years.
Anuj credits these films for motivating him and many others to pursue their dreams, including his own aspiration to join the army after watching Lakshya. “In our school, when we saw Lakshya, 80% of people around me, they went to army. Even I was planning to go to army because of that film.”
For Anuj, being a part of Superboys of Malegaon with the team behind Excel and Tiger Baby is a dream come true.
“Once they collaborate, they usually collaborate. Something beautiful comes out. I'm very fortunate and I'm very grateful that I've got my second film with such people. It's just magic."
Looking ahead, Anuj remains focused on being part of films that speak to him on an emotional level.
“Cinema to me is if I feel it, it’s right. I’m here for the passion and the feeling I get when I watch a film,” he said. To him, cinema is not just about entertainment; it’s about evoking deep emotions and creating lasting memories. “When you watch a film, when you feel something, that’s cinema to me. You feel that. That’s the kind of work I want to do,” he concluded.
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