Anshuman Jha, best known for his work in love, Sex Aur Dhoka, is now back with a few new projects — three movies and a web series. He speaks with Shalini Saksena about his mantra in life among other things
Tell us about Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain.
Those who have seen the film would know that it is a love story. It was offered to me by Harish Vyas, the writer-director. He narrated the story to me and the character I was offered was that of Jugnu. The film starts with how my character is in love with the neighbour’s daughter. This love leads to problems in the girl’s family. How Jugnu then teaches a 50-year-old man the importance of love and win the woman he loves is the premise of the film. We see this all around us — where the relationships become mechanical. The man goes to work and the woman stays and looks after the home or even if both are working, they don’t spend time with each other. The film is about how it is necessary to say ‘I love you’ and to show that love irrespective of one’s age to keep the relationship healthy.
You have come a long way since your first movie. How has the journey been thus farIJ
I would have loved to do more movies since love Sex Aur Dhoka released. But I had been busy doing theatre. Therefore, now I have taken a break from the stage and have been pursuing my film career and have done four films in the last 20 months. During this period, I have learnt a lot, worked with some wonderful directors and feel that I am just setting myself in cinema. But I miss theatre so will get back to it soon. The stage is like meditation for me and cinema euphoria. I have done Mona Darling released last year, Angrezi Mein... already released. Then there is a film set in Kashmir where I play an Army Officer. I have done another film titled Midnight Delhi.
You have done films, theatre, you have assisted in filmmaking. Where does your passion lieIJ
My passion has always been acting. The idea was to learn different facets of filmmaking. An actor should be aware of things like camera angle and importance of lighting. But if you would ask what I would choose — theatre or films — I would not be able to answer that since I love acting.
Does it bothers you that people still remember your role in love Sex Aur DhokaIJ
Not really. This is the norm of the industry — to compare one’s performance with Box office. Till I have the next hit, this will continue. So it doesn’t bother me even though I have done some good cinema but they have not done well at the BO. There are several reasons why a film doesn’t do well. It is not just one thing. The kind of films that I have done, it is a battle for independent films to get the right showcasing. But yes, I would like to do more mainstream films as this was what I trained for. But would like to do interesting stories.
Has it been a conscious decision to do the kind of cinema you are doingIJ
Definitely! Since the other kind of films that have come my way has not excited me the way I would want. Also, there is a notion which is ever changing in our industry— that young actors who are not from within the industry are getting chances which is good. But eventually, one has to prove one’s mettle and good work will come to you if you do your work diligently. I believe in controlling the controllable. What I choose to do should be done to the best of my ability.
Given the trajectory you have had, have you got your dueIJ
Nobody owes you anything, you don’t owe anything to others. You have to make your own path and be honest and sincere. You should be good at what you do. I am trying to be a better version of myself professionally. I love the warmth that I get for the kind of films that I have done. Also, I am not much of a complainer by nature. People will remember my work for what they have loved. So my aim is to give my best all the time.
How did you get your break in BollywoodIJ
I was rehearsing for a play by Girish Kannad — Bali. The auditions for love Sex... were happening in the same building so I gave the test. I was shortlisted tested again and later met Dibaker.
Was it this easyIJ
Things are never easy. There is always a struggle just the levels are different. When you aspire to get better, there is always a learning curve. The more you know, the more there is to learn. I have three Ps which I use as a guideline — Persistence, punctuality and preparation. All actor needs to have this.
What do you do when you are not actingIJ
I play a lot of cricket. I do a lot of nets and have friends who play for clubs. I have a dog and play with him. I love watching movies. I listen to music as well. Also, a lot of time is spent reading screenplays.