Talented actor Ansh Bagri has delighted audiences with his impressive acting abilities, which includes a winning turn on his latest drama serial Dil Toh Happy Hai Ji.
Someone who is set to soar even higher, Eastern Eye caught up with the popular star to talk all things television.
Which TV shows did you enjoy growing up?
I enjoyed watching shows on (TV channels) DD1 and DD2 such as Raja Aur Rancho, Shrimaan Shrimati, Tipu Sultan, Mahabharat, Ramayan and many more.
How did you feel when acting on screen for the first time?
I was a backup dancer in the Shiamak Davar dance institute and danced behind Shah Rukh Khan in the film song Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. I went to the theatre to watch myself though I looked a little blurred in the film. I was also a backup dancer in the film Yuvvraaj. My father was very happy to see me. It was a great feeling because I had dreamed of becoming an actor since childhood.
What about TV?
It was for a TV commercial. I felt happy when I saw my dreams getting fulfilled. Unfortunately, my father passed away in 2009. It was a big thing for me as thousands who dream about this, but are not able to fulfil them and I was the lucky one.
Tell us about Dil Toh Happy Hai Ji?
This show is going on and I love it. I love my character and am very thankful to my fans as they always loved me, supported me and encouraged me to do more. I never wanted to do a daily soap where nothing seemed challenging, but my character Rocky in Dil Toh Happy Hai Ji was very challenging because I turned into a good guy from grey shades. This character has had a lot of emotions that I have loved.
What is your dream role?
There is nothing like a dream role for me. My dream is to play different types of characters. I want to explore the versatility in me and show it to my audience.
Tell us, how do you cope with such a demanding work schedule?
It’s difficult but I enjoy working. I think about problems and get frustrated when I have free time. I feel good when I am working.
What have you binge-watched recently?
I used to follow Game Of Thrones and Friends is one of my favourites as I watch it to lighten my mood, and also Modern Family. Recently I have watched Chernobyl, which is an amazing show based on a nuclear disaster. The way they shot and narrated the story is outstanding.
Who is your TV hero?
I consider myself as a TV hero because I am hard-working, sincere and passionate about my work. I believe in working hard and not shortcuts.
What inspires you?
When somebody tells me that I can’t do something, then that thing inspires me as I get the courage and power to do it. I go crazy to do that thing and prove myself to the point of being stubborn.
Why do you love being an actor?
Acting is one thing that gives me the inspiration and satisfaction to live. Everyone wants to do different things and acting is something I want to do. Acting is like food for my body and soul.
The actress defended her claim that acting demands more than desk jobs in a recent interview.
She said office workers can "chill out" during work hours, unlike film stars.
Fans and working professionals called her comments privileged and out of touch.
The backlash started after her appearance on Amazon Prime's Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle.
Critics pointed out the financial gap and support systems actors have compared to regular employees.
Kajol probably didn't expect this reaction when she sat down with Twinkle Khanna on Two Much. But her comments about actors working harder than people with 9-to-5 jobs have blown up, and not in a good way.
Fans slam Kajol after she says actors work harder than regular employees sparking online outrage Getty Images
The comments that started it all
Kajol was speaking out about her earlier comments on Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle on Amazon Prime, where she said actors work harder than most people. This time she was explaining why she thinks that.
She told The Hollywood Reporter India that her days are full of shoots, events, and very early flights. One day involved waking at 5 AM to catch a flight to Jaipur for a 3 PM event.
But it was her take on regular jobs that got people talking. She claimed desk workers don't need to be "100% present" and can take breaks, "chill out," and relax while working. She kept coming back to the unending scrutiny actors face like the feeling of always being watched or something as simple as how you cross your legs or who's snapping a picture in the background becomes a constant calculation. You have to be switched on, she insisted, all the time.
The internet, frankly, was having none of it. YouTube and Reddit exploded with responses. "For the kind of remuneration actors are paid, they shouldn't have a problem working 12 hours a day for 4 days a week," one user wrote. Another pointed out that films typically take 3-4 months to shoot, while regular jobs run year-round.
The responses got more pointed. "Vanity mein naps or massages bhi toh hum lete hain," a Reddit user commented, referencing the comfort of vanity vans. Someone else joked: "If you work poorly, you get fired. If you act poorly, you get a Filmfare award."
The bluntest response yet? "Respectfully, Kajol, shut up."
Nobody denies acting is demanding. Long hours, public pressure, and constant judgement are very real. But comparing it to regular employment ignores some major differences.
Most people work 12 months a year with two weeks' holiday if they're lucky. They don't have spot boys fetching drinks or vanity vans for rest breaks. One netizen nailed it: "A working parent's schedule is continuous, every single day, with no wrap-up party or off-season."
Online erupts as Kajol defends claim that acting demands more than everyday 9-to-5 workGetty Images
There's also the money. While her fee for a single film is probably more than most people earn in a year, she says that doesn’t make the work easy. Still, it does provide a comfort that regular employees don’t have. Kajol has not yet replied to the backlash.
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