Abhimanyu Singh is known for his performance in movies like Gulaal, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Jazbaa, Mom and others. Recently, the actor was seen in two movies, Sooryavanshi and Annaatthe (Tamil).
In both the movies, he played the antagonist and impressed the audiences with his performance.
Eastern Eye recently interacted with Singh and spoke to him about the success of Sooryavanshi and Annaatthe, similarity between Akshay Kumar and Rajinikanth, and more...
Sooryavanshi was slated to release in March 2020 but it finally hit the big screens this month. When we asked if the wait for the release was difficult, Singh said, “Yes, of course it was difficult. Not, only me, but everybody was waiting for the film for a long time and it took at least 18 months to see the light of the day. Most importantly, Rohit sir had said that he would release the film only in theatres and that’s what he did and the Hindi film audiences are again back to the theatres because of Sooryavanshi. I knew that this film will do wonders.”
In Annaatthe, Singh got an opportunity to share screen space with Rajinikanth.
While talking about his experience of working with the South superstar, the actor said, “It was a wonderful experience. It was like a dream come true. Since the day I have been working in South, my wife used to ask me just one question ‘when you will be working with Rajini sir?’ Thanks to director Siva, it’s because of him I got a chance to work with Rajini sir.”
“He is a wonderful human being. He is successful and such a big star, but he is still so humble and grounded. This is the one thing which I learnt from him. Whatever height you achieve in your life, you should never forget that your feet are on ground,” he added.
When asked him if there’s any similarities between Rajinikanth and Akshay, Singh said, “The biggest similarity between them is that both of them are successful but still very humble. Akshay sir is also very simple and he treats everyone in the same manner as Rajini sir does. So, that’s the big similarity between these two stars.”
Singh is mainly known for portraying negative roles, but when asked if he would like to play a positive character, he said, “I will be doing positive roles in a couple of upcoming projects of mine. As an actor I always feel that I need to do different kind of roles and thankfully I am getting those opportunities where I will be seen doing comedy and positive roles.”
Singh will next be seen in Bachchan Pandey which also stars Akshay Kumar in the lead role.
While talking about the film, he said, “It has an amazing story. We all were in Rajasthan for about 50-60 days, and we completed the film in one go. It was a great experience of working with Sajid Nadiadwala, the producer of the film. I was working with him for the first time, but he made me feel very comfortable. He is a very wonderful human being and a sensible producer. And of course, once again with Akshay sir, it was great fun shooting for Bachchan Pandey. You will see me in a very different role in the film, completely different from what I have done in Sooryavanshi.”
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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