DASHING actor Ankit Bathla describes his journey as a fulfilling one because it has enabled him to entertain audiences, play varied characters and learn along the way.
With an impressive number of projects under his belt, the small screen star is now looking for more challenges.
Eastern Eye caught up with Ankit Bathla to talk all things television.
Which of your projects has given you the greatest joy?
My recent stint in Paramavatar Shri Krishna gave me great joy because it was something absolutely different to what I have been doing in the past. Playing Arjun gave me great joy because I was able to live the life of a warrior, who is larger than life. It was also very different because of the costume, jewellery, hair and makeup, so all put together, it was a wonderful experience.
What was the greatest challenge while working on that recent show?
The costume is uncomfortable, and you have to do things out of your comfort zone because on a regular show we don’t do archery or ride horses. We don’t talk in the typical difficult Hindi, but in the original style of speaking, so it is a challenging show. But I really loved it because I got to live the life of a great warrior.
Tell us about your current project?
I recently finished a music video with Times Music, and it has given me great joy. It’s a small shoot, but very interesting and a great respite from the regular shows.
What is the master plan going forward?
The master plan is, of course only known by my master, which is God. I don’t have any plans for the future. I just want to keep entertaining people and do good work. I also want to anchor some shows, as I have hosted live events.
What’s your dream role?
For me, every role is a dream because I try to take up roles different from the ones I have done in the past. I have been lucky enough to be offered different roles every time so that’s getting me to my dream role every time. I don’t know my exact dream role, but I am looking forward to doing more and more challenging roles.
Who is your acting hero?
My acting hero is Mr Amitabh Bachchan! He has shown extreme variation in character and emotions. Also, whatever I have read about him, it is all about his positive attitude, punctuality and dedication, despite being a mega-star, so he is my role model. He is also making a great difference to humanity.
What do you enjoy watching on TV?
I’m watching Netflix series Lucifer and think the story is amazing. It has a really interesting character and is just a beautiful series, which involves a lot of emotions.
What inspires you?
When I see my mom smile and when she says I am so proud of you.
Why do you love being an actor?
I love everything about being an actor, from the makeup, lights and costumes to the whole aspect of rehearsing lines, and most importantly, playing a character which you are not in your real life. As an actor, we get the opportunity to live a different life and subsequently get to do so much, which would not be possible if you lived just one life.
The singer jokingly texted Clairo saying, "Let's f**k her up," sparking an online frenzy
Why Charli XCX jokingly declared war on Peppa Pig after one viral comment
Highlights
What started as a playful celebrity game has turned into one of the internet's most unexpected viral moments, with Charli XCX jokingly threatening to "f**k up" Peppa Pig after the beloved cartoon character appeared to dismiss singer Clairo.
The exchange quickly spread across social media, drawing reactions from fans and fellow musicians, while turning an unlikely clash between a pop star and a fictional children's character into a trending talking point.
Peppa Pig's viral remark sparked the joke
The playful exchange began during Peppa Pig's appearance in Pitchfork's Over/Under game, where the animated character rated a selection of music artists.
While expressing admiration for acts including PinkPantheress and The Beatles, Peppa responded to Clairo by saying, "I don't know her," a line widely recognised as a reference to Mariah Carey's famous response when asked about Jennifer Lopez.
The remark, accompanied by a knowing glance at the camera, quickly gained traction online.
Charli XCX rushed to Clairo's defence
After seeing the clip, Charli XCX privately messaged Clairo, writing, "Let's f**k her up," alongside a screenshot of the viral post.
Clairo later shared the exchange on social media, prompting thousands of reactions from fans, many of whom responded with pig and bacon-themed jokes.
PinkPantheress, whom Peppa had praised in the original video, also joined the conversation, posting a message supporting Clairo.
As the exchange continued, Clairo responded to the growing attention with humour, replying to posts before eventually telling followers, "ok that's enoughhhhh lolllllllllll."
Some fans joked that the viral moment was the perfect opportunity for the singer to announce new music, though Clairo replied that she did not have anything ready to share.
Her most recent album, Charm, was released in 2024, with its accompanying tour concluding in 2025.
Charli XCX keeps her focus on new music
While the online joke continued to gather momentum, Charli XCX did not publicly add to the exchange.
Instead, the singer has been focusing on promoting her upcoming album, Music, Fashion, Film, which is scheduled for release on July 24.
Although fans speculated that one of the track titles could be a playful nod to the viral exchange, there has been no indication that the album references the light-hearted social media moment.