Anushka Ranjan, daughter of the founders of Indian Television Academy (ITA), Shashi and Anu Ranjan, is a head turner alright. A well-known model, Anushka, who is almost 5.10 inches tall with sharp features, sashays into the suburban eatery, our meeting place, and has all eyes glued on her.
She is confident and looks born for the camera. She animatedly tells me that she has always been inclined towards fairytales. “I used to love Disney cartoons and films. But as I grew up, I became more of a tomboy. Also I have always loved movies. Animated movies, classics and even the ‘dancing around trees’ Hindi cinema. I hoped that someday I would be part of showbiz.”
Anushka started getting complimented for her hot looks while she was still in college and even started getting film offers. Initially, she thought she was better off being a director rather than an actor. “It’s not like I didn’t have plans to join films. But I believed I would be better behind the camera. Not that I was an overweight girl, but when I started losing some weight, I got the confidence to face the camera instead.”
She thought her big break had come when Sajid Nadiawala auditioned her for a film opposite Tiger Shroff. However, the project never took off but the filmmaker promised her another film. Her hopes were further dashed when Salman Khan okayed his dates for Kick and Sajid got busy with the superstar. “I was upset with the delay but my friends and family were supportive. I have been brought up in this industry so I know these things aren’t unheard of. Big films with big actors get shelved half way through shoot. My film hadn’t even begun so I was alright. You have to believe that something amazing is in store.”
That’s when daddy dearest, Shashi Ranjan, came to her rescue. He promised her a good launch pad and roped in ace cinematographer Binod Pradhan to direct her in a romcom about a destination wedding. The film is called Wedding Pulav and stars Kannada actor Diganth opposite her. Anushka is ecstatic about the new beginning ahead. She has been through her share of frustration and is all set to start afresh, “This profession has a lot of ups and down. I’m prepared to take whatever comes my way. I’ll continue taking it with a smile on my face. I’m prepared for rejection and competition. That’s the fun of it. I’ll keep striving and try to outdo myself.” Also she holds her father’s advice seriously – that is to remain grounded and to respect seniors on the set! Atta girl, we must say.
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