Anshuman Jha dedicates Best Actor at HBO’s South Asian International Film Festival award to late Irrfan Khan

Actor and producer Anshuman Jha, who is the protagonist of Lakadbaggha, won the Best Actor award at HBO’s South Asian International Film Festival that was held in New York City.

The film made its international premiere at the fest and received this honour. This is the first Indian film made on an animal vigilante and used the martial art form Krav Magha extensively.

Anshuman said, "I am very grateful to HBO and the entire team of the South Asian International Film Festival, New York, for considering Lakadbaggha worthy of an opening film and recognising my character, Arjun Bakshi, worthy of the Best Actor award. I dedicate this award to Irrfan (Khan) sir since it was announced after his birth anniversary."

Actress Sayani Gupta won the award under the same category as Best Actress and Anshuman congratulated her. He also hinted that such appreciation will drive him and his team to work hard for the second part of the film. He also explained why he is reacting to the news lately.

The actor said, "I apologies for this late reaction as I missed their official mail because I have been so busy promoting Lakadbaggha. I am glad they reached out on a call. This now inspires me to train doubly hard for Lakadbaggha - Chapter 2."

The actor then confirmed that they will start filming the sequel of the film from the month of September.

Set in Kolkata, the story of the film revolves around a young man named Arun Bakshi who takes care of stray dogs, and how one day he encounters a hyena (or lakadbaggha), followed by an illegal wildlife trade racket that he eventually tries to expose.

The film, directed by Victor Mukherjee, also stars Ridhi Dogra, Milind Soman and Paresh Pahuja. It is currently in theatres.