OTTplay Exclusive! Actor Anuj Rampal: I kept knocking at door of opportunity, I knew it would break open one day

Anuj Rampal has had a long journey before he received wide recognition for playing the role of Siddhant Rastogi in the Amazon Prime series Akkad Bakkad Rafu Chakkar. What has kept him going for these eight years is his belief in himself and love for the craft of performing arts, he says. In an exclusive candid chat with OTTplay, the actor spoke about his journey, rejections he's faced, how he draws parallels from sports in his life and his future projects. Excerpts:  

Your performance in Akkad Bakkad Rafu Chakkar is being well received and appreciated. Did you expect that kind of response?

I am being honest here. I did expect a certain kind of response. I knew how my performance was and the things people will love and things that wouldn't be loved. I knew Vicky and my chemistry would be appreciated and my comic timing too. But I am never absolutely satisfied with my performance and I set my bar always high. Learning should never stop and I try to keep getting better and better. The series Akkad Bakkad was made with a lot of heart. And Raj sir created such an environment where we pushed each other to do well. Even when I had self-doubts, he would back me up. So, I knew magic can be created.

Your earlier character also has had comedy. You played the role of a stand-up comedian in the mini-series Dolly ki Shaadi. So is comedy your favourite genre and is that why you did Akkad Bakkad too?

My favourite genre is drama, be it family drama or thriller. I am a fun person and bring in a high energy vibe when I meet people. I constantly try to crack people up with my jokes. So when I meet directors, they see that and I guess that's why they give me such roles. And comedy is the most difficult genre I would say. So, when I am receiving compliments for that, it means a lot. 

Who is your biggest inspiration?

There are a lot of people I admire. I am a 90s kid and I would get absolutely mesmerised when I used to see Govinda do comedy or Shah Rukh Khan doing his signature style. Anyone who can create magic on screen and get me transported into their world inspires me. I have always been fascinated by storytelling. 

Could you tell us a bit about your journey so far?

I have had a long journey. I completed my graduation in 2013 and started giving auditions. I didn't think of theatre then. It was only at the end of 2015 that I started doing theatre regularly and that changed my life. My mind really broadened and I started looking at the craft differently. I toiled all these years. I kept knocking on the door constantly for opportunities and I knew one day, it will break open.

What caught your interest in acting?

I was in class 9 when I did an English play The Bishop's Candlesticks. I played the role of a thief and I had a monologue at the end, talking about the tough life I have had to live. I was appreciated for my performance and I saw one of my teachers crying seeing it and was fascinated by the impact of my performance. But I was a studious child and my mother was strict about me doing well in academics. So I went on to pursue an engineering degree. But acting was always there at the back of my head and I started doing college theatre. Later, I moved to Mumbai to be on my feet and it took me eight years to figure out myself. 

So, what was your family's initial reaction when you told them you want to quit engineering and do acting?

I completed my graduation. I did not quit it. I then moved to Mumbai and worked for an IT company for two years. I used to give auditions and do theatre alongside. But then I decided to quit and take up acting full time. I had only about 20 days more to serve my notice period when I told my parents about my decision. They were surprised and of course, protective about me. They always knew that I was interested in acting. So, I told them that I did a job for them for two years and now, I would like to pursue acting and figure myself out. I kept showing them what I do. They attended my plays and also watched Akkad Bakkad. My father gave me shagun after my performance for his happiness. He transferred Rs 5,100 to my account after watching the series. And I find those gestures really nice. 

You have mainly worked in theatre. How has that helped you evolve as an actor?

I learned everything I know from the theatre. It helped me broaden the spectrum of my thoughts. It helped me polish my craft and grow as an actor. I would get feedback and also see the reactions of the audience instantly. Most of all, theatre gave me confidence. I enjoy theatre a lot and I am grateful to all those who gave me an opportunity. 

So, was it difficult to adapt to a completely different format like OTT from theatre?

It was different and initially, I was trying to understand how the format works. But my basics are strong and so, I could adapt quick. I had done Dolly Ki Shaadi before Akkad Bakkad. The setup is much bigger when it's a series. Raj sir helped me a lot and guided me on how to perform in front of cameras and lights. When I do well, he would also appreciate me and that's really important for an actor. 

Would you say OTT has been a game-changer for you?

OTT is a gamechanger, not only for actors but also for the industry. It has given opportunities to new directors, storytellers, and actors. OTT has taken off the pressure of box office collections and offered complete liberty. It has provided a platform to tell different stories like Tabbar on SonyLIV. It is so good, pure and raw. It has been a boon for actors including me. 

And of course, the entertainment industry can be stressful and competitive. So how do you manage that stress?

I think there is no way to manage stress but to face it. I let the feeling sink in. If I am feeling sad, I feel sad. I don't deny it or try and look for distractions. I feel sad and get over it. At the same time, when I am happy, I don't get too elated. I just enjoy the moment, like when I was receiving great responses for Akkad Bakkad. I draw parallels between sports and life. Both have ups and downs in life. Sports teaches you that you win some games and you lose some, you just need to keep coming back and keep striving. I love what I do. I enjoy it and I know things will work out in my favour. I hope I am not being too preachy (laughs).

So, do you play sports too?

I play sports but I am not really good at it. I play football and cricket but I am very passionate about sports. I watch tennis too. I have Virat Kohli's poster in my room. Sports are inspirational. It teaches you to constantly work on what you love and do not think of results. Just give your best and the results will turn out good. Sometimes, you may fail as you cannot impress everybody but at least, you will be satisfied that you did your process right. 

You were mentioning liberty when it comes to OTT. Now, if OTT platforms too are censored, do you think that freedom will be curbed?

I think censorship should not happen. It should be an individual's choice on what one wants to watch. The internet has become a staple in every household. It is roti, kapda, makaan aur internet now. It is easy to access content online and you get all kinds of content - violence and children's content. Censorship should not happen based on assumption that if kids watch violence, they will become violent. If that were the case, they can also learn violence by watching the villains beat up Shah Rukh Khan in DDLJ. 

Who are your favourite actors and directors you'd like to collaborate with?

I have a whiteboard in my room where I have written the names of filmmakers and artists I would definitely like to work it. The list includes Zoya Akhtar, Hansal Mehta, Shoojit Sircar, Hansal Mehta who made City Lights and Shakum Batra who made Kapoor and Sons. I'd also like to work with Rajkummar Rao. There is so much to learn from him, and Alia Bhat. She is so raw and honest in her performances. I wish if I could share the screen with her.

If you were not an actor, what would you think you would be doing? Would it be engineering?

I used to tell my close friend when I used to get constantly rejected and feel sad that I would get into cricket and play for the Ranji trophy. Had I gotten into cricket when I am not even good at it, probably another journalist would have asked me there what would be my alternate career choice. 

So sports was your plan B?

I never really had plan B. Otherwise, all the efforts I have put for so many years would have gone to waste. I may have done engineering since I have a degree in it. I never thought of any readymade plan B.

What are your other interests?

I am learning to sing now. Hopefully, you will hear something from me in a year or two. Many have told me that I have a voice for singing. So I am trying my hands on it. Also, I am learning to dance. 

Where will we get to see you next?

I am in talks for a project or two. They are yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, I will be working on an audio series, like a podcast, helmed by Shiv Tandon. I also have two stage plays - Catch 22 and A Fistful of Rupees.