Aanchal Munjal is an Indian film and television actress. She made her film career with 'We Are Family', based on the 1998 Hollywood film 'Stepmom'. In 2011, Munjal portrayed Muniya S. Yadav in Hindi film 'Aarakshan'. She started her television career as Sameera in 'Dhoom Machao Dhoom' . She was seen in 'Bade Acche Lagte Hain'. She appeared as Anushka in 'Ghayal Once Again'.
RK : First of all thanks a lot for accepting our invitation for an interview. it’s a great pleasure to have you as our Guest. Let’s start from the first question… Let’s jump into the past. What was your dream since you were a kid? …what would you like to do?
Aanchal Munjal : Since my childhood, I wanted to be an actor. It was a calling from inside. Ever since I was 3, my heart knew what it wanted.
RK : You have started your acting career as Sameera in Dhoom Machao Dhoom in 2007 , what was that moment when you realized you wanted to be an actor? Who has been your greatest guide, support and source of inspiration in acting? Who’s been standing beside you through your ups and downs?
Aanchal Munjal : I stated my career as Chunni In a show called ‘Ghost Bana Dost’ in 2006. And, Like I mentioned, since my early childhood, I knew what I wanted to be. My mom helped me recognise my talent and brought me to the city of dreams - Mumbai and made her best efforts in kick starting my career. She has been with me through all ups and downs.
RK : Ever since you made your Bollywood debut in ‘We are Family’ in 2010, you have been selective about your films. What guides your choices?
Aanchal Munjal : I’ve been selective about the films I do is because I as an actor want to explore every character that I’m not and would love to play every girl that can possibly exist on this planet. But I want to do the right kind of films with the right kind of people.
RK : From ‘Parvarrish – Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi’ to ‘Bade Acche Lagte Hain’, you have done a lot of television series. Also have won Indian Telly Awards. Do you prefer to work on Television series or in cinemas?
Aanchal Munjal : For me, Acting is acting. The only difference between both the mediums is that in TV, you get to win the audience’s heart by playing a character for a long period of time where you end up being a part of every household in the country. Whereas in the movies you get to play multiple characters in multiple films and the audience loves you as who you are for your diversity. And in my case, I’d love to explore myself by playing various roles.
RK : You’re amongst the commercially viable actresses today. What are the sacrifices that go behind the glamour? What challenges do you face today? In your opinion, what are the essentials to survive in showbiz?
Aanchal Munjal : Well, I firmly believe in the fact that if you’re true to yourself and your work, people will accept you as you. I personally don’t like to take ‘being famous’ as a task but infact enjoy it to the fullest by reciprocating and being grateful for the love I receive from everybody. As far as glamour is concerned, that’s all taken care by the styling teams whenever you’re put in front of the camera or the red carpet.
RK : As a public figure, how do you think being hailed as a role model impacts on others and what pressure does it put on you?
Aanchal Munjal : As a public figure, I think it’s important to be able to be a role model as naturally as you can so that people are able to relate with you and automatically desire to gain the goodness from you. I like to be the most raw version of myself when I’m out and about and it’s the simplicity that draws people to talking to me and realising how important it is to stay grounded and rooted in life no matter what heights you reach. If you’re yourself, being a public figure or being able to influence others doesn’t pressurize you.
RK : Other than acting, what else gives you a high?
Aanchal Munjal : Other than acting, exploring new places, talking to different people, reading various books, spending time with my family makes me happy.
RK : A lot of celebrities have begun talking about their anxieties and fears. Have you ever addressed these problems? How do you generally deal with the lows? Was there ever a time when you felt like giving up?
Aanchal Munjal : A human being is a body full of emotions. If we experience happiness, there will be days when we might feel low. Because as they say, nothing is constant. On the days when I feel like I might be feeling low, I take a day off to completely disconnect from the world and rejuvenate myself to be able to push the start button again with happiness.
RK : Give us 5 fun facts people might not know about you yet.
Aanchal Munjal : 5 facts people don’t know about me are -
1. I’m not a party person at all. I’m somebody who loves to relax at home when done with my work. 2. I absolutely love eating junk food and on my cheat days, I ask my mum to make my kinda Maggie!
3. I might get retired with about 100 dogs in my house.
4. I have more guy friends than girl friends and only God knows why.
5. I’m currently making my debut in Bollywood which I’m not allowed to speak much about but I can’t wait to share it with you all.
RK : Which of your forthcoming projects are you eagerly looking forward to?
Aanchal Munjal : I guess I already gave a hint of it in my previous section. Haha! Well, you gotta wait a little to know more about it .
RK : We (Retro Kolkata) are trying to build one single stage for all the artists, because we believe that artists are the most beautiful creation of God and geographical boundary can never break their unity and harmony. Please say something about our initiative and any special message for your followers.
Aanchal Munjal : I wish Retro Kolkata all the very best for this initiative and love what they’re doing for the artists out there because yes, artists create the most beautiful pieces in this universe as thanksgiving to God for creating them as the medium to entertain the mankind and educate them.
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