The winner of Mr. World title in 2015, Thakur Anoop Singh is fast emerging as a popular actor in the Indian film industry. From playing Dhritarashtra in the TV series of Mahabharat to being cast opposite Allu Arjun in Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India, the man has come a long way. This hunk will soon be seen playing the villain in Achari America Yatra, which is all set to release on April 27. Yo! Vizag caught up with Thakur Anoop Singh recently.
From being a Mr. World to becoming a star in films, how has the transition been?
“I worked as a TV artist first. But I always wanted to get into films as I believed they had a larger scope for performance as compared to the former. After winning Mr. India and Mr. Asia titles, I was preparing for the Mr. World competition in 2015, during which I got my first chance into films. Puri Jagannadh sir, who is considered to be a lucky charm for many newcomers, had offered me a character in ‘Rogue’, which was released in 2016. Eventually, I got offers from the film industries of Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, and Marathi.”
How was it working for Achari America Yatra?
“It was a beautiful experience. I play the role of the main villain in the film. After I first heard the script by G Nageswara Reddy sir (director), I was a bit skeptical about doing a comedy film as I had to tackle certain language barriers to strike a perfect comic timing. However, it was my desire to perform well that kept me going. The director and co-stars were extremely supportive as well, which helped me a lot while shooting the scenes.”
Which role do you prefer to play-hero or villain?
“I feel that, for a film, both the hero and villain are equally important when it comes to the scope of performance. Nowadays, many villains are being characterized and designed in a more powerful way to elevate the protagonist’s heroism. So, I’d say it’s a win-win situation for me. I’m happy performing any role as far the audience love and appreciate my work. In fact, my next project in Telugu would have me donning the lead role in the film.”
Are there any language barriers to films? Do you find it difficult to cope up?
“Bahubali had once again beautifully proved that films are not restricted by language barriers. It is the creativity that thrives. I’m a proud actor of the Indian film industry and my journey had started with ‘Rogue’ in Telugu, followed by ‘Singham 3’ in Tamil. Interestingly, I came to know that many people in the Northern regions of the country follow the dubbed versions of South Indian films. This has helped me gain recognition over there too and has given me the kick to strive harder and keep impressing my audience.
Coming to how I cope up while working in different languages, frankly, I feel nothing is different as far as the work is concerned. No matter what film I’m working in, I continue being punctual, doing my homework, and maintaining my fitness regime. So, as long as one is sincere and knows what the job is, language isn’t a barrier while filming.”
What does your family have to say about your work?
“Before coming into acting, I was working in the aviation industry as a pilot. When I decided to switch into acting, I had to start from the scratch, and my family was not sure of what I was doing. After Mahabharat, I had to put in the hard yards and market myself from door to door to get the next offer. Luckily, the efforts seem to be paying off and my people are really proud of what I’m doing currently.”
What lies ahead for Thakur Anoop Singh in the Telugu Film Industry?
“Working with different directors and stars has not only given me tremendous exposure but also taught me a lot of things in the process. I’m looking forward to work with the likes of SS Rajamouli sir and Boyapati Srinu sir. As a matter of fact, I met the latter recently and he really seemed to like my work. Vakkantham Vamsi sir too, was very encouraging while working for Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India. Such heartening inspirations make me work harder and perform even better. I also want to share screen space with some top names in the industry such as Mahesh Babu, Prabhas, and Ram Charan among others.”
What is it that we need to look forward to in Achari America Yatra?
“It is a twisted comedy and people would be thoroughly entertained. They would enjoy and laugh at my reactions to different scenarios, and of course, Brahmanandam sir will be back on the screen with his trademark comedy. The film also has exciting action sequences and a riveting intensity to it. Overall, AAY is a total entertainer.”
We wish Thakur Anoop Singh all the best for his future endeavours as we wait to get entertained by Achari America Yatra.
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