Anjum Fakih began young as a model and looked to acting to prove her mettle.
The talented and fun-loving Anjum went on to impress audiences with her work in Tere Sheher Mein, Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani, Devanshi.
However, the popular and numero uno show on Zee TV, Kundali Bhagya has put her in the limelight, and she aces it in the mature and spirited role of Srishti.
She’s certainly a talent who has a long road to traverse with an abundance of work potential in her.
In an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Anjum Fakih talks about her character in Kundali Bhagya, her defining moment as an actor and her desires for the future.
Excerpts:
You have had a good journey as an actor. Take us through your highs and lows.
As an actor, I have been very lucky to experience and learn a lot about the way the industry functions at a very young age. I got great opportunities and met some wonderful people along my way, who have helped me grow as an individual and as an artist.
When I look back at my journey, I look at it as a beautiful life experience. Like every individual, I too have had my highs and lows. There were times when there was not enough work; I would walk from Bandra to Andheri for auditions. Survive on a packet of Maggi. Those were very difficult times and I felt very low and dejected. But then I got my first break, my first modelling assignment, my first TV show and everything changed. I strongly believe that one must celebrate their highs, but at the same time never forget their lows, because that’s what motivates us to keep on moving ahead with positivity.
Kundali Bhagya has been huge for everyone associated. Tell us about your gains from the show?
To be very honest, I am very elated that I got an opportunity to work in a show like Kundali Bhagya. The audience has showered us with immense love and it is very encouraging for all of us. My character Srishti on the show made me a household name. People recognise me on the streets and that is the biggest compliment for an artist to be known for their work. Fans walk up to me and tell me how much they love my character and how relatable it is. That is the best thing that has ever happened to me as an actor.
I strongly believe that one must celebrate their highs, but at the same time never forget their lows, because that’s what motivates us to keep on moving ahead with positivity.
Is there any genre of work you are eager to tap on in the near future.
I believe as an artist one must not shy away from experimenting with different genres and I am open to experimenting with various genres. As Srishti, I have got to experiment a lot on screen and I wish I get to do something new more often, to keep my fans entertained. Personally, I would want to do characters with shades of grey and some comedy. There is a lot of scope to perform with such characters.
Who is your inspiration when it comes to acting?
I am learning every day and I get inspired every day by the people around me, Supriya ji, Shraddha and my co-actors. Surrounded by such talented artists, I am inspired every day.
How has the industry accepted you on the whole, Anjum Fakih?
I think the industry is very welcoming if you have the talent. Since I started my journey, I have never looked back. I have taken everything in my stride and I was lucky to have met people who acknowledged and appreciated my talent and encouraged me to take up work and move ahead. The industry has accepted me the way I am and I am grateful to all the people who believed in me and gave me opportunities to prove my mettle.
Fans walk up to me and tell me how much they love my character and how relatable it is. That is the best thing that has ever happened to me as an actor.
Do you have any regrets?
No regrets. I always believe in looking at life through the windshield and not through the rearview mirror. As an individual one must learn from all their experiences- good or bad and move forward.
You will be seen in an important sequence in Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain 3 when it comes. How was the experience?
So when I was offered Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain 3, I immediately said a yes because I always wanted to work with ALTBalaji. The experience was really great and I was looking forward to working with Ronit Roy, Gurdeep Kohli and Suchitra Pillai. In fact, I am a huge fan of Suchitra Pillai and I had a fangirl moment on the set when I met her. I have grown up watching Ronit Roy on television and I really respect him as an artist. All of them are such seasoned actors and there is so much to learn from them.
What is your take on work on the web? Will you be game?
I have done a web series called Kashmakash and it was widely appreciated by the fans. I feel the web is the way to go and the kind of creative freedom one enjoys while shooting for a web series helps us grow as artists and professionals. The content is refreshing and one can consume it on the move, whenever and wherever one wants to. I would definitely take up a project if the script is good and if the concept interests me.
The industry has accepted me the way I am and I am grateful to all the people who believed in me and gave me opportunities to prove my mettle.
Getting back to Srishti, what are your takeaways from the role, Anjum Fakih?
Srishti is a happy go lucky girl and somewhere I can relate to her because I am very similar in my personal space too. She lives in the moment, is fearless, ambitious and always stands up for what is right. Srishti is someone who speaks her mind. I think it is very important to stand up for yourself and the people around you and always look ahead and focus on the positives in your life.
How is your rapport with Dheeraj Dhoopar, Shraddha Arya, Abhishek Kapur?
I share a very warm equation with all of them. Dheeraj is a fun guy to have around and there is never a dull moment when he is on the set. Shraddha is like a sister to me. I share everything with her. Our equation is just like Preeta and Srishti. Abhishek, along with being my on-screen hero is a very dear and close friend. We are like Tom and Jerry, always fighting and pulling each other’s leg.
Who is the prankster on the set?
Dheeraj Dhoopar is a huge prankster on our set. He loves scaring people. Shraddha also pranks people sometimes, but Dheeraj wins hands down.
What is it that you miss the most during this lockdown?
I miss working! I miss the set and all the people. I pray to God that we get out of this pandemic, safe and sound. I can’t wait to get back to work and also catch up with my friends.
What keeps you busy and motivated during this stay at home phase?
I am making the most out of this lockdown period by spending time with family at home. I am also reading up, writing some shayari and catching up on some movies. Keeping in touch with friends and my loved ones are keeping me positive and motivated.
Message for your fans, Anjum Fakih
Keep indoors, follow social distancing and be safe. These are trying times for everyone and I am sure, together we all will pull through this. Take this opportunity to learn a new skill, cook, read or do anything that you enjoy and spend some quality time with your family.
