‘No roles, ran out of money’: Actress who worked with Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani reveals why she almost gave up acting

Actress Anjali Anand made her Bollywood debut with Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The film, headlined by Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, premiered in 2023. Anjali played the role of Ranveer’s on-screen sister, Gayatri Randhawa, in the romantic comedy and grabbed attention for her performance. But her journey in the film industry was far from a bed of roses. Now, Anjali opened up about the lowest point in her career in a conversation with filmmaker Farah Khan.

Anjali Anand on her career struggles

Farah Khan recently paid a visit to Anjali Anand’s Mumbai home with her now-famous cook Dilip and posted a new vlog on her YouTube channel. Besides treating the guests with homemade chicken rice noodles, Anjali also spoke about how she was asked by a casting director to lose weight and how her funds ran empty when she got no roles while living in Mumbai.

When Farah asked Anjali how she landed a role in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, the actress gave an honest answer. She said that she was going through one of the most difficult phases of her life in 2020. With the pandemic bringing the entertainment industry to a standstill, acting opportunities had almost completely dried up for her.

Casting call marks Anjali Anand’s Bollywood entry

The lack of work also created financial difficulties for Anjali, leaving her savings depleted within just 6 months. At one point, the actress even began considering leaving India and giving up her pursuit of acting altogether. Things began to change when casting director Shanoo Sharma reached out to her. Anjali had known Sharma for years and had previously been told by her that losing weight could open up more opportunities in the film world. The actress recalled receiving her message while she was on a trip to Goa with friends.

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Anjali’s family was also uncertain about her prospects in Bollywood. Her mother, in particular, was sceptical about her chances of meeting filmmaker Karan Johar or being considered for one of his films. However, Anjali’s photographs and audition eventually made an impression on KJo. The filmmaker saw potential in her and selected her for the role, giving Anjali her breakthrough moment.

About Anjali Anand

Anjali Anand, the daughter of former actor Dinesh Anand, starred in television shows such as Dhhai Kilo Prem and Untag in 2017, and Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala in 2018. She was also a contestant on Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 13 and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11. Anjali was last seen in Dhamaal 4, which is now streaming on Netflix.