Actor Anshumaan Pushkar talks about his career, struggles and future projects

How did your journey of acting start?

I am from Patna. After completing my basic education, I shifted to Mumbai to pursue acting. Then I realised I needed to know many aspects of acting and thus joined Nadira Babbar’s Ek Jute theatre. I have worked hard with them to hone my skills.

What kind of training did you undergo?

I am a good observer and have always tried to learn from my surroundings. Apart from world cinema, I have learnt many things from actors in the industry. Learning is an ongoing process and I keep adding to my skills.

What was your first project?

My first big project was Jamtara on Netflix. Before that Nadira Babbar has given me opportunities in various plays. Apart from that, I have done small roles for my friends in short films.

The OTT space is a boon for actors. What is your take?

I won’t say it’s only for actors – it’s for all creative minds in the industry. OTT has opened a big canvas for actors. And an actor like me, who was not fitting into the TV format or films, and was not getting the right exposure, web series opened a new arena.

What kind of feedback have you received for Grahan?

I have been getting a lot of positive feedback. I guess this performance of mine has been well received by the audience. I feel this one is special as finally I am being noticed by all.

Jamtara 2 is in the making. Tell us something about it…

The schedule for the second season would have been completed if the second wave of Covid had not hit us. Shooting would restart soon and I feel the second season would be accepted even better.

You have the image of an angry young man. Would you like to break that?

In Grahan, I got an opportunity to break that a bit. As an actor I don’t want to waste any opportunity. I would like to play every possible role.

Who is that one person in your life who has always supported you?

A good thing in my life is I have got people who have always supported and encouraged me. But I would like to take two names — my brother Ahsutosh and sister Amola — they have been constant support. They have trusted me blindly.

During lockdown how did you utilise your free time?

I engrossed myself in meditation and started reading.