Anshumaan Pushkar is known for his compelling performances in OTT projects and Hindi cinema. He rose to fame through his role as Rocky, a passionate young man, in the Netflix crime drama series Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega. Pushkar further established his reputation as a formidable actor with notable performances in projects such as Grahan and the critically acclaimed film 12th Fail, showcasing his versatility and depth as a performer. Now, he is all set to play the deeply complex character of Bablu Mahto in the ZEE5 drama, Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel.
We got into an exclusive conversation with Anshuman Pushkar on his role in the series, on the concept around the Launda Naach performers and more.
Anshuman plays the secret double life of Bablu and Laali in the series. Talking about mentally and physically switching between both characters, he says, “As per the requirement of the script, I prepared myself. For Bablu, I did not have to prepare much physically. I am a person from Bihar, so I know the dialect very well. Considering Laali, I definitely had to work on my dancing and wearing the attire in itself was a big task.”
He goes on to say, “Emotionally, the two characters brought different perspectives and distinct personalities to the story. Laali is bold, radiating charm and confidence with her striking characteristics. In contrast, Bablu tends to be more reserved, grappling with deeper emotional struggles than Laali. Both characters have a unique presence that influenced my portrayal throughout the journey. I’m truly thankful for my co-actors and director, whose support has been invaluable in this experience.”
Anshuman chooses his scripts wisely, and we have seen it. “I see whether the particular character will intrigue me when I am shooting. I am still that person who gives auditions. So I cannot choose roles by myself. But all depends on whether I feel intrigued,” he explains.
Talking about the presence of Aarti in Bablu’s life and her journey of being his emotional anchor, he says, “Romance has been a significant part of Bablu’s life, with Aarti being the love of his life. She is the only person who recognises his potential and understands the discrimination and feudal hierarchy that affects him. For Bablu, Aarti is his pillar of support. Initially, he struggled with the fact that his father is a Launda Naach performer, wishing to break free from that world. However, as he began to grasp the deeper issues within the hierarchy, he realised that it was a system in need of change. Aarti acts as a mirror, reflecting the society Bablu aspires to reach.”
Anshuman shares with us that he had the chance to meet a member of the Launda Naach community. “Thanks to our director, Jay Sir, I was introduced to Rakesh Kumar Baitha. Hailing from Bihar, he was once a Launda Naach performer before he transitioned into acting. He portrays the character Kundan in the series.”
Lastly, Anshuman believes that every character makes him a better person. On his takeaways from this one, he says, “I understand the hierarchy more clearly now. Every art form and its performers are unique. I am confident that this narrative explores the world of Launda Naach performers very well.”
