On the occasion of Teacher’s Day, actor Chandan K. Anand—currently capturing audiences with his powerful portrayal of Shakuni in Sony SAB’s mythological drama Hastinapur Ke Veer and riding high on the critical acclaim of the blockbuster movie Hanuman Ansh—reflects on the lessons, strict discipline, and guiding lights that shaped his journey from school corridors to the stage and screen.
Every childhood is marked by innocent blunders, but trying to cover up a forgotten notebook led to an unforgettable lesson in honesty for young Chandan. “My most memorable school mishap wasn’t a masterminded prank, but a desperate attempt to save myself from getting punished! I had forgotten to bring my Mathematics notebook, and the fear of getting reprimanded was so overwhelming that I panicked. Without thinking, I quickly pulled out a notebook from another subject to pretend I was prepared, completely forgetting that it didn’t have a cover or label on it. The missing cover instantly gave me away. I got caught red-handed and received a severe scolding.”
Sometimes the tough love of a mentor, which feels unreasonable in the moment, becomes the bedrock of a professional lifetime. “Back during my theatre training, my theatre guru was an absolute stickler for discipline. He wouldn’t hesitate to give us strict physical punishment because he simply tolerated no lack of focus. Even showing up 10 minutes late was treated like a serious crime. At the time, those punishments made me furious and left me in tears. But looking back today, I realise that his relentless strictness broke my bad habits and instilled a deep respect for time. That uncompromising discipline completely changed my life and remains the foundation of my career.”
Even after stepping into the spotlight, the journey of learning never truly stops for an actor who values true mentorship. “Entering the industry never meant I outgrew having a master. Even today, I consider N. K. Sharma Sir as my guru, and I still receive strict guidance and scoldings from Arvind Gaur Sir. They continuously keep a watchful eye on all my work, evaluating every single performance I deliver. That honest, unvarnished feedback keeps me grounded and drives me to constantly refine my craft.”
The figures we fear most in our early years often turn out to be the ones who carved out our best potential. “During my formative years as an actor, N. K. Sharma Sir and Arvind Gaur Ji were the strict figures who genuinely intimidated me. You always fear the mentors who expect nothing short of excellence from you. Today, however, they are the very people I am most grateful for in my life. Their toughness wasn’t out of anger; it was the anvil on which my strength as an actor was forged.”
Standing at the height of career acclaim, true success is never a solo achievement but a cumulative gift from those who guide us. “When I look at where I stand today, I cannot attribute my success to just one person. I owe my journey to my parents, my gurus, and my close friends. In their own unique ways, each of them has acted as a guide, correcting my steps, keeping me grounded, and showing me the right path whenever I felt lost.”
