Surviving in Mumbai as a struggling actor is one of the toughest tasks. Many years, thousands of aspiring actors, come to the city to try their luck. While some get a chance to shine, some don’t. It is said that one needs to possess passion, skill and patience to survive in the city to make it big in Bollywood or the entertainment industry.
One such actor who made it to the industry with his hard work and perseverance is Ankit Rathi, who debuts with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s 3 Storeys, which also stars Renuka Shahane, Pulkit Samrat, Sharman Joshi and others.
In a conversation with Mumbai Live, Ankit shares his journey, experience, aspirations and a lot more. Here are the excerpts.
It’s been quite a while, almost 5 years since I’ve been in Mumbai. Initially, I was auditioning for ads, and in few years I got an opportunity to play a small role in Singham 2 and Fukrey returns. One fine day, I got a call about the film, 3 Storeys. I sent them my details and gave auditions and I was selected. I’m happy this happened as my debut. It was great to see myself on the poster. I had no idea that this will happen. I believe this is a perfect role for my debut film. I’m aware that no one would launch me and come to see my film. I do not have a background. The content here in 3 Storeys is good. I have an equal role in the film and it is a lead role. People will come to see other actors, and they will also notice me in the film. Honestly, I’m living my dream now!
Working in a film is more like a journey and everything was fascinating when it all started. The workshop helped a lot and changed my perception. There was a direction and guidance throughout, which helped me in understanding, and embracing the character. It is not like Television shows. The format there is very different.
The cast on the set, especially Renuka Ma’am was very supportive. After our workshop, she asked me to trust the director and follow his directions. It took me a while to understand that it was all happening in reality and I was living my dream. It was tough to believe that I have got the film. She asked me not try and think too much. Her words gave me a big boost.
I’m from Raipur and have no background. I was not aware of auditions back then, and hence it was difficult for me. It is now open and people are aware of it. I get calls today when compared to the days back then. Ever since I came to the city, I was always fascinated by films, and I wanted to be a part of this industry. I did not want to divert my concentration with anything else like TV or digital. Taking you back to those days, I remember meeting Ajay Devgn once, while shooting Singham Returns. Ever since then, I’m in awe of the aura he has. I’m fascinated with what they have achieved. This is new, and I’m working towards it.
I gave more than 900 auditions, mostly advertisements. It was my dream always to be on screen, and my family supported me always. They were never deadlines or pressure as such from them. They believed in my capabilities and I’m able to do this today because they stood by me. Days were tough initially. I have also worked in a call centre, and thought what would happen next. The belief kept me going. I used to work in the evening and audition in the morning.
There was once a time when I had to sell my laptop too. I was not getting other roles, and it was tough. I decided to sell the laptop for some money, so I could get back to trying my luck for some more time. This was just before the film, and I’m blessed and lucky to have got 3 Storeys at the right time.
I have not thought much about it. I’m open to opportunities and possibilities. However, if asked, I wish to play a negative character on screen and not wish to be a chocolate boy. I have played such parts in advertisements where I was portrayed as a cute boy. I’m bored of seeing myself as that.
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