Anjali Anand Opens Up About Her Journey From Television to Bollywood: 'I Never Wanted to Change Who I Am'

It was not about changing herself for Bollywood for Anjali. It was about getting Bollywood to accept her for who she is.

Thinking of a career, one step at a time
Anjali made her first mark on television, where she became a household name in India. But moving to films, she says, taught her her own lessons.

“I have learnt something in every phase,” said Anjali. It was a long transition from TV to films. “It was patience, believing in myself, and being willing to work even though I was slow to get work.

There were times of doubt and anticipation, she admitted, but those moments made her a better performer. The roles changed, but not her commitment to honest work.

Breaking the stereotypes in the industry
“The labels that box you in are one of the biggest hurdles,” said Anjali.

“In this business, people judge you on your last show or your look, instead of judging you on what you can do,” she said. I’ve heard it all: ‘TV actor’, ‘this kind of face', and ‘she can only do this kind of role’.

Anjali did not question those perceptions; she allowed her work to speak for itself. She honed her craft with a combination of auditions and projects that fit her personality.

“Every actor deserves to be seen beyond a label,” she said. Authenticity versus expectation* The best part of her interview was her take on authenticity.

“I never had a time where I felt like I had to change my appearance, my voice, or my opinions just to fit in,” Anjali said.

“I never wanted to be who I am by doing what the industry standards dictate,” she said. "Just being honest with myself kept me confident. “Success tastes better when you don’t have to leave yourself behind to get there.”

That way of thinking has helped her deal with criticism and comparisons, and that’s what keeps her grounded as new film opportunities come her way.

A message of encouragement to dreamers
Anjali’s story has resonated with wannabe actors trying to break into TV and movies. Her message to them was simple: Believe in your talent, work hard, and don't rush the process.

There will be tough days. Some doors will take time to open. "But if you believe in yourself and you’re consistent, it works out,” she said.

Fans flocked to social media to praise her interview, calling her outlook "refreshing" and "relatable". “With more film projects coming my way, my aim is still the same – to do meaningful work while not losing the person I started as,” Anjali says.

For her, the move from television to Bollywood wasn't about being somebody else. It was about proving you don’t have to be someone else.