Ankit Bathla, who is seen in Ghar Ek Mandir-Kripa Agrasen Maharaj Ki, recently spoke to ETimes TV in a live chat session. Having risen to fame with Thapki Pyar Ki, Ankit recalled his weirdest rejection he faced so far. Having a huge fandom in Indonesia and Turkey, Ankit took us through his journey from working in an MNC to theatre to TV to films and looking forward to working on any platform as long as he gets to act. In this week’s exclusive Tellyblazer segment, we have the very talented Ankit Bathla speaking to us about his current show, learning to handle rejections, his 3am friend, marriage plans and more.
Back in Mumbai after a long break
I just came back to Mumbai after 7 months. I was shooting for Ghar Ek Mandir. We were shooting in Jaipur. And before that I also shot for a film. These two things kept me busy. For the film, I was shooting in Nainital.
Yes, it’s a commercial theatrical release. People will see it soon. I shot another film during the pandemic. It will release soon on MX player. We have created a lot of content. It just needs to release now. God has been kind.
His chemistry and bond with co-star Shrenu Parikh
Shrenu calls me her soul sister. We love each other. It was so amazing to be a part of this team. I entered in the middle of the show. But still they made me feel like family. We have a group that is buzzing with messages all the time. We love each other a lot. I am very blessed to meet Shrenu. She is a friend I would love to have for the rest of my life. Not only her, everyone on the sets. We had so much fun in Jaipur, we didn’t feel like coming back.
Working in Indonesian shows and receiving fan love
It was a beautiful experience. As an actor you crave for love and people in Indonesia have given us so much of love that I can’t even match it to anything else in this world. Not only Indonesia, I have a lot of friends and fans in Turkey. Also in India. I love you all.
Learning foreign languages to connect with fans
I was in Indonesia for 6 months. For the first two months, it was difficult. After that I got a hang of it. I could speak Bahasa. That’s how it started. Honestly, I love the food and I love the people of Indonesia. I know English, Hindi, Punjabi, Bahasa and learning Spanish.
Being a part of the industry for so many years, how’s it been so far?
God has been very kind. Lot of people ask me what I want to do – films, television, digital. For me, I want to do acting. I love to entertain. I feel blessed to be doing what I actually love.
Life before acting as a corporate professional
I always wanted to be an actor. But I was working with American Express before I joined acting. I was working as a Customer Excellence Trainer. I was doing theatre at Sri Ram Centre in Delhi. Everything else is in one side and my love for acting is in other.
On ups and downs in his acting career
Of course there have been struggles. There have been times when you really had to work on yourself. I don’t call it struggles because every step is an opportunity. Be it my skills, my body, be it the way I talk, be it from inside, the confidence. There has been lot of rejections. As an actor, the first thing you learn is how to handle rejections. There have been times when you are told, you don’t fit the bill, you don’t look good, you don’t look fit, you don’t act well. I have learnt how to beat the fear.
His most weird reason for getting rejected
It is really strange. It happened because of ‘kundali’ (horoscope). There was a show, which I had signed as an actor. Then I was told to give my date of birth. And they never got back to me. The show came on air with a different boy. I have faced such rejections.
Do you feel the social media pressure in today’s time?
Not really honestly. I am at an 1M + followers. So I have never faced a rejection because of followers. But sometimes, it gets on to you. You feel if there are no followers, you worry about brand promotions. So it happens. But I am very lazy in creating content. But I have a team, who helps me create content. If it’s not them, I will be really bad at it. I just can’t create content. I am good at shooting for food. I love eating and travelling, that’s something I can do.
The kind of work you wish to explore
I love to act, as I said. It doesn’t matter in which platform. I want to do different kind of work. I am shooting for a film for a film festival. The entire language delivery is in English. It is a murder mystery. In Ghar Ek Mandir, I am playing double role. It is negative and positive. It is kind of fun to play around with different characters.
Has Thapki Pyar Ki been a turning point in your life?
Absolutely. Thapki is one show that is closest to my heart. Thapki has made Ankit as Dhruv and whatever Ankit is today. Thanks to the show. It has really made me believe that audience can give me so much love. Naagin and Ghar Ek Mandir are equally special but Thapki holds a special place in my heart.
On shows going off-air and uncertainties
By now, we are so used to it. It has become a process. Every show is a new work. I won’t lie, fear does seep in sometimes. But the journey is to give up the fear, believe in trust and surrender it to the universe. That’s what really counts.
Does it affect mentally?
Yes, it affects mentally. That’s when you should really be grounded. It is not like you did one show and you become a star. You should really not take it for granted.
What keeps you positive at uncertain times?
My parents. It’s amazing that they are always looking on to me, they are my mentors. It is important to understand that today, being alive is a luxury. It is not about buying a big house or a car. If you are alive, just count your blessings.
Your 3am friend
My 3am friend is Giaa Manek, as everybody knows. I have said this earlier also. She is my 3am, 4am, 5am anytime friend. Ishita Ganguly is my second friend. I don’t have a lot of 3am friend apart from these two.
There were rumours of you and Giaa…
It’s become a part of us now. It is a thing that we just laugh it out. Honestly I feel making a story out of two people is beautiful but at the same time if we really have that connection, fans will be the first ones to know about it.
What is your relationship status?
I am single. Yes, I do want to get settled. My mom is all out and about looking for a match. Love is beautiful. Arrange or love marriage, I don’t know what’s coming my way.
