There is a fresh face in Bollywood, and she brings with her a unique perspective on the industry. Anjini Dhawan is set to make her debut in the feel-good film, *Binny and Family*. While she may have strong family ties in the film industry, her journey has been anything but an easy ride cushioned by nepotism.
Anjini’s excitement about entering the world of cinema is palpable, but she believes the experience was significantly enhanced by working alongside the legendary Pankaj Kapur. “I was quite nervous about shooting with him,” she shares, with a sense of awe in her voice. “But Pankaj-ji made me feel so at ease. He told me, ‘It’s my job to give you cues, so whenever you need them, just ask.’ His cues were as impeccable as his performances,” she added with a smile. The upcoming film, directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy, revolves around three generations of a family and also features esteemed actors Himani Shivpuri and Rajesh Kumar.
Despite her family background, which includes her popular actor uncle Varun Dhawan, Anjini insists that her journey into Bollywood has been through sheer personal effort and perseverance. Varun Dhawan, who has been a guiding light for her career, consistently advises her to stay honest and confident. Amidst the ongoing debate about nepotism within the industry, Anjini acknowledges her privileged access to industry insiders but vehemently denies that it has given her a free pass.
“Today, if I’m confused about something, I can pick up the phone and ask someone who has the experience,” she says, openly grateful for the guidance she receives. “I know not everyone can get that kind of help. However, nobody is holding my hand and walking me through my journey. Ultimately, it’s all about how the audience receives my performance.” She emphasizes that being related to a famous actor is not enough to win the audience’s love.
“I have never been offered a script without an audition,” she asserts, underlining the effort she has put into her budding career.
. “And yes, there have been rejections too.” While she admits that the reality for industry outsiders is far more challenging, she believes that opportunities persist as long as one is ready to work for them.
In the face of stiff competition, the factor of having a known relative in the industry does lend a certain level of exposure and access. “To some extent, star kids get more than one chance even if the audience initially rejects them because they have someone to back them,” Anjini acknowledges. However, she is quick to add, “No one has ever offered me a film just because I am Varun’s niece. Even for Binny and Family, the director only chose me after seeing an old audition of mine.”
This debut is not just a milestone but a culmination of Anjini’s relentless efforts, auditions, and the inevitable rejections that come with the territory. Her approach has always been to keep honing her skills and proving her worth. Navigating the complicated waters of Bollywood, she finds herself at a crossroads where privilege meets hard work, and she strives to tip the balance in favor of the latter.
Reflecting on her upcoming role in *Binny and Family*, Anjini is filled with gratitude and excitement. “It’s a feel-good movie that shows the essence of family relationships across generations,” she says. Working with seasoned actors like Himani Shivpuri and Rajesh Kumar has only added to the richness of her learning experience on set. “Each day on the set was a new learning curve, thanks to my co-actors,” she admits.
As she steps into the limelight, Anjini Dhawan hopes to carve out a niche for herself based on her talent and hard work. She aspires to be seen not just as Varun Dhawan’s niece, but as an actor who earned her place in the industry through dedication and passion. Her story, while unique, resonates with countless others who dream of making it big in Bollywood through their own merits.
In an industry often criticized for its apparent bias towards star kids, Anjini’s journey is a testament to the fact that while privileged access may open doors, it is the relentless pursuit of excellence that ultimately determines one’s success. For Anjini Dhawan, the journey might have started with a familiar surname, but she is determined that it will be her talent and effort that will define her destination.
