Even as she admits that her star-kid status gives her an inroad into the industry, Anjini Dhawan landed her debut film, “Binny and Family,” after enduring a series of auditions and rejections. This fresh face of Bollywood is preparing to make her debut in the feel-good film, “Binny and Family,” which is directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy and centers around the dynamics of three generations of a family. The film also features industry veterans like Pankaj Kapur, Himani Shivpuri, and Rajesh Kumar.
With a sense of excitement coursing through her veins, Dhawan has had the rare opportunity to work alongside Pankaj Kapur, an actor she holds in high regard. “I was nervous about shooting with him. But Pankaj-ji made me so comfortable. He told me, ‘It’s my job to give you cues. So whenever you want them, just ask for it.’ His cues are as good as his performance,” she smiled, recalling the experience with palpable joy.
Anjini’s journey, however, is often viewed through the lens of the ongoing nepotism debate that clouds Bollywood. As the niece of popular actor Varun Dhawan, she understands that her lineage offers certain privileges. “The consistent advice that he has given me is to be honest and confident,” she shares, referring to the guidance she frequently seeks from her superstar uncle.
However, Anjini is keen to clarify that her family ties have not handed her a free pass in an industry that is as competitive as it is glamorous. “Today, if I’m confused about something, I can pick up the phone to call someone experienced. I’m grateful for that. I know not everyone can get that guidance,” she acknowledges openly. At the same time, she emphasizes that her opportunities have come through her hard work and talent. “But nobody can hold my hand and take me through my journey. It’s ultimately on how the audience receives my performance. Being related to someone is not a reason for people to like you.
. I’ve never been offered a script without an audition, and there have been rejections too.”
The dark side of this equation, she admits, is harsher for industry outsiders. “To some extent, star kids get chances even if the audience rejects them because they have someone backing them. But no one has ever offered me a film just because I am Varun’s niece. Even for ‘Binny and Family,’ the director had seen an old audition tape of mine.”
Her remarks come amid heightened scrutiny in the film industry, where discussions surrounding nepotism are more fiery than ever. The #MeToo movement and ongoing debates about fairness and equity in casting have brought personal and professional practices under the microscope. In such a landscape, Anjini’s candid admissions add a nuanced perspective on what it takes to carve out a space in Bollywood.
The film, “Binny and Family,” appears to be a perfect launch vehicle for Dhawan, mainly due to its narrative that resonates with universal familial themes. The story revolving around three generations allows multiple layers of character development and heartfelt moments. The presence of seasoned actors like Himani Shivpuri and Rajesh Kumar will undeniably add depth and texture to the storyline, offering a robust platform for Anjini to showcase her talent.
Many people often paint Bollywood in broad strokes. Glamour, fame, and familial ties can be an all-access pass for some, yet Anjini asserts work ethic, resilience, and audience reception ultimately determine one’s success. Her acknowledgment of both the privileges and challenges she faces lends credibility to her narrative and presents an honest portrait of what it means to be a star-kid aspiring to make it on her own merit.
As she stands on the cusp of her acting career, Dhawan holds a balanced perspective on her journey ahead. She eagerly anticipates the audience’s reaction to her performance in “Binny and Family” and remains hopeful that her authenticity will shine through. “It’s ultimately on how the audience receives my performance,” she reiterates, understanding that success in this industry is fleeting and primarily contingent on public approval.
In the final analysis, Anjini Dhawan emerges as a newcomer with an understanding of the complex industry she is stepping into. With “Binny and Family” set to release soon, all eyes will be on this new entrant to see if she can indeed carve out a niche based on talent and hard work rather than just her storied last name.
