Aanchal G Singgh: ‘I haven’t enjoyed the perception change’

Aanchal G Singgh

A hit series can be a game-changer. For Aanchal G Singgh, Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein (2022) was that show, changing her career overnight as she played the antagonist in the Tahir Raj Bhasin and Shweta Tripathi Sharma-led drama. But as she awaits the series' second season, something about the success nags her. Singgh says the adulation doesn't feel genuine to her as she feels people react to her popularity today, not quality of work. "I haven't enjoyed the perception change from the industry. It's not that I was less hard-working before. But people don't want to see that hard work when you are new. Now, after one hit, even the smallest thing is complimented. I went to dub for an ad, where all I said was, ‘Hmmm', and they complimented me on it. This change in perception bothers me," she says.

A still from Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein

Singgh, who has been hustling for a decade, understands this nagging feeling could be a result of years of rejection from the industry. The actor, who did bit roles in Holiday (2014) and Ramaiya Vastavaiya (2013), shares, "It could also be my resentment because I have been around for sometime. After doing ads, work in south and Punjabi industries, it took me many years to get such an interesting script. When it happened, it was shocking."

For now, she is gearing up for the third season of Undekhi, which reunites her with Harsh Chhaya and Ankur Rathee. Varun Badola is the new entry on the Sony LIV thriller. Does she feel nervous when sharing screen space with such seasoned actors? Quite the opposite. "I learn so much when they perform and when I'm acting with them. So, it's the reverse of feeling pressured; one feels more comfortable when a senior actor is in the frame."