Exclusive! Aanchal Shah: To see me on the big screen for the first time was a delightful experience

Aanchal Shah, a popular social media star, has been creating some really entertaining content especially after lockdown began. Apart from her social media content, Anchal is also known for her music albums. Aanchal was also seen in a cameo role in the film 'Luv Ni Love Story's' and now she is gearing up for her role in the upcoming romantic drama 'Kesariya'. Speaking exclusively with ETimes Aanchal reveals how she became an actress, got a part in the Malhar Thakar-starrer and much more.
How did your journey start as an actress?
I've been acting since I was a kid and even did a short film 'Gullak - The Piggy Bank' as a child lead which received several awards nationally but as I always wanted to become a doctor, the 10-year-old me took a firm stand and left the acting field.But after my 12th boards and NEET exams got done, I got an offer for a Gujarati album song 'Afini' and then the journey started again.
Did TikTok help you reach out to more people and serve as the platform that you needed? How are you dealing with that platform missing from your life now?
TikTok was never a plan, I just made videos for my own fun and entertainment but then the videos started getting good reach and then I started making quality content. Yes, of course, it helped me in a way as I earned a lot of love and support from people through it. I'm totally fine and I'm not missing it as it's just an app after all. You can't make a living out of it. I'm much more than that.
You did a cameo in Durgesh Tanna's ‘Luv Ni Love Storys’. Tell us about your experience.
It was a lovely experience to work with such respected personalities. I auditioned for it when I was very new to the industry and didn't know much about it but then got a small part to play which was a great thing for me. To see me on the big screen for the first time was a delightful experience.
How did 'Kesariya' script reading happen? What character are you playing in 'Kesariya'?
‘Kesariya’ was pitched to me by Dhwani Gautam. He read the script and told me that the character fits me exactly and that I would be perfect to play that role. Even I felt that the character suited me well. I'm playing Rasika's role which is that of a tourist from London and has come to visit Kutch.
The film’s shooting had begun before lockdown started. Were you a part of that schedule or are you yet to shoot?
Yes, I was part of the schedule which started before lockdown and it was a 15-day schedule which was going to end on March 25. But because of the lockdown, we had to wind up the shoot. So my schedule of 4-5 days is still pending.
Tell us about working with director Dhwani Gautam and your co-stars from ‘Kesariya’?
I had an amazing experience working with the whole team. Dhwani Gautam is a wonderful director and is very clear with his vision. He explains the scene very calmly and perfectly. That's why it's easy for us to act. Malhar Thakar is a star in an actual way. He is very grounded, easy to work with. It was like a dream come true every time I had to give a shot with him. I found a sister, a best friend and a mentor in Ritu Bhagwani. She's a brilliant actor who has taught me a lot of things and she has a long way to go. My love for her is eternal. It's a pleasure to watch when Anshul Trivedi is acting. Perfection is Anshul's second name I guess. It's great to have such a knowledgeable person like Anshul as a good friend. Even our producer Jeegar Chauhan is a very supportive and wise person who helped us whenever we were in any trouble. He was more like a big brother than a producer.
What are your plans in the Gujarati film industry? Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I want to play different kinds of roles and even go out of my box and act in more and more movies, songs, series or whatever there is and give my full dedication to the Gujarati film industry. In the next five years, I want to see myself having done several movies as a lead and someone who has good recognistion.