In a captivating behind-the-scenes revelation, actress Anjali Anand recounted her experience of being momentarily starstruck by the legendary Shabana Azmi on the set of Netflix’s “Dabba Cartel.” During an engaging scene, Anand was unexpectedly taken aback when Azmi causally mentioned a former boss. The surprise of hearing the name left her thoughts scattered, highlighting the veteran actress’s powerful presence. Despite the momentary distraction, Anand admirably regained her focus, emphasizing how inspiring and surprising the encounter was.
Reflecting on the event in an exclusive interview with IANS, Anjali Anand shared, “There was this one particular moment when I was filming a scene with Shabana ji in Dabba Cartel. She casually mentioned a name—someone who was once their boss, someone important—and I was totally caught off guard. My thoughts just scattered in that moment. I was like, ‘Here I am, standing in front of Shabana Azmi!’” This acknowledgment perfectly encapsulates the awe and respect Anand holds for Azmi.
Anjali continued, “It definitely threw me off a bit. But then I realised I needed to maintain my composure and focus on delivering the performance, regardless of the person in front of me. That moment definitely made me lose my focus for a brief second, which was unusual for me. It hadn’t happened before, but it was a powerful moment.” This introspection showcases Anand’s dedication to her craft and her ability to maintain professionalism amidst such unexpected circumstances.
In another admiring note, Anand praised her co-stars, declaring, “Working with Shabana and Jyothika has been a dream. They are so settled and wise in their personal and professional lives. They’re incredibly inspiring. I look at them and think, ‘I want to be like them when I reach their age—stable, wise, and graceful.’” This sentiment reflects the profound influence seasoned actors like Shabana Azmi have on younger talents, inspiring them through wisdom and calm presence on set.
Diving into the filming of “Dabba Cartel,” directed by Hitesh Bhatia, Anjali played the bindass yet naive Shahida. Apart from Shabana Azmi, the series starred Gajraj Rao, Jyothika, Nimisha Sajayan, and Shalini Pandey. The show, created by Shibani Akhtar, Vishnu Menon, Gaurav Kapur, and Akanksha Seda, successfully captured the audience’s interest and showcased a talented ensemble cast.
Anjali Anand’s journey also includes a notable role in “Bun Tikki” alongside Zeenat Aman, Shabana Azmi, and Abhay Deol. With a solid television career delivering hits like “Dhai Kilo Prem” and “Kulfi Kumar Bajewala,” Anjali chose to take a deliberate break from TV. She later secured a role in the Dharma Productions film “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” marking a significant step in her evolving film career.
The inspiring presence of Shabana Azmi clearly leaves an indelible mark on those she works with, including Anjali Anand. This encounter highlights the respect and admiration younger actors have for seasoned performers, showcasing how their influence continues to inspire and mold future generations of talented individuals.
