It is not everyday that Subhash Ghai makes a film that is close to reality. The producer-director famous for his magnum opuses, is not someone who will want the audience to come to the theatre and see a depiction of what they encounter in daily life. Ghai is someone who is an expert at making people enter a dream world and laugh and cry about things that happen there. That is why when he makes a film based on reality, it makes bigger news than any of his Kisnas or Ram Lakhans. More so, if he is directing a movie (Black and White) after almost three years (his last directorial venture Kisna being a big flop).

And when he decides to make a comeback with just one established star – Anil Kapoor and other rank newcomers, little wonder that newshounds chase him and his stars of the movie day and night.
Anurag Sinha, the young hero from Black and White, on his first reaction to the film: “I am very happy that the initial reaction of the audience and critics has been nice.
“During the premiere everyone was happy about the film and gave it a standing ovation. I am very proud to be part of the film,” says Sinha, still in his early twenties, visibly nervous and somewhat under-prepared to handle the media attention.

Anurag hails from Patna and was happy after finishing a degree in Chemistry from the prestigious St Stephen’s college. “I don’t have any connections with Bollywood so I didn’t really want to make a career in Bollywood.
“At the same time, I always nursed a hidden desire to become an actor. So, after I finished my graduation, I thought this was the time to do a course in FTII and pursue my dreams,” says Anurag, who completed the course with a lot of seriousness.

It was during one of the theatres he was doing, after passing out from FTII, that made Subhash Ghai notice him. “Subhash spotted me in a play and I got a call from his office within the next few days and before I realised what was happening, I underwent an audition and was signed for Black and White.”

He plays the role of a suicide bomber from Afghanistan whose intention is to spread unrest in India and strike during the Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi.

What was his experience working with such a big filmmaker? Specially since, Anurag doesn’t have too much talking to do in the film. He acts through his eyes and actions more than his dialogues. “Needless to say I was very nervous, but to Subhash’s credit, he made me very comfortable. He used to discuss every scene, the role, how I should behave in detail with me.

“And at the same time, give me ample freedom to act on my own way. Not too many directors have the mindset and openness to do that,” explains Anurag, whose favourite Ghai movies are Karma and Meri Jung.

“I must also mention Anil Kapoor’s role in making me comfortable. On the first day of the shoot, he came up to me himself and started chatting to make me feel nice. He has a lot of patience and gives people time to rectify their mistakes. Apart from myself and Aditi Sharma, there were some newcomers amongst the technicians as well. He was extremely cooperative and patient with all of them,” remembers Anurag.

Anurag, incidentally has been launched when a lot of star-sons (Ranbir Kapoor, Neel Mukesh et al) have also started their careers.

Coming from a non-filmy family, does he see this as a disadvantage? “I don’t think so. Performance is the last word for any actor, I don’t think just lineage will take you too far.” Anurag nurses the dream of being known in the industry as a versatile actor. 

Currently he has an exclusive contract with Mukta Arts and will be dictated by the terms and conditions in that.
Now that the film is over and released, Anurag is going to be back to his clean shaven looks and look out for his new project! Best of luck Anurag!