Stepping into the spotlight with her debut in Pushpa 2, Aanchal Munjal brings a fresh spark to South Indian cinema. In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, she opens up about her remarkable journey, her memorable experiences working alongside Allu Arjun and her deep gratitude for the love and recognition she’s received from fans and the industry alike
In the cinematic spectacle of Pushpa 2, a fresh spark of talent lights up the screen with Aanchal Munjal’s small yet unforgettable debut. Known for her performances in TV classics like Parvarrish – Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi and films such as We Are Family, Aanchal’s transition to the world of blockbuster cinema is marked by depth and poise, proving that even the smallest roles can create a lasting impact.
With a spark in her voice and nothing but a sense of gratitude, in an exclusive conversation, she opens up about her journey in the entertainment industry, her experience working on Pushpa 2 and her aspirations for the future.
Reflecting on her career, shesaid, “I only have gratitude—for God and, of course, my fans, who have always showered me with immense love. To be honest, I’ve never taken fame seriously because I believe it can get to your head. But today, when people recognize me and acknowledge my work in projects like Pushpa 2, it reminds me of how blessed I am. I’m incredibly thankful for this journey.”
Landing a role in Pushpa 2 alongside stars Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna was a surreal experience for Aanchal. “I was over the moon when I got the call,” she recalled. “At first, I thought it was a scam because the main song had already been released. But after verifying, I realised it was real. I even left a Hindi web series project where I was playing the lead because I didn’t want to miss being part of Pushpa 2. It was a dream come true.”
Speaking about her character in the film, Aanchal revealed, “My entry was grand and tied to the pivotal plot twist where Pushpa wants to expand internationally. My character, along with another partner (played by Saurabh Sachdeva), helps facilitate that transition. Although I won’t reveal too much, it was thrilling to be part of such an impactful sequence.”
When discussing her experience on set, Aanchal was full of praise for Allu Arjun, describing him as humble and supportive. “Initially, I was hesitant to approach him because when he’s in costume, he completely embodies Pushpa. But by the third day, he started interacting with me. I remember that, during one scene, he gave me a suggestion to adjust my position for better delivery. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and it showed how invested he is in every detail,” she shared.
Aanchal also mentioned a lighthearted moment when Allu Arjun mistook her for a non-Indian. “He thought I was from Dubai or somewhere else. On the last day, when I went to get a picture with him, he complimented me, saying I didn’t look Indian. It was a fun and memorable interaction.”
Although she didn’t have scenes with Rashmika Mandanna, Aanchal expressed her admiration for the South Indian film industry’s precision and dedication. “In South Indian cinema, even a single scene is shot with immense attention to detail. For instance, we spent an entire day filming the landing of a chopper. Their commitment to perfection is unparalleled,” she noted.
The response to her role in Pushpa 2 has been overwhelming. She revealed, “I kept my appearance under wraps because I wanted it to be a surprise. After the first show, my inbox was flooded with messages. Fans who’ve followed my career since my early days said they felt a personal sense of pride seeing me in the film. That kind of love and support is incredibly humbling.”
Addressing the unfortunate incident in Hyderabad, where a stampede during a screening claimed a life, she said, “It’s a heartbreaking incident. My heart goes out to the family of the woman who lost her life. While Allu Arjun’s gesture of donating to the family is commendable, no amount can truly compensate for such a loss.”
Looking ahead, Aanchal is optimistic about her future in cinema. “I’m working on a project right now, but I can’t reveal details yet. Moving forward, I want to take up roles that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. I aspire to do impactful films and hope for everyone’s blessings as I continue this journey,” she concluded.
With her talent, determination, and grounded nature, Aanchal Munjal is undoubtedly carving a niche for herself in the industry.
