I’ve never understood these lead, supporting actor tags: Anirudh

LPHero ho ya hero ka dost, sab characters hote hain. You never know who will leave a lasting impression. ike a thousand others, Anirudh Dave, too, came to Mumbai with film aspirations. While he got his first break in TV in 2008, a year later, he made his film debut with Satish Kaushik’s Teree Sang. The film, along with the actor’s Shorgul (2016) and Pranaam (2019) didn’t do well and he kept himself to TV. Now, having got an opportunity in Akshay Kumar-starrer Bell Bottom, Dave is hopeful of reviving his 70mm dream. “It isn’t easy to survive in a city like Mumbai. You’ve to take certain decisions to make things work. The pandemic has taught us how unpredictable things can get. I feel grateful to have work at this point,” he says. In Bell Bottom, Dave plays a supporting part, but he aspires to portray pivotal roles as well. “Who doesn’t want to be a Bollywood film hero? Par hero ho ya hero ka dost, sab hi characters hote hain... Many have asked why I took up a supporting character. Aren’t character artistes respected or getting work? I know a film like Bell Bottom would get me noticed and give me more work. And when I say I’m working on my career, I don’t mean I’m getting six packs or going about saying I only want lead roles,” he says. Dave adds the idea is to continue working and never let ego ANIRUDH DAVE, or false expectations affect your career path. “I’m patiently waiting for my turn,” he says, explaining how Kumar inspires him. “There a reason why Akshay Kumar is a star. Subah jaldi uthne se, set pe aake sabse baat karna, sabka sunna, ek saath kaam karna, bus aapna nahi sabka sochna hi banate hai unko star,” he concludes.