Veteran actress Anita Kanwal has opened up about actors Akshaye Khanna and Arjun Rampal finally getting their due as performers, while candidly admitting that she too hopes for her own “Dhurandhar moment” someday.Speaking to Siddharth Kannan in a recent interview, Anita reflected on working with Akshaye in Laawaris and Arjun in Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat.When Siddharth pointed out that both actors are today being celebrated as “underrated” and “powerhouse” performers who did not receive enough recognition earlier in their careers, Anita responded with humour and honesty.“Mera viewpoint yeh hai ki mujhe kab ‘Dhurandhar’ milega?” she laughed.
Anita Kanwal says Dhurandhar gave her hope
The actress went on to praise the casting of Rakesh Bedi in the upcoming film Dhurandhar alongside Ranveer Singh.“Dhurandhar mein Rakesh Bedi… saare jitne bhi character actors hain… kitna achha kaam kiya unhone. One day I Googled the film and saw ‘starring Ranveer Singh and Rakesh Bedi’. I was so proud,” Anita shared.She added that actors never stop waiting for meaningful roles, regardless of age.“Issi umeed pe main jee rahi hoon ki mera bhi ‘Dhurandhar’ milega,” she said, citing legendary actress Zohra Sehgal as an example of someone who continued doing memorable work well into old age.
‘Older women’s characters are rarely written’
Anita also spoke about the lack of substantial parts for older actresses in the industry.“There is no age unfortunately in our country, especially for women. Older characters likhe hi nahi jaate,” she said, while pointing out how much younger actresses are often cast in aged roles.The actress also recalled her experiences with both Akshaye and Arjun on set and described their personalities as completely different.Calling Akshaye “very serious” and reserved during the shooting of Laawaris, she said, “Hello ma’am… that is it.”On the other hand, she described Arjun Rampal as “mast maula” and someone who was always joking around on the sets of Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat.
Anita Kanwal on Rajiv Rai’s stress during underworld threat phase
The actress further remembered filmmaker Rajiv Rai, who directed Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat, and acknowledged that he appeared visibly stressed during that period amid alleged underworld threats.“He was very tense. I don’t know if that was his nature because I didn’t know him personally, but he seemed very stressed,” she said.During the same conversation, Anita also reflected on her own transformation over the years — from being a hesitant newcomer to becoming outspoken and fearless today.“Success gives you the confidence to speak. Earlier I would think four times before saying anything,” she said.
