Sudhanshu Pandey, well-known for his role as Vanraj Shah in the popular daily soap “Anupamaa,” has become a familiar face in households across India. In addition to his television success, he has also appeared in several Hindi films. Recently, Sudhanshu shared some deeply personal experiences and insights about the darker aspects of the entertainment industry in an interview.
In a candid interview, the 49-year-old actor discussed the hardships he has faced. Sudhanshu highlighted that male actors, like their female counterparts, are often pressured to make compromises. He emphasized that the casting couch is an issue that affects men as well.
During a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Sudhanshu revealed that male actors are also asked to compromise for roles. He expressed his firm stance against such practices, stating that he never wanted to sacrifice his integrity for success. Throughout his career, he remained committed to working with dedication and honesty.
As time passed, Sudhanshu’s confidence in his acting abilities grew, especially when respected actors like Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher acknowledged his talent. This validation strengthened his resolve to stay true to his principles.
Sudhanshu spoke about the grim reality that both male and female actors often face pressures to make personal sacrifices for career advancement. He recounted being asked to compromise by well-known directors, but he consistently refused to do so. He was clear about his goals and what he was unwilling to do to achieve them.
In the interview, Sudhanshu also recounted a traumatic experience from his childhood. At the age of 13, while attending a family wedding, he was molested by a doctor. He vividly remembered sensing something wrong when the doctor called him into a room. Realizing the doctor’s inappropriate intentions, he bravely pushed him away and immediately informed his mother.
Reflecting on this incident, Sudhanshu said, “At that time, when this happened with a child at the age of 12-13 years, I was like a lion from the beginning in my thoughts. I am like this today; I will remain like this in the future too.” This experience shaped his approach to challenges in the industry, ensuring he never took shortcuts.