Anjali Anand grabbed headlines as Gayatri ‘Golu’ Randhawa, Ranveer Singh’s sister, in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Her performance eventually opened the door for her to new acting projects, but getting that opportunity was not easy. While speaking to filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan on her YouTube channel, Anjali spoke about the tough phase she underwent before landing her breakthrough role, including YRF’s casting director’s remark about her weight and her mother’s reaction when she told her she was going to meet director-producer Karan Johar.
Anjali Anand recalls her early struggles in the industry
Talking about 2020, Anjali recalled how the pandemic had left her without work. Also, her savings were drained during that time. “I was at the lowest point of my life in 2020. I was considering leaving India and quitting acting altogether. I was not getting any acting offers. The pandemic had happened, all my savings were exhausted, and I was living alone on rent for six months,” she said.
During that time, she recieved a text from YRF casting director Shanoo Sharma while she was in Goa with friends. Anjali had known Shanoo for years and said she had often recieved similar advice during their previous meetings.“Whenever I used to meet her for roles, she would tell me, ‘When you lose weight, we will do something,’” she recalled.
Anjali Anand on her mother’s reaction to her meeting Karan Johar
However, things changed when Shanoo approached her for a possible role in Karan Johar’s film. According to Anjali, Shanoo told her, “Karan saw your photo, and he liked it. He is looking for an actor for this part, and if you crack this audition, then he will take you.”
Anjali recalled how her mother had reacted when she found out that her daughter was going to meet Karan Johar. She said, “My mother told me, ‘Badi aayi Karan Johar se milne jaa rahi hai.’ I said, ‘Mummy, I am actually going to meet him.” However, her mother clarified that the remark was made out of concern, explaining that Anjali did not have many industry contacts or a godfather to guide her.
Anjali eventually landed the role of “Golu” in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh. In 2017, she made her acting debut with the OTT series Untag. She later starred in the television show Dhhai Kilo Prem. Her last Bollywood film was Dhamaal 4.
