Anjumm Shharma is a versatile Indian actor renowned for his compelling performances across film, television, and digital platforms. With a career marked by a range of diverse roles, Anjumm has established himself as a dynamic and talented performer. He gained significant recognition for his role in the critically acclaimed series ‘Mirzapur,’ where his portrayal of Sharad Shukla captivated audiences with its intensity and depth.
Anjumm’s acting repertoire extends beyond gritty crime dramas. He has showcased his versatility in various genres, from drama to comedy, earning accolades for his ability to bring complex characters to life. His dedication to his craft and his nuanced performances have made him a standout figure in the entertainment industry.
Speaking exclusively with News18 Showsha, Anjumm spoke candidly about his departure from Mirzapur’s Season 3, working with Ali Fazal and Pankaj Tripathi, his interactions with Danny Boyle on the sets of Slumdog Millionaire, his experience working with Amitabh Bachchan in Wazir and more.
Here are the excerpts:
Sharad becomes the King of Mirzapur but with a tragic twist. What can you recall about that day and scene when you were shooting with Pankaj Tripathi Sir? What was going on in your mind? How were you processing your departure from the show?
Shooting the climax scene was quite challenging, both in terms of performance and logistics. All the dramatic beats had to work perfectly, making it a performance challenge. Logistically, we only had the location for two days, and on the last day, it started raining heavily. We couldn’t shoot for many hours, and we were down to the last one or two shots. We waited for about four to five hours for the rain to stop so we could finish the final shots. We only had a brief window early in the morning when the rain paused, and we quickly took advantage of it. There was a sense of divine intervention because the rain stopped just in time for us to shoot the last bit of the scene. We managed to capture the final moments, such as moving towards the gaddi and sitting on it, in one take during those few precious minutes.
The strongest memory I have of shooting that scene is the heavy rainfall and the unexpected break in the weather that allowed us to complete it. Everything else went smoothly, but this particular challenge made it feel almost cosmic. The audience’s positive reaction and the impact of the scene make all the effort worth it. There were many conversations about it, and it felt like a well-designed moment that resonated deeply with the viewers.
We often talk about romantic chemistry between characters in shows and movies but in the case of Mirzapur, I observed that as an arch nemesis, your chemistry with Ali Fazal was quite solid. I mean in scenes when you two are together creates palpable tension among the viewers. How did you and Ali approach building that kind of on-screen rapport?
The relationship between Ali and me was very professional, supportive, and interdependent. We were both very comfortable with each other’s characters and knew what we were doing in the scenes. We understood the arcs and how the season was progressing, which created a sense of ease and mutual respect on set. This comfort and understanding translated into creating our own distinct spaces in the season. We both knew that bringing our unique perspectives and elements into the scenes would make them work. The on-screen rivalry between Guddu and Sharad was effective because off-screen, we were comfortable and secure in our roles.
We were very clear about our individual spaces within the show and our characters. This clarity and mutual respect allowed us to create the intense and edgy dynamic between Guddu and Sharad. Our comfort in our real-life interactions helped make the on-screen tension more believable and effective.
Sharad Shukla has a separate fan base. How do you feel about the reception your character has received over the seasons? Have there been any memorable interactions or feedback from fans that have stood out to you?
Last season, people recognized and appreciated my work and the show, which was great. The show’s fandom is huge, and my character was noticed, which sparked a lot of conversation and impact. However, season three has been very different. This time, there have been emotional responses to my character. People have really liked and loved the character, and this sentiment has been echoed by audiences and critics alike. Critics and reviews have given overwhelming responses, stating things like my character is the standout in the show, shines brightly, and is one of the most memorable parts of the season. This season, people have truly identified with and loved Sharad Shukla. The intensity of emotions and the liking factor for my character are much stronger in season three. I’m just absorbing and appreciating all this positive feedback. I’m happy that the choices I made as an actor have worked out well. It’s been a very satisfying experience because a lot of effort went into making this character compelling. The arcs in seasons two and three were very different, and making those arcs work was challenging. Overall, it’s been a wonderful experience, and I’m still receiving love and appreciation from people on social media, fans, and in personal interactions. I’m just taking it all in and feeling very grateful.
You share a lot of screen time with Pankaj Tripathi Sir in this season. Even though his character kills you in the end, what can you recall about working with him this season? What did you learn from him?
Working with Pankajji was very calming and meditative. We know each other well and have casual conversations about life, which creates a comfortable atmosphere off-screen. This comfort naturally translates into our on-screen performances, making the scenes flow seamlessly. He is very professional and easy to work with. I had a great experience collaborating with him. I learned a lot from observing how he maintains his composure, even when faced with challenges or delays. His ability to stay calm and focused, regardless of the situation, was impressive. In a hectic schedule, keeping your nerves in check and staying calm can significantly enhance the overall experience. It makes the work enjoyable, even in adverse conditions. This calmness and presence in the moment were some of the valuable lessons I took away from working with Pankajji.
You played a very small role in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire. After all these years, how does it feel to be associated with an Oscar Award winning film like that. And what can you recall about shooting for the same? Did you interact with Danny Boyle?
Working on “Slumdog Millionaire” with a legend like Danny Boyle was an incredible experience, especially early in my career. At that time, I was still living a student life, full of enthusiasm and naivety. As a student of filmmaking, I had some technical knowledge, which led me to have conversations with him about the craft. I remember naively asking Danny, “Have you changed or jumped your axis between the last shot and this one?” It was a genuine question, coming from a place of curiosity and eagerness to learn. We laughed about it later, and Danny was very gracious in responding. That experience marked the beginning of my journey. Someone once joked that no matter what I do in my career, my first film will always be one that won an Oscar. It’s a great start to have on my resume and an experience I cherish deeply.
Your role in Wazir was prominent and well-received. How did this role come about, and what was it like working alongside industry giants like Farhan Akhtar and Amitabh Bachchan?
“Wazir” happened with Bijoy Nambiar, with whom I had worked earlier on a film called “David.” Even before that, Bijoy had seen one of my plays during my initial theatre days. Something must have stood out to him because he later offered me a small role in a film, giving me the freedom to incorporate my ideas. That was my first experience working with him in my early years. A few years later, Bijoy was making “Wazir” with Mr. Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar, produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and written by Abhijat Joshi. The film had a few prominent stars but not many characters. Bijoy approached me with the role of a Sardar cop and asked if I would consider it. Seeing it as a great opportunity to work on such a big film and alongside such legendary actors, I agreed. We did a couple of tests with me in a beard and turban, and everyone, including the producers, liked it. It was confirmed, and I embarked on this journey, which was my first experience working in close proximity with such stalwarts of the industry. We had script readings, interactions, and discussions, and I absorbed everything like a student. I listened to how they talked, discussed, and developed ideas, constructing and deconstructing scenes. It was like a masterclass for me. Most of my shoot days were with Farhan. It was a great learning experience, both professionally and personally. Farhan is a responsible citizen, very disciplined, aware, and considerate to those around him. There was so much to learn and absorb from him. Our working relationship was warm and friendly, filled with jokes and camaraderie. I still remember shooting a scene in the middle of a jungle, which is a very interesting instance that I’ll share in my next message.
During the shoot of “Wazir,” we were filming a scene in the middle of a jungle. The area was restricted, and there wasn’t much movement possible. We were shooting in a parked car, having a conversation inside. The main production base with the vans and everything was further away, so we couldn’t go back to the van between shots while they were setting up the next one. I was sitting on a chair nearby, waiting. Farhan had his own car parked further away, and he would go and sit there. After my first or second shot, I was sitting on my chair when Farhan’s main assistant came over and said, “Sir is calling you.” I wasn’t sure why, maybe he wanted to discuss something. I went over to his car, and he called me inside. At first, I didn’t understand why, as I was comfortable where I was, chatting with the assistant directors. But he invited me to wait with him in his car, which was a very warm gesture. It showed his respect and camaraderie towards his co-actors. We started chatting about various things, and at one point, he asked me what kind of work I wanted to do. I mentioned a few production houses, including Excel Entertainment. I told him that it was on my wish list to work with Excel someday because of their impactful storytelling and the way they have revolutionized Indian cinema with films like “Dil Chahta Hai.” Farhan casually responded, “Of course you will someday. All the best for that,” and we moved on to other topics. It was a simple conversation, but it stayed with me. Years later, when the entertainment industry was shifting towards long-format content, Excel Entertainment was producing a new show called “Mirzapur.” I got the opportunity to be part of it, and my character grew significantly over the seasons. By season three, my character had become integral to the show. It’s surreal and interesting how life works out. That casual conversation with Farhan, where he wished me the best, actually came true. My association with Excel Entertainment, which I had hoped for, happened in such a significant way. Being part of “Mirzapur,” one of their biggest shows, and seeing my character evolve has been a fulfilling experience. Life truly has a way of surprising you.
