Interview : Anila Kharbanda: From Behind the Scenes to the Silver Screen
A seasoned artist with over 15 years in the entertainment industry, Anila Kharbanda has donned multiple hats—Assistant Director, Creative, Costume Stylist, and more—before stepping into the limelight. Theatre once seemed like the closest she would come to acting, but destiny had other plans. The pandemic became a turning point, thrusting her in front of the camera, and she has since graced the small screen in iconic shows like #VighnahartaGanesha, #Aladdin, #KumkumBhagya, and #YehHaiChahatein. Now, with her Bollywood debut Let’s Meet poised for release, Anila sits down for a candid conversation with our Senior Editor, Keerti Kadam.
A Stroke of Destiny: Landing the Role.
“Working behind the scenes connects you with countless people in the industry,” Anila muses. It was through one such connection that Shraddha Sohan Casting Company approached her for Let’s Meet. “Since I already play a TV actress in real life, slipping into this character felt effortless. My on-screen persona, too, is a television star, albeit with an intriguing twist—she’s entangled in an affair with the hero, and from there, the drama unfolds.”
The Challenge of Playing ‘Herself’.
Portraying a role that mirrors reality can sometimes be more demanding than embodying a fictional persona. “Films are more nuanced than television, where emotions are heightened and expressions are grander,” Anila explains. “But Ricky Sir gave me the liberty to explore my character fully, even encouraging me to infuse the dramatic flair reminiscent of Ekta Kapoor’s serials. The exaggerated makeup, the larger-than-life personality—it all came together beautifully. Adapting to cinema’s subtlety was an adjustment, but not an impossible one.”
Sisterhood on Set—or Lack Thereof.
Despite being part of a cast brimming with female energy, Anila reveals an interesting fact: “Not a single scene in the movie was shot together, so we never really crossed paths on set! Ironically, meeting everyone now, the camaraderie feels so real. It’s fascinating how energy aligns even without shared screen space.”
From the Backstage to the Spotlight: A Fated Journey.
Did she always dream of becoming an actress? Surprisingly, no. “Acting wasn’t even on my radar,” Anila confesses. “During my theatre days, I had firmly decided I wouldn’t pursue it. Watching actors face rejection after rejection as a creative professional only reinforced my belief that it wasn’t for me. But the universe had other plans. The pandemic changed everything, bringing me consecutive acting opportunities. Once you step in front of the camera, it becomes an addiction you can’t shake off. Even if someone offered me a stylist’s job today, I’d still choose being in front of the camera over working behind the scenes.”
A Dream Woven in Celluloid.
Making the transition from television to Bollywood is no small feat, and for Anila, it still feels surreal. “I feel incredibly blessed. Television gives you recognition, but seeing yourself on the big screen is an actor’s ultimate dream. That dream is now my reality, and it’s an indescribable feeling.”
A Stepping Stone, Not the Destination.
While Let’s Meet marks her foray into Bollywood, Anila views it as the first of many milestones. “This is definitely my dream debut, but it’s just the beginning. Every journey starts with small yet significant steps, and this film will always be special to me. That said, I’m eager to embrace bigger challenges ahead.”
Balancing Act: Television vs. Bollywood.
Does this mean she’s bidding adieu to television? “Not at all!” Anila exclaims. “I will continue to do television alongside films. Both mediums have their charm, and I see no reason to choose one over the other.”
From calling the shots behind the camera to owning her presence on screen, Anila Kharbanda’s journey is a testament to the unpredictable beauty of fate. And as she embarks on this new chapter, one thing is certain—her story is just getting started.
By Keerti Kadam