Anshumaan Pushkar: Playing Gauri Bhaiya In 12th Fail Was Truly a Turning Point For Me (Indian Actor)

Anshumaan Pushkar Interview

" In the early days, when you are slapped with rejections and your career feels stagnant, honestly what really kept me going was the joy of performing, be it even in a small workshop or audition room. "

Q. What was the turning point that made you leave the business world and fully commit to acting?

I come from a very simple humble background from Bihar. And honestly I always thought, while ambitions run high it always felt daunting to survive in a hectic and expensive city like Mumbai. 

Just to be able to survive in and still be able to pursue my dreams, I had set up the business. The reality dawned and very soon I realized that either I can be true to my craft and dreams or to make money hahaha. 

Obviously I sacrificed the business to ensure that I can keep my passion for acting ignited and pursue that whole heartedly.

Q. How did your experience playing Gauri Bhaiya in 12th Fail shape you personally and professionally?

Playing Gauri Bhaiya in 12th Fail was truly a turning point for me both personally and professionally. Personally, it made me reflect on resilience, dignity, and the strength of people who often go unnoticed in society.

Living in Gauri Bhaiya’s shoes taught me compassion at a whole new level. Professionally, it opened doors I never expected. It gave me the confidence that I could take on layered, real characters and bring truth to them. 

The audience’s response was overwhelming. People related to Gauri Bhaiya, and that connection reminded me why I fell in love with acting in the first place. 

It made me more committed than ever to choosing roles with heart and purpose. It reminded me why I wanted to be an actor!

Q. During the early days of rejections and uncertainty, what motivated you to keep pursuing acting?

In the early days, when you are slapped with rejections and your career feels stagnant, honestly what really kept me going was the joy of performing, be it even in a small workshop or audition room. 

I knew deep down that acting made me feel alive in a way nothing else did. It wasn’t about fame or success back then; it was about this inner voice that kept saying, ‘This is where you belong.’ 

And honestly, every small ‘yes' even if it was just a compliment from a stranger or a callback gave me just enough fuel to keep going. 

Deep down I trust and know that, eventually this is my journey. I am grateful for all of it till now, and what is there in future too.

Q. In what ways have mentors like Amit Sial influenced your craft or career choices?

Amit Sial is my brother from another mother and not just a mentor. Amit bhaiya has a profound influence on both my craft and the choices I’ve made in my career.

Watching him work with such depth, honesty, and fearlessness made me realize that acting isn’t about performing—it’s about surrendering. His attention to truth in every moment, and the way he carries vulnerability as strength really shaped how I approach characters. 

More than anything, Amit bhaiya taught me that longevity in this field comes not from chasing fame, but from staying true to the art. 

His journey gave me courage to take risks, to choose roles that challenge me rather than comfort me, and to believe that it’s okay to grow slow—as long as you’re growing in the right direction. 

But honestly just seeing the careers of Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma or in that case, Pankaj Tripathi too is not only inspirational but also aspirational for me.

Q. Are there any particular types of roles or stories you’re especially eager to take on in the future?

I consider myself a tad bit crazy as an actor. I am game to play gallery to what's required for the character in that story. 

However I am always eager to take on roles that are emotionally deep or based on real-life characters. I’d also love to explore stories that challenge me or bring out a side of me, people haven’t seen yet and any actor would love diversity in their filmography.

Q. If you could portray any historical or fictional character—Indian or global—who would it be, and what draws you to that role?

If I could portray any historical or fictional character, I’d be deeply drawn to Karn, Eklavya, Meghnath, Sahir Ludhianvi, or Tughlaq — each of them carries layers of pain, rebellion, genius and misunderstood greatness. 

These roles draw me because they are not just characters — they are storms trapped in human forms and are as human and as flawed as it gets. They speak of inner battles louder than outer wars. And as an actor, to live those inner fires, even briefly, would be a gift.

Bio

Anshumaan Pushkar is a versatile Indian actor known for his impactful performances in critically acclaimed web series and films. 

Hailing from Mokama, Bihar, and an MBA graduate from Mumbai, Anshumaan made his acting mark with roles that blend intensity and emotional depth. He rose to fame with Jamtara – Sabka Number Ayega and won hearts with his powerful portrayal of Rishi Ranjan in Grahan. 

His recent role as Gauri Bhaiya in 12th Fail earned him widespread industry recognition. Known for choosing substance over screen time, Anshumaan continues to carve a distinct space in the Indian OTT landscape with authenticity, range, and purpose.

He will soon be seen in the upcoming film Maalik, a gritty crime drama set in 1980s Allahabad. The film, starring Rajkummar Rao in the lead, is set to release on July 11, 2025. Anshumaan plays a pivotal role and describes the experience of working alongside Rao as creatively enriching and career-defining.

Follow Anshumaan on Instagram

Picture Credits :
Photographer - Shailendra Pardeshi
Assisted By - Kiran Sathe
Make Up - Pratik Shikare
Hair - Punit Sain
Shoot Curated By - Pooja Bisht

Interviewed By Irene Elina Eldhose