Thakur Anup Singh: From Mr World To Singham 3 (Actor, With 1.7 Million+ Followers)

Thakur Anup Singh Interview

"I was willing to give up my physique to play Gandhi—because real acting begins where comfort ends."

1. How would you sum up your journey from Mr. World to becoming an actor?

I was already an actor before I earned the Mr. World title for India. That achievement was a significant milestone, but my journey didn’t begin there. Every success I’ve had has come at the cost of immense hard work, sleepless nights, intense dedication, and enduring pain—both physical and emotional. Nothing came easy, but every step, no matter how tough, helped shape who I am today.

2. Did your experience in fitness competitions shape your mindset as an actor?

Let me clarify something—I'm not a bodybuilder. I’ve always been an actor at heart. I simply took a break from acting for a year to represent India as an athlete in the “Fitness Physique” category, which is very different from traditional bodybuilding. However, the mindset required for both—discipline, hard work, consistency—is the same. That mental conditioning from fitness has significantly influenced the way I approach acting. It’s given me the resilience and structure needed to grow in this industry.

3. How do you prepare for intense mythological roles?

Interestingly, I’ve only done one mythological show—Mahabharat. But the preparation for that was very deep and transformative. I was fortunate to be trained by stalwarts like Naseeruddin Shah, Rajit Kapur, and several other respected theatre gurus. The foundation they laid for me as an actor is what I still carry forward in all my roles. It wasn’t just about memorizing lines, it was about understanding the soul of the character.

4. What’s tougher—building a great physique or building a career in acting?

To be honest, both are challenging in their own right, and it’s not fair to compare them. Building a body requires discipline, nutrition, and consistency. Similarly, building a career in acting demands persistence, emotional intelligence, and the ability to handle rejection and uncertainty. Both journeys require immense time, patience, and hard work. If you stay committed and don’t quit midway—which many people unfortunately do—you’ll find success. These experiences collectively teach you resilience.

5. Do actors with strong physiques face typecasting in the industry?

That depends entirely on the choices an actor makes. Yes, having a great physique can open doors to action-oriented roles. But if you can match your physical presence with strong performances, you’ll find more versatility. For instance, if I were offered a biopic of someone like Mahatma Gandhi, I’d be willing to let go of my body and dive into the character’s nuances. That’s what acting is truly about—adaptability, research, and transformation. When an actor fully commits to evolving, it becomes very hard to typecast them.

6. How important has self-belief been in your journey?

Self-belief has been the cornerstone of my journey. Without it, I wouldn’t have made it this far. It has carried me through years of relentless hard work, sleepless nights, and constant hustle. When no one else believes in you, it’s your own conviction that pushes you forward. For me, that inner belief became the fuel that shaped my present and is still driving me toward my future goals.

7. What advice would you give to aspiring actors or fitness enthusiasts?

First and foremost, focus on becoming a good actor. Fitness is essential for everyone, especially for actors, as it reflects your discipline and overall lifestyle. But remember, building a great physique is just a byproduct of your lifestyle choices. It should be approached wisely and under proper guidance from a qualified trainer. Don’t chase aesthetics blindly—let fitness support your craft, not overshadow it.

8. If your life were a film, what would its title be?

I’d call it “Over & Above.” Because in everything I’ve pursued, I’ve always aimed to go beyond the ordinary—to push past the limits and rise above expectations.

Bio:

Thakur Anoop Singh is a dynamic Indian actor, Mr. World 2015 titleholder, certified commercial pilot, and multi-lingual performer known for his impactful presence across Bollywood, South Indian, and Marathi cinema. He began his career with the role of Dhritarashtra in Mahabharat (2013–2014) and later transitioned into films like Commando 2, Singham 3, Yajamana, and the upcoming Control (2025).

Beyond acting, he is a skilled singer, martial artist, and motivational speaker. Anoop won multiple fitness accolades in 2015, including Gold at Mr. World, representing India on the global stage. Fluent in Hindi, Marathi, English, Telugu, and Kannada, he continues to inspire as an artist and athlete across industries.

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Interviewed by: Shantanu Singh 

Edited by: Shantanu Singh