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Anjali Anand Reveals She Almost Quit Acting Before Landing Karan Johar Film

Tuesday, 29 September 2026 08:00

Anjali Anand has opened up about being told to lose weight for acting opportunities and how she was close to abandoning her career before being cast in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

Bollywood actress Anjali Anand has revealed she was considering giving up acting and leaving India before landing a role in Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

Speaking during a recent appearance with filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan, Anjali recalled struggling financially during the 2020 lockdown as acting opportunities disappeared.

She said her savings had run out within six months and she had reached a point where she was considering leaving India and no longer pursuing an acting career. 

Anjali also spoke about her experiences with casting director Shanoo Sharma, saying she had previously been encouraged to lose weight before they could explore opportunities together.

However, while Anjali was away in Goa with friends, Sharma contacted her with very different news: Karan Johar had seen her photograph and was interested in considering her for a part.

Anjali said she subsequently auditioned and impressed Johar, eventually securing a role in his 2023 film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. 

The actress had already established herself on television before moving into films, with credits including Dhhai Kilo Prem and Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala. 

Her latest comments offer a candid insight into the financial pressures and appearance-related expectations she encountered while trying to establish herself in Bollywood.

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