Like a thousand others, Anirudh Dave, too, came to Mumbai with film aspirations. While he got his first break in TV in 2008, a year later he made his film debut with Satish Kaushik’s Teree Sang. The film, along with the actor’s Shorgul (2016) and Pranaam (2019) didn’t do well and he kept himself to TV. Now, having got an opportunity in Akshay Kumar-starrer Bellbottom, Dave is hopeful of reviving his 70mm dream.

“My film career never took off but TV gave me name and fame. It isn’t easy to survive in a city like Mumbai. You’ve to take certain decisions to make things work. The pandemic has taught us how unpredictable things can get. I feel grateful to have work at this point of time,” he says.

While he’s excited to be a part of “a big film” like Bell Bottom, where he plays a supporting part, Dave aspires to portray pivotal roles as well. “Who doesn’t want to be a Bollywood film hero? Par hero ho ya hero ka dost, sab hi characters hote hain. You never know who will leave a lasting impression. Many have asked why I took up a supporting character. Aren’t character artistes respected or recognised or getting work? I know a film like Bellbottom would get me noticed and give me more work. And when I say I’m working on my career, I don’t mean I’m getting six packs or going about saying that I only want lead roles,” the actor explains.

Dave says the idea is to continue working and never let ego or false expectations affect your career path. “There are many in the industry earning more than me, have millions of social media followers, but that doesn’t mean I’ll start comparing myself with them. I’m patiently waiting for my turn,” he says, adding how Kumar inspires him.

“There’s a reason why Akshay Kumar is a star. He’s extremely dedicated and disciplined towards his craft. Subah jaldi uthne se, set pe aake sabse baat karna, sabka sunna, ek saath kaam karna, bus aapna nahi sabka sochna hi banate hai unko star,” he concludes.