The Common Man Who Became A Star

A lot of actors auditioned for Wagle Ki Duniya, but R K Laxman rejected them all.

Aanjjan Srivastav brought alive legendary cartoonist R K Laxman’s memorable Common Man on the small screen, playing him in Wagle Ki Duniya.

Not many know that Aanjjan began his career aged 19 in Bengali theatre in Calcutta. Ten years later, he came to Bombay to begin his struggle and eventually become an actor of merit.

On his 75th birthday on June 2, Aanjjan tells “When television came, my life changed.”

‘I was inspired by Balraj Sahni’

My father worked at Allahabad Bank and was transferred to Calcutta. That’s where I was born.

After graduation, I got a job in Allahabad Bank.

My father did not want me to make a career in acting, as he wanted me to have a stable job.

The atmosphere in Calcutta was very artistic, and I was drawn towards Bengali theatre and radio plays because of a maternal uncle.

I was inspired by Balraj Sahni.

I met him when I was young; he was shooting for a film with Motilalji in Calcutta, who died four days after I met him.

I saw Balraj Sahni shoot a scene, and learnt later that he was a member of IPTA (Indian People’s Theatre Association).

I started doing plays for All India Radio, and got acquainted with directors from different theatre groups. I started doing Bengali plays with drama groups like Kala Bhavan, Sangeet Kala Mandir and Adakar.