“I quit law to pursue acting,” says Annup Sonii

The actor gets nostalgic about his time at NSD, his theatre scholarship, hostel life and being focused on fitness

At 22, where were your career-wise?

Annup Sonii at 22 (inset) and now (above), at 50

I was in my second year at NSD, living in a hostel and dreaming of making it big in theatre and on screen, one day.

And your bank balance?

Almost zero. In those days, we got a ₹600 scholarship at NSD, which was good enough to cover meals and still live a life.

Annup on Juhu Beach for a magazine cover shoot with (from left) R Madhavan, Manoj Bajpayee and Kumud Mishra

Any romance in the air?

Nothing serious. When you are staying in a hostel and don’t go out much, your life revolves around your hostel friends. And I had some close friends there.

The actor shooting in Kathmandu for his first project in a leading role with singer-actor Sunny Rauniyar

I just wanted to give my best, grasp and study as much as one could.

Was your family supportive?

I quit law after the first year to pursue acting and joined NSD. My family supported my decision completely, so there was a huge sense of responsibility to prove myself.

With NSD batchmate Rajesh Tailang

What did you do for fitness?

I was particular about fitness and being the student union president at NSD, I requested the administration to allow us to buy gym equipment.

Practising for a play at NSD with batchmates Rajesh Tailang and Sapna Moudgil

Your most prized possession at 22?

The ₹600 we used to get!

If you could change one thing then?

I wish I’d spent more time in the well-stocked library at NSD.

His first photoshoot by veteran photographer Jagdish Mali

The biggest life lesson you learnt?

To live within your means.

From HT Brunch, April 25, 2021

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