Anushka Ranjan to quit modelling to focus on films

Anushka Ranjan, all set to make her Bollywood debut with Wedding Pullav, has decided to quit modelling to focus on her career in film.

Ranjan, the daughter of film producer Shashi Ranjan, has walked the ramp for almost all the fashion brands and now she is excited about her new career. The movie is slated to hit theatres in India on October 16.

“I have to quit the modelling industry now because it is really not possible to continue modelling while you are doing films. They are two completely different backgrounds.

“Mostly all the model-turned-actresses have not gone back to modelling, be it Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma or Priyanka Chopra. It goes like that. Modelling and films cannot go hand in hand,” Ranjan said.

Wedding Pullav, directed by ace cinematographer Binod Pradhan, is a fresh take on the big, fat destination weddings in India.

For Ranjan, making her debut with the film was not a tough call because it has all the essential ingredients to prove her mettle.

“I think Wedding Pullav is a perfect film for anyone to make debut with because it has a mixture of little bit of everything. It has romance, comedy, songs, emotions and so much other colours. You get the chance to portray every little side of your and it’s brilliant for a newcomer,” she said.

The film boasts an ensemble cast of Diganth Manchale, Karan Grover, Sonalli Sehgall, Rishi Kapoor, Satish Kaushik, Parmeet Sethi, Kitu Gidwani, Himani Shivpuri, Upasna Singh and Tripta Lakhanpal.

Asked whether she was apprehensive to star in a multi-starrer film, Ranjan said, “The film is about the leading couple — Diganth and me. The rest of the cast help the film to move further. It was a good thing for us that being newcomers we got to share the screen space with veteran actors.”

The Mumbai-based actress is a trained Kathak dancer and prepared herself for a very long time to have a career in films.

“Being from a film background, acting has always been my passion. It’s a very fascinating place to be. I always knew that I want to be a part of it one day. After I finished my studies, I decided to give it a shot.”

The film’s trailer was unveiled recently by her friend Alia Bhatt in an event in Mumbai.

“It was so nice of Alia to come and support the film. My other friends who could not make it to the event tweeted about the film. Everyone has been supportive.”