Anubhav Mohanty is the best thing to have happened to Ollywood in years. Acting comes naturally to Anubhav, whose rise to stardom resembles an Indian film. He strides the Odia film industry like a colossus, a star nonpareil, delivering hit after hit.
Anubhav, who turned into an icon with his first film — I Love You (2005), which broke all box-office records — has done over 30 films in Ollywood and eight films in Tollywood. He has over 60 Odia albums to his credit — he started producing them while in college. A resident of Cuttack, Anubhav did his bachelor’s degree in Science and Graduation in Arts from Christ College. Though he loved to act, the college student Anubhav never wanted to pursue it as a career. “I was a very shy student and an obedient one as well,” he says. He recounts his college days for edex.
What did college teach you?
Discipline. This is the most important thing my college taught me. I owe a lot to Christ College. It gave a lot of space to people like me who were interested in acting or any other form of cultural activity. You will find that many talented actors, directors and producers in the Odia film industry are alumni of Christ College.
What was your proudest moment in college?
I was good at acting, but never in singing. I never participated in any singing competition. In Class XII, my principal Asit Bose nominated me for a competition and surprisingly, I managed to win the first prize. That was my proudest moment.
Have you had any embarrassing moments in college?
I used to cycle to college during my Class XII days. That was embarrassing at times. I had also started working on my albums then. My first album, Ragicha ki Katha Kahuna had just released. We had to pass a mango orchard to reach the main building of our college. This orchard was the most popular hangout spot for all students. After my album was released, girls used to pass comments, which were very embarrassing, whenever I went past the orchard.
How did you score points with the opposite gender?
I was always in my world of books, modelling and sports, so there was no occasion to score points with the girls.
Was bunking a part of your college routine?
To be honest, I was an extremely well-behaved, hard-working, obedient and punctual youth. Bunking was a strict no-no for me. However, waking up and going to the college was an issue for me and my father has scolded me an umpteen number of times. In fact, my friend Bakshish Das used to come to my house early in the morning to wake me up.
Did you have any rifts with professors? Why?
Never. Like I said, I was obedient and good at academics. As bunking was never a part of my schedule in college, my professors loved me. I also completed my assignments on time. I was very possessive of my lecturers and never tolerated any student bad-mouthing them.
Where did you hang out in college with friends?
There was no hangout joint for me actually. Either I was in the classroom or at home. I used to go to the nearby snacks corner and have patties or a pastry if I was hungry. After classes, I used to rush back home to play basketball.
What extracurricular activities were you involved in?
I used to model, cut albums and play basketball.
— diana@newindianexpress.com