Stepping onto a professional set for the first time—amid the flurry of commands like action, cut, sound, and makeup—was nothing short of surreal.
For actor and performer Manik Anand, the journey began with Khwaabon Ki Zamin Par—his debut project in which he portrayed music composer Mohit Mishra. It remains a deeply personal milestone in his artistic journey. “Everything felt new,” he recalls. “I won’t lie—I was nervous, but only for the first few takes. Then something clicked, and it just started to flow.”
Stepping onto a professional set for the first time—amid the flurry of commands like action, cut, sound, and makeup—was nothing short of surreal. It was the world he had always envisioned for himself, and once immersed in it, he felt an immediate sense of belonging. “After a while, it felt like I was meant to be there. Things began to come naturally. There was a fire in me to prove myself, and I think that drive unearthed something raw and real.”
If that first role was the spark, then Who Killed Taniya? was the flame that transformed him. In this powerful short film based on a true story, Manik Anand stepped into the role of Taniya—a Bangladeshi Muslim drag performer navigating the complexities of gender identity, faith, and queerness. It was a role that demanded not only two hours of makeup every day, but a full emotional and psychological commitment.
“It was one of those roles that shake you to your core,” he says. “Becoming Taniya took time and effort physically, but the emotional weight lingered long after we wrapped. The story gave me chills, and I knew I had to give everything I had—because it demanded that level of truth.”
This wasn’t just a career-defining role—it was a personally transformative one. “It challenged me in ways I hadn’t anticipated,” Manik Anand shares. “It made me confront unfamiliar parts of myself. It deepened my empathy, expanded my understanding, and pushed me not just as an actor, but as a human being.”
Then came the stage. One of the most joyous and dynamic chapters in his career unfolded with Monsoon Wedding: The Musical, directed by the legendary Mira Nair. At Brooklyn’s renowned St. Ann’s Warehouse, Manik Anand took on the role of Vikram in a vibrant celebration of family, culture, and love. “Playing Vikram was pure joy,” he says.
Even a knee injury during previews couldn’t keep him from the stage. “I limped through the wedding until closing night,” he laughs. “But there was no way I was missing the chance to work with Mira Nair.”
With music composed by the acclaimed Vishal Bhardwaj and a stunning onstage rainfall in the final scene, the production was nothing short of magical. “The moment I stepped into that theatre, the pain disappeared. The energy, the artistry, the magic of it all—it made every challenge worth it.”
From his uncertain beginnings to the emotionally charged transformation of Taniya, and the theatricality of Vikram, Manik continues to take on roles that push boundaries and stir souls. With every performance—on screen or stage—he brings a rare combination of vulnerability, passion, and purpose. His journey is not just about acting. It’s about telling stories that need to be told—and telling them with heart.
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