Although we may not recognize Anirudh Agarwal by his actual name, the mention of Samri, Purana Mandir, and The Zee Horror Show instantly conjures the terrifying image of India’s most spine-chilling figure, sending shivers down your spine.
In an era where aspiring actors dream of becoming screen superstars, there is one actor who pursued his passion for acting, abandoned his civil engineering career, and faced numerous challenges in Bollywood to ultimately become India’s most terrifying figure. Anirudh Agarwal, famously known as the Scariest Man in India, embraced the role of a vampire and haunted our childhood nightmares.
However, have you ever wondered who inspired him to pursue acting? Did you know that even Samri, the on-screen embodiment of evil, is frightened by a certain entity? Let’s delve deeper into the life of our childhood nightmare and get to know him better.
Anirudh Agarwal’s family background
Anirudh Agarwal, born on December 20, 1949, is a native of Dehradun. His father was a proprietor of a grocery store, while his mother took care of the household. Anirudh grew up in a large family with four brothers and five sisters. During his schooling years in Dehradun, Anirudh developed a deep fascination for acting. However, the question remains: who served as his inspiration on this remarkable journey?
Jeetendra: Anirudh Agarwal’s inspiration
Anirudh Agarwal, being a fervent admirer of Jeetendra, nurtured a desire to try his luck as an actor. However, his father had different aspirations for him and wanted him to pursue a career in engineering. A pivotal moment occurred when Jeetendra visited Dehradun for a film shoot. Witnessing the immense fan-following and adoration bestowed upon Jeetendra, a teenage Anirudh found himself deeply inspired and resolved to pursue his dreams of becoming a star, much like his idol.
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Following his graduation with a BSc degree in Dehradun, Anirudh pursued civil engineering at Roorkee University. Upon completing his studies, he made his way to Bombay (now Mumbai) and began working as a civil engineer. However, Anirudh’s true passion for acting persisted, and he embarked on a challenging journey to find success in the world of Bollywood.
Anirudh Agarwal’s life-changing chance
During his arduous pursuit of a breakthrough role, Anirudh received distressing news from a doctor. It was revealed that he had a tumor in his pituitary gland, which not only altered his facial features but also affected his fingers and overall physical appearance. This revelation added an additional layer of adversity to his already challenging journey in the world of acting.
Anirudh’s dreams of becoming an actor were almost shattered until his friend, who had connections in the film industry, suggested that he meet the Ramsay Brothers. Anirudh had a meeting with the renowned horror filmmakers, and they discovered his potential to portray the character of Samri. This marked his debut as Samri in the movie “Purana Mandir” in 1984. After the success of this film, Anirudh received numerous offers, including roles in “Samri 3D,” “Ram Lakhan,” “The Zee Horror Show,” “Jadugar,” “Trimurti,” “Bandit Queen,” and “Mela.”
In addition to his Bollywood ventures, Anirudh has also been a part of two Hollywood projects, namely “The Jungle Book” and “Such a Long Journey.” His most recent appearance on the screen was in the 2010 film “Mallika.”
Where is Anirudh Agarwal these days?
Anirudh Agarwal resides in Mumbai with his wife, Neelam. The couple has been blessed with a son named Aseem and a daughter named Kapila Agarwal. Both of their children have successfully settled abroad. According to reports, Anirudh is employed at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
Bollywood’s Samri is scared of?
During an interview, Anirudh disclosed that he experienced a sense of fear after watching Linda Blair’s portrayal of Regan MacNeil in the movie “The Exorcist” released in 1973. It’s certainly an intriguing revelation, isn’t it?
