Anusha Dandekar on pulling off Hunter season 2 action stunts by herself, path from VJ to acting and more | Exclusive

Hunter season 2 is here, and while the show is all about Suniel Shetty and Jackie Shroff in action, there is another actor stealing the show. That is Anusha Dandekar, who plays one of the female leads in the new season. Anusha has now revealed in her exclusive interview with us at OTTplay that she performed all the action stunts by herself. She also happened to spill more details on her role while speaking about transitioning from VJ to acting, too. Anusha addressed how VJs often tend to get stereotyped and are expected to break the mould and find their path in the industry. Finally, Anusha also addressed whether there's ever an opportunity to work with Shibani Dandekar and Farhan Akhtar in the future.

Anusha Dandekar on Hunter 2 and more...

Hunter became known as the show that brings Suniel Shetty back in action. Did you ever question how you would fit into this world when you received the season 2 offer? How did you convince yourself to sign the project eventually?

When you think of Suniel Shetty and action, they’re synonymous. Knowing he was coming back with an action series was incredible and you know it means business. For me, there was excitement and the desire to take up a challenge. I gave the audition, they liked me, and thought I fit the role of Guide. Now I just wanted to prove throughout the journey I could never once question if I fit in, but making sure they think I do! I don’t think I ever needed to convince myself, it was such a cool character to play, it was action, and there I was working with the man himself, Suniel Shetty.

Hunter sees you in quite a cool role, that too in action. Take us through the prep process.

I would love to say I had a lot of prep time, but honestly, everything unfolded quickly. I learnt my dialogues and understood my character in about a week. As for the action scenes, I wanted to perform everything myself. They did have a stunt double, but thankfully, I got to do it all and really enjoyed it. I still remember when the action director showed me my first action scene in Thailand, I just kept looking at him, thinking, “How will I do this?” But somehow it worked out. Maybe because I’ve always been physically active, played sports, been hyperactive, and a bit of a tomboy, it all came together for this character. I hope the audience likes what they see!

Also Read: Hunter Season 2: Here's where you can watch Suniel Shetty and Jackie Shroff's action series

Would you be open to more roles that require you in the action genre, or do you want to explore something else for now?

I would definitely love to do more action. It’s so much fun, definitely hard work, yet exciting and it makes you feel like such a badass. I’d love to do comedy and drama too, but action has touched my soul, it’s one of those alter egos you didn’t know you had in you.

If you have the opportunity, would you consider returning to the world of Hunter?

One thousand percent, yes. I’d do season 3, 4, 5, if they had it, however many seasons they want to do, I will definitely join because it’s great entertainment, with the perfect blend of drama, action, and a little comedy!

Also Read: Hunter season 2 trailer: Suniel Shetty-Jackie Shroff promise old-school action

You were a VJ when it was still cool, and you're one of the few who became an actor. Do you believe that it has become tougher, with some getting more chances to showcase their talent while the rest get written off like they did not fight for their way in the industry, and they are now expected to keep struggling and settling while others almost get served roles on the platter?

Well, coming from a VJ background, we often get stereotyped, and it’s hard for people to see us beyond that. But at the same time, it’s up to us to push boundaries and let people know we’re interested in doing other things. It’s a balance. It was tougher earlier, but now, with different avenues in entertainment because of the online industry, people get opportunities and recognition that they may not have received before when only big-screen opportunities existed. Now there is room for everybody. You just need to keep working hard, reinventing yourself, and breaking stereotypes. Even for VJs, nothing was served on a platter; it’s sheer hard work that has brought any of us where we are today. And I feel genuinely blessed that I get to do many different things!

Now that Shibani has also turned into a writer and Farhan is already pretty much an all-rounder in the industry, can we see a collaboration with them?

When it comes to family, if they asked me to come and audition for a role, or offered me something and I thought it was a good opportunity and fit for me, I would one hundred percent go professionally and give my best. If they liked what they saw and hired me, I’d work with them for sure. That is the only way I’d feel comfortable.

Good luck for Hunter. Any parting remarks?

I would love for you all to watch Hunter Season 2. Not only does it have great action and drama, but it’s also a complete entertainer, and I’m proud to be part of it. And to all the girlies out there, I hope to represent you well in this new avatar and kick some butt.