Akansha Ranjan says she wants meaningful roles, not just glamour: “I don’t want to go to the set just to dance”

Actor Akansha Ranjan says choosing meaningful work over high-profile projects remains her biggest priority. Despite a busy year professionally and personally, she believes credibility as a performer matters more than appearing in big-budget films with limited scope for acting.

The actor, who has recently been seen in Gram Shikitsalay and Ikka, opened up about the kind of roles she wants to pursue, explaining that creative satisfaction outweighs commercial appeal.

Looking for roles that offer growth

Speaking about her approach to selecting projects, Akansha said she is not interested in signing films solely because they are large productions.

Instead, she evaluates whether a role allows her to grow as an actor, collaborate with talented filmmakers or be part of a story that resonates with audiences.

“It has to give me something. It has to make me feel creatively excited. It can be a small part, a small film, anything. But am I gaining something from it? Am I learning from a new director? Am I meeting great co-actors? Am I part of a project people love?”

She added that she would rather take on a smaller but impactful role than appear in a big-budget film where her character leaves little impression.

“I know I have more potential”

Akansha made it clear that she wants to be recognised for her acting rather than simply appearing in glamorous sequences.

“I don’t want to go to the set just to dance, smile and give beauty shots. I know I have way more potential and way more creativity bubbling inside me.”

According to the actor, she is willing to work with filmmakers who believe in her abilities, even if they cannot immediately offer her leading roles.

She explained that building a body of credible performances is more important to her than chasing fame.

Still hustling for opportunities

Despite her recent projects, Akansha said the struggle to secure meaningful work continues.

She admitted that the feeling of falling behind in the competitive entertainment industry never completely disappears, but she tries to channel that pressure into motivation rather than letting it dictate her choices.

“I hustle, audition, call people and pursue work. But that fear hasn’t become a deciding factor in my career.”

She added that she consciously avoids making career decisions based on industry trends or external validation.

Fame isn’t the ultimate goal

Akansha also reflected on the culture surrounding celebrity popularity, saying magazine covers, paparazzi attention and social media followers should not become the primary measure of success.

While acknowledging that such visibility can increase public recognition, she believes lasting success comes from strong performances.

“I’m not here to become famous. I’m really here to show people that I can act. If that takes longer, then so be it.”

Building a career with patience

The actor emphasised that she is prepared to wait for opportunities that align with her creative aspirations rather than rushing into projects that offer little artistic value.

For Akansha, the long-term goal is to build a filmography defined by memorable performances and meaningful collaborations rather than simply increasing the number of releases.