“I Am Not Zarina”: Anangsha Biswas Opens Up About the Dark Side of Fame Following ‘Mirzapur’ Success

The highly anticipated cinematic expansion of the cult-favorite web series Mirzapur has sent ripples of excitement through its fan base. As the cast reunites for the upcoming film, Anangsha Biswas—who reprises her role as the ambitious Zarina—revealed that while the “bhaukaal” (buzz) surrounding the project is overwhelming, the character’s popularity has come at a deeply personal cost.

The Struggles of Stardom

For Anangsha, returning to the role of Zarina was not merely a professional commitment but a challenging endurance test. Maintaining the same character arc across several years requires significant dedication, but the transition from the web series to the film format brought unexpected physical hurdles.

To revert to the Season 1 timeline, the actress had to undergo a drastic physical transformation, shedding the weight she had gained for the third season. The intense regimen of heavy weight training and a restrictive boiled-food diet took a toll on her health, eventually landing her in the hospital. “When you watch the film, you probably won’t realize it, but I was actually unwell,” she admitted, reflecting on the grueling process.

Life Off-Camera

Despite the gritty nature of her on-screen persona, Anangsha remains a stark contrast to the characters she portrays. A self-described “bookworm” who hails from the intellectual heritage of Bengal, the actress finds herself frequently misrepresented by audiences.

The success of her performance in Mirzapur has led to an unsettling phenomenon: viewers often conflate her real-life personality with that of Zarina. This misconception has manifested in persistent, inappropriate, and predatory messages. Anangsha shared that her inbox is often flooded with disturbing inquiries, including propositions like, “How much would you charge for one night?” and offers for illicit weekend getaways.

“I probably wouldn’t normally talk about this, but it is important to address because this mindset needs to change,” she stated. While she acknowledges that such reactions are a distorted testament to the efficacy of her acting, she maintains a clear boundary. “I don’t go to parties, I don’t drink, and I don’t indulge in nonsense. I am absolutely nothing like Zarina.”

A Creative Homecoming

Despite these personal challenges, Anangsha describes the Mirzapur set as a “homecoming.” Working alongside veterans like Ravi Kishan has been a highlight of her experience. She praised the actor’s humility and childlike enthusiasm, noting that his ability to make fellow actors feel comfortable is a rare trait in the industry.

“There is a saying that the tree with the most fruit bends the lowest,” she noted, praising Kishan’s grounded nature.

As she continues to evolve as an artist, Anangsha emphasizes the importance of remaining humble and staying true to one’s craft. While the “curse” of her character’s notoriety persists, she remains focused on the journey of storytelling, ensuring that while the world may see Zarina, the person behind the lens remains deeply committed to her values and her art.