From playing Dhritarashtra in Mahabharat to leading a cybercrime thriller, Thakur Anoop Singh shares his story of grit, growth, and discipline

In an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal, actor Thakur Anoop Singh opened up about his upcoming film Controll, a cybercrime thriller based on true events surrounding digital frauds. Best known for his roles in Romeo S3, Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Mahabharat (as Dhritarashtra), and popular South films including Yajmana, Rogue, and Naa Peru Surya, Naa Illu India, Singh is now stepping into the lead role of Abhimanyu in Controll. Directed by Safdar Abbas, the film is set to release on October 10. In this candid conversation, Singh discussed his first reaction to the script, his preparations, the discipline that drives him, and his vision for the future. 

Excerpts: 

Q. The film Controll is based on true events surrounding digital frauds and cybercrime. What was your first reaction when you heard the script? 

A. My first reaction was the relatability factor that the script carries. I’ve personally seen friends experience similar scams, and that made it feel very real to me. I thought, if this could happen to people I know, imagine how many others must have gone through it. The script felt both informative and impactful. I found the story challenging because it allowed me to portray a victim’s perspective and show what happens to a victim’s family when they’re scammed. That’s what made it such an interesting subject for me. 

Q. The film deals with such a relevant issue. Did you research or meet any real-life victims of cyber fraud? 

A. As I mentioned earlier, I already knew people who had gone through such scams, so I observed them closely. I studied how hackers create fake OTPs or links, and how they manipulate victims into panicking and making mistakes. My friend’s mother, who’s in her 60s, was once scammed. I often say that our parents belong to the last innocent generation, and this incident really hit home. I saw firsthand how they struggled to recover the money-which they never could-and how the scammer, despite their pleading, stayed cold and unapologetic. It showed me the mindset of such criminals. I tried to bring that anger and helplessness into my performance as Abhimanyu in Controll. 

Q. How was your experience working with Safdar Abbas, the director of the film? 

A. It was a great experience. Safdar Abbas has previously worked as an associate director with Abbas-Mustan, so he came with a lot of experience. Controll was his first film as an independent director, and it was only my second film as a protagonist. We bonded well even before the shoot-we did a lot of workshops together. His clarity and experience reflected on set, and overall, it was a very positive and collaborative experience. 

Q. Many people first noticed you in Mahabharat. Do you feel that role shaped your career in a significant way? 

A. Absolutely. Playing Dhritarashtra in Mahabharat gave me tremendous confidence and experience. It wasn’t directly responsible for my move into films, but it definitely motivated me to take that step. Working on such a massive production helped me understand the craft better and prepared me for larger roles. That experience gave me the self-belief to approach filmmakers and tell them I was ready for films. So yes, it played an important role in shaping my journey. 

Q. What advice would you give to young people who want to maintain discipline in their career and health? 

A. Discipline has brought me where I am today. It’s all about managing your time, diet, and routine. You can’t live carelessly thinking you can fix things later. The body adapts quickly to whatever lifestyle you choose, so you must stay consistent. My advice to youngsters is: if you have a vision, stay disciplined in every aspect of life. That’s the only way to achieve your goals and sustain success.