I’m the Same Person On and Off Camera”: Aanchal Dubey Opens Up About Her Debut in ‘Bhojpuri Bawaal’
Aanchal Dubey shares her experience entering the reality television space alongside her sister, superstar Amrapali Dubey, in India's first Bhojpuri celebrity reality show, 'Bhojpuri Bawaal'.
India’s regional entertainment space recently reached a significant milestone with the launch of Bhojpuri Bawaal, billed as the country's first celebrity reality show centered around the vibrant Bhojpuri film industry. Among the prominent personalities featuring on the show is the sister duo of superstar Amrapali Dubey and Aanchal Dubey. Stepping into the spotlight for her very first screen appearance, Aanchal shared her motivations for joining the project, her personal dynamics with the industry's biggest stars, and her approach to unscripted television.
Reflecting on her decision to participate, Aanchal explained that her presence in the show felt like a natural extension of her real-life relationship with Amrapali. Given how closely their lives are intertwined, she viewed joining the reality series as a meaningful opportunity to support her sister, who has played a pivotal role in her personal journey. Aanchal noted that if her presence could add value to the show or support Amrapali's narrative, she was eager to step forward.
Unscripted television often presents unique pressures, but Aanchal chose to approach the project without any rehearsed strategy or formal preparation. Marking her debut across both OTT and traditional television formats, she admitted that navigating camera setups and reality tropes was an entirely new experience. Rather than attempting to project a staged persona, she made a conscious choice to remain completely authentic to her everyday self.
The reality show features several towering figures from the regional industry, including Dinesh Lal Yadav (Nirahua) and Pawan Singh. Having grown up around her sister’s career, Aanchal shared that many of these industry stalwarts are familiar figures in her personal life. She highlighted her deep friendship with Dinesh Lal Yadav, noting that their bond has spanned over a decade since Amrapali's debut film and has extended to a warm, family-like connection with his children and extended relatives.
Addressing how she handles public scrutiny, Aanchal emphasized that she does not view herself as a professional actor, which frees her from the pressure of maintaining a curated public image. She reassured viewers that who they see on screen is an accurate reflection of who she is off camera. Welcoming constructive feedback from the audience, Aanchal expressed hope that fans of Amrapali and regional cinema will appreciate her honest approach to the show.