Anurag Vyas on stepping beyond television: It’s a phase of exploration, not a break

Anurag Vyas, who has been part of shows such as Aap Ke Aa Jaane Se, Naagin and Doree, is currently exploring vertical cinema and has a film project in the pipeline. Reflecting on the shift in storytelling formats post-lockdown, he says, “The lockdown changed the way artistes were perceived. New art forms emerged, new platforms were created, and actors began to be recognised for their individual strengths. At the time, some of it may have seemed excessive to a few people, but today it has become a thriving market. Being part of these platforms from the very beginning holds a lot of value for me.”

Asked whether the vertical format feels more fulfilling than television, Anurag maintains that each medium has its own rhythm. He says, “Every format has its own beauty. Vertical cinema reflects the fast-paced world we live in. It is short, intense and emotionally direct. It connects strongly with today’s digital audience and allows stories to be told in a fresh, intimate way. What excites me most is the creative freedom. It gives actors space to experiment with different emotions and characters in a short span of time.”

While he is keen to explore films and web projects, Anurag is clear that his time away from television is not a conscious break. He shares, “Television has been a very meaningful part of my journey. It taught me discipline, patience and the importance of staying grounded. Every day on set was a lesson in understanding emotions and trusting the process. I am grateful for that phase, which is why I don’t call this a break. I see it as a phase of exploration.”

He adds that his choices are driven by creative fulfilment rather than external rewards. He says, “As an actor, I constantly feel the need to grow and challenge myself. Films and web projects excite me because they often offer deeper characters and bolder storytelling. For me, cinema is almost meditative. When I am in front of the camera, the noise fades away. I am not chasing glamour or surface-level success. What matters to me is honesty in storytelling.”

Summing up his approach, he says, “I came to Mumbai for the love of acting. Whether it is theatre, television, films, web or vertical cinema, the core remains the same. It is about performance, emotion and truth. That creative restlessness, that urge to do something meaningful, is what keeps me going.”