Anupam Tripathi’s Hit Run From 'Squid Game' To IC814: The Kandahar Hijack

Actor Anupam Tripathi is flying high on the recent success of 'IC814: The Kandahar Hijack'.

An adaptation of Captain Devi Sharan's memoir 'Flight into Fear: Captain Story', the Anubhav Sinha directorial recounts the week-long hijack drama which unfolded on the Air India flight in December 1999. Incidentally, the show also marks Anupam's debut on Indian screens.

"This was my first time on Indian screens and was thoroughly enjoyable. It's special for me because it was my dream to be part of the Indian film industry and perform in Hindi," says Anupam.

Anupam plays Ram Chandra Yadav, the first officer in the Indian embassy in the series. The actor recalls having got a call from casting director Mukesh Chabbra soon after he had sent his audition tapes. "I was told we have locked you in for part which would be a game changer for you. To be honest I felt it too. Working with Anubhav Sinha was excellent, I have been a fan of his work especially SeaHawks while growing up."

He further adds the opportunity to be part of an ensemble which has actors such as Naseerudin Shah, and Pankaj Kapur is in itself an achievement. "These are artists who are a masterclass when it comes to performing arts, and to be part of a narrative like this is an opportunity of a lifetime," says Anupam in all sincerity.

Anupam met up with embassy officials to observe their mannerisms, as well as watched and studied documents related to the incident. "The character is a delicate one to play, and I was very conscious about maintaining my weight throughout the shoot. Other than that the costume and design team really helped in creating this character from script to screen."

Anupam catapulted from virtual anonymity to making headlines after his turn as Player No. 199, aka Ali, the migrant worker in 2021's mega-hit "Squid Game". From blink-and-you-miss appearances in popular Korean dramas such as Descendants of the Sun, Arthdal Chronicles, and Hospital Playlist, the actor has managed to garner more screen time in recent shows such as Narco Saints and King The Land. So has the tide finally turned in his favour? He answers in the affirmative. "Initially people didn't know who I was, now they do. The Korean industry knows of me." However he voices his concern in the kind and choice of narratives.

"It will take time to get noticeable parts. I am constantly creating work for myself as well. There is a lot I want to do in the Korean entertainment industry, and working towards it, patience is the name of the game."

Anupam moved to S Korea in 2010 to study at the Korea National University of Arts. With the exponential rise and mainstreaming of S Korean content, the actor does notice the industry becoming far more inclusive and diverse.

"From Indian K Pop stars, as well as interest in Indian content, there is a lot more connectivity in terms of content. India is a vast country and a huge market and certainly cannot be ignored. But I want to see a lot more crossover happening. I want to change the mindset and perception one has towards foreign actors. and how they can only be seen in particular roles. One has to make the industry inclusive, whether it's Bollywood or Korean both have inspired the world with their narratives, and it's great to be part of it in any way. I am fluent in three languages and working on honing my skills."

Anupam's next is 'Changhon: The Night Of Salvation', which releases this October.
"It's my first lead role in a Korean movie. I cant tell you how good I felt that my name had come this further from the bottom of the credit role," says Anupam as he signs off.

'IC814: The Kandhar Hijack' is currently streaming on Netflix.