Anil P. Bajaj was born in the vibrant city of Bombay, India, to a family with diverse roots - his mother, Bindoo, hails from Tamil Nadu, while his father,ab Prhu, is from Shikarpur, Pakistan. Growing up in a middle-class household, his parents instilled in him a strong desire to pursue a career in either medicine or engineering, but by the tender age of eight, Anil's fascination with the magic of filmmaking began to unfold.
This early interest in the cinematic arts led him to the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India, where he honed his skills in both directing and acting, studying the renowned Stanislavsky Method and Roshan Taneja School of Acting. After completing his studies, Anil worked as an assistant to various accomplished directors across India for seven years, gaining invaluable experience and insight into the craft.
In 1990, Anil embarked on a new journey, relocating to America, where he initially struggled to pursue his passion for filmmaking. Instead, he established various businesses in New Orleans, Louisiana. However, his entrepreneurial endeavors were dealt a devastating blow when Hurricane Katrina struck, leaving him with nothing.
This setback proved to be a turning point in Anil's life, as it inspired him to finally pursue his true calling. He began to focus on his filmmaking career, securing roles in several films and eventually writing his debut feature, The Last Fare, in 2012. This was followed by a string of successful projects, including Timely The Deal, Hey Where You At?, and The Beggar's Curse, all of which showcased Anil's versatility as an actor, writer, and director.
Currently, Anil is working on several projects, including Suicide, House Arrest, Comprise Verdict, and Jars of Happiness, which are in various stages of pre-production.
Anil's cinematic influences are diverse and far-reaching, with directors such as David Mamet, Brian de Palma, Satyajit Ray, Sydney Lumet, and Alfred Hitchcock serving as his inspirations. He is particularly drawn to their ability to create intense, emotionally charged scenes using limited locations, as well as their exploration of complex relationships.
Anil's own directing style is characterized by his passion and dedication to his craft. He is known for taking his actors on an emotional rollercoaster ride, pushing them to access nuanced emotions and feel comfortable in front of the camera. His films often tackle important social issues, but he is also driven by a desire to create authentic, emotionally resonant stories.
Anil's Indian heritage and experiences have had a profound impact on his work, infusing his films with a unique blend of Bollywood and Hollywood styles. His ability to speak seven languages and understand eleven has also given him an edge as an actor and director.
Despite his many accomplishments, Anil remains humble and grounded, crediting his success to his kindness and generosity. He is deeply inspired by the life and values of Mother Teresa, who believed that art has the power to move people and elevate society. For Anil, "Art moves people, and people elevate the art - only with kindness."
