India, Sept. 23 -- Anshuman Jha, known for films such as Lakadbaggha (2023) and Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010) has opened up about choosing a career in films and the resistance he faced at home on his recent visit to the Capital. "My mother wanted me to become an IAS officer, and I would have, but I wanted to pursue acting," recalls the 41-year-old actor. Reflecting on his school days, he admits he always knew academics was not the path he wanted to pursue, but was still pushed to take science in Class 11. "I just left my papers blank in the first unit test. My principal called my mother and said, 'Why aren't you letting him just do Arts?'" The struggle over his career path continued through college. While his mother wanted him to study at St Stephen's College in Delhi, Jha had his sights set on Mumbai. "I remember Xavier had a 90% cut-off. I didn't make the first list. But luckily, I made it to the second, and then I got the licence to move to Mumbai. The rest, as they say, is history," he shares. The journey from college to the screen came with its own set of struggles. Looking back, Jha sees these challenges as an essential part of his journey. "You can be your best version only if you struggle." Despite the uncertainty that came with pursuing acting, giving up was never an option for him. He says, "Unpopular opinion: you should never have a backup plan. A lot of actors don't make it because they have a backup plan. You need to jump into the ocean and think deep. Shallow waters never make great swimmers." Jha, who also made his directorial debut with Lord Curzon Ki Haveli (2025), says his passion for cinema extends beyond acting, adding that he would still happily assist a filmmaker he admires....