Anusha Dandekar gets real about her accent; slams stereotyping in entertainment; says 'Boxes are meant to be broken'

From ruling MTV as a VJ to setting trends as a fashion icon, Anusha Dandekar has never walked just one path. Now returning to screens with 'Hunter Season 2', the ever-dynamic star is embracing her “multi-hyphenate” identity, a title she says is both a blessing and a challenge. In a candid conversation with News18 Showsha, Anusha reflected on how being someone who acts, hosts, sings, influences, and never stays still, is often met with skepticism in an industry that likes to label. “I honestly don’t view it as a negative,” she said. “If anything, it’s a gift , I get to wake up and do something I love every day. And I never get bored.”

Fighting the stereotype

But being multitalented doesn’t mean it’s been easy. The entertainment world, as Anusha puts it, “loves boxes.”

Whether it’s judging her based on past roles or her Australian accent, she’s been navigating the same barriers since the beginning. “You break the box. Or at least try to. It’s still a battle, it never really ends,” she admitted. One of her longest-running battles? Constantly being accused of faking her accent.

“People still think I’m faking it. I mean, seriously — how can someone fake an accent for this long? I don’t think I’m that talented!”

Owning her voice, creating her space

Instead of bending to fit expectations, Anusha has learned to flip stereotypes to her advantage.

“Stereotypes exist, so break them. But also, learn how to flip them and make them work for you,” she explained.Whether she’s on a Hindi web series with Jackie Shroff, acting in a Marathi film, or hosting her own show, Anusha isn’t asking for anyone’s permission to be all of herself. Her energy is contagious, her identity proudly layered. “I’m too hyper for a 9-to-5. I crave change. This is who I am.” And maybe that’s exactly what the industry — and the audience — needs more of.Meanwhile, the Suniel Shetty and Jackie Shroff starrer 'Hunter - Tootega Nahi, Todega' series is getting decent reviews.