Munish Sood
Mandi
In an inspiring story of determination and dreams, a young man from a small village in Himachal Pradesh is steadily making his mark in the Indian entertainment industry. Abhishek Bhardwaj, who hails from Village Manner in Bilaspur district, is now set to share the screen with Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar in the upcoming film Bhoot Bangla, directed by renowned filmmaker Priyadarshan.
Bhardwaj’s journey reflects how talent from small towns is increasingly finding its place in the mainstream film industry. Born and raised in Village Manner, PO Beri Razadian in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district, he initially pursued a career in the corporate sector. But like many dreamers, his heart was drawn towards the world of acting.
The turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Bhardwaj began attending online theatre classes with different acting coaches. What started as curiosity soon turned into a passion. Realizing that acting was what he truly wanted to pursue, he made the bold decision to leave his corporate job and fully dedicate himself to the craft.
He later moved to Delhi, where he immersed himself in the city’s active theatre culture. Performing on stage and training rigorously helped him sharpen his skills and gain confidence as an actor. Over time, his dedication began to open doors in the entertainment industry.
Bhardwaj went on to feature in several television commercials for major brands. He appeared in campaigns for Glow & Lovely, the Sadak Suraksha awareness campaign with legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, Tata Capital with Indian cricketer Shubman Gill, Vivo with actor Farhan Akhtar, and Hisense alongside Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja. He has also appeared in multiple digital advertising campaigns.
In 2024, Bhardwaj played the role of Ram Kothari in the documentary Apne Ram, which was directed by Priyadarshan. His performance caught the attention of the veteran filmmaker, who appreciated his work and later decided to cast him again in his upcoming feature film Bhoot Bangla.
The film has already generated buzz after the release of its teaser and features a strong ensemble cast including Vamika Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, and Manoj Joshi. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on April 10, 2026.
For Bhardwaj, sharing the screen with Akshay Kumar marks a significant milestone in a journey that began in a small village in Himachal Pradesh. His story stands as a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and the courage to follow one’s dreams, talent from even the smallest towns can shine on the biggest stages.
