Anant Joshi, a 35-year-old actor born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is rapidly making a name for himself in the Indian entertainment industry. He has successfully transitioned between web series, television, and films, showcasing his versatility and talent. Joshi is now poised to reach a new level of recognition as he steps into the shoes of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the upcoming biopic, "Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi". The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 1, 2025.
Joshi's journey in the entertainment world began with his portrayal of the lead role in ALT Balaji's web series "Virgin Bhasskar" (2019–2020), where he played a shy but determined young author. This role brought him initial recognition and helped him establish a foothold in the industry. He further impressed audiences with his performances in projects like "Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein" (2022), "Maamla Legal Hai" (2024), and the satirical comedy "Kathal" (2023), where he played Constable Saurabh Dwivedi.
In 2023, Joshi delivered a standout performance as Pritam Pandey in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's critically acclaimed film "12th Fail". His nuanced and heartfelt portrayal of a student navigating personal and academic struggles earned him widespread praise for his emotional range and authenticity. Joshi considers working with Vidhu Vinod Chopra as nothing short of training in a film school. He felt that the experience significantly improved him as both a professional and an artist, preparing him for the challenges of portraying Ajey.
To authentically portray Yogi Adityanath, Joshi made a significant personal sacrifice: he shaved his head. He admitted that it was not an easy decision, as he had been emotionally attached to his hair. However, he recognized the importance of embodying the character fully, stating, "I knew I couldn't fake it. I had to live it. I had to become Yogi, not just act like him".
"Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi" is directed by Ravindra Gautam and produced by Ritu Mengi. The film is inspired by the biography "The Monk Who Became Chief Minister," authored by Shantanu Gupta. It will chronicle Ajay Mohan Singh Bisht's transformation from a young man in Uttarakhand into a spiritual leader and, eventually, a prominent political figure in India. The film's teaser has already generated buzz online, and the official trailer is expected to be released soon. Alongside Joshi, the film features a talented cast including Paresh Rawal, Dinesh Lal Yadav, Pavan Malhotra, Garima Vikrant Singh, and Rajesh Khattar.
Joshi's journey from "12th Fail" to "Ajey" demonstrates his growth as an actor and his willingness to take on challenging roles. His dedication to his craft, as evidenced by his physical transformation and commitment to embodying the essence of Yogi Adityanath, suggests that he is poised to deliver a compelling and authentic performance in "Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi".
