The actor who balanced a banking career with the stage

Wars & Conflicts · Published 16 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Anjan Srivastav spent over 40 years performing in more than 30 plays while simultaneously maintaining a professional career as a bank employee. His journey from a reluctant performer to a staple of Indian television highlights a unique duality of artistic commitment and civic duty.

Born in Calcutta in 1948, Anjan Srivastav began his theatrical journey in 1967 with Bengali plays like Neel Darpan. Despite his early interest in the arts, he initially pursued a traditional path, completing his B.Com. and LLB at Calcutta University before joining Allahabad Bank as per his father's wishes. For years, he balanced these two worlds, performing in local theatre groups and for All India Radio while fulfilling his duties as a banker.

A significant turning point occurred in 1976 following the death of his sister, which prompted his father to allow him a transfer to Mumbai. This move enabled Srivastav to fully immerse himself in the city's vibrant theatre scene. He joined the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA), where he eventually rose to the position of Vice-President. His work with IPTA and Prithvi Theatre included socially relevant productions like Safaid Kundali and Moteram Ka Satyagrah, the latter of which has been running for over 20 years.

Srivastav's transition to mainstream media was marked by his portrayal of the "common man" in the series Wagle Ki Duniya (1988–1990), based on R.K. Laxman's iconic character. This role cemented his status as a recognizable face in Indian television and film. Even as he became a prolific character actor in over 127 Hindi films—appearing in works by directors like Mira Nair and Shyam Benegal—he remained an active bank employee until his retirement in 2001.

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