Ankit Gupta Embarks on a Spiritual Odyssey to Varanasi
Actor Ankit Gupta, widely recognized for his role in Udaariyaan, recently embarked on a memorable trip to Varanasi alongside his close friend, actor Abhishek Kumar. This visit not only rekindled cherished childhood memories of his hometown Meerut but also marked a significant step in his personal spiritual quest to visit all twelve Jyotirlingas across India.
Varanasi Evokes Nostalgic Echoes of Meerut
During his time in Varanasi, Ankit immersed himself in the city's vibrant culture, exploring the iconic ghats, witnessing the serene Shayan Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, enjoying boat rides on the Ganges, and savoring local delicacies like chaat and kachauri. He humorously noted the directional quirks of locals, who often claim distances are "bas pass mein hai" (just nearby), even when they are kilometers away. "Banaras reminded me of my hometown Meerut," Ankit shared, reflecting on how the trip transported him back to his roots and simpler times.
The Jyotirlinga Quest Begins with a Call to Triyambakeshwar
Ankit's journey to cover all twelve Jyotirlingas began unexpectedly when a friend inquired if he had visited any. Upon realizing he hadn't, he received an invitation from Abhishek Kumar to join a family trip to the Triyambakeshwar Jyotirlinga. "I was overwhelmed with how peaceful I felt there," Ankit recounted, describing the profound sense of tranquility that inspired him to continue this spiritual pilgrimage. So far, he has visited eight of the twelve Jyotirlingas, with Varanasi being a pivotal stop that deepened his connection to this quest.
Meerut's Influence on a Grounded Personality
Despite relocating to Mumbai for his acting career, Ankit remains deeply connected to his origins in Meerut. He attributes his grounded and "desi" demeanor to his upbringing there, where he attended Meerut Public School and Meerut College. Fond memories of kite flying on rooftops highlight the simplicity and joy of his childhood, which he misses in the bustling city life of Mumbai. "Growing up in Meerut made me a very desi guy, who prefers to stay grounded, always," he emphasized, underscoring how his roots continue to shape his outlook.
Frustrations and Hopes in the Television Industry
On the professional front, Ankit expressed a desire for more innovative content in television, critiquing the trend of shows starting strong but devolving into typical daily soaps. He revealed that a planned TV project last year was scrapped, and he is actively seeking roles that challenge him as an actor. "I am looking for something in which I get to learn something new," he stated, noting his openness to OTT platforms while acknowledging the mental toll of being out of work. However, his spiritual growth has helped him embrace patience and trust in timing.
Personal Growth and Evolving Perspectives on Marriage
Following his reported breakup with Priyanka Chahar Choudhary in 2025, Ankit has undergone significant personal transformation. Once hesitant about marriage, he now embraces the idea organically, without succumbing to family pressure or age-related expectations. "I have realized that who am I to say no to something? If it has to happen, it will happen," he shared, highlighting his evolved mindset and openness to future relationships.
Financial Lessons and the Importance of Backup Plans
During this career hiatus, Ankit has focused on improving his financial management, moving away from his spendthrift habits. He stressed the importance for actors to have a solid backup plan, especially when being selective about projects. "I have realized that if I want to be picky, I need to have a backup plan in terms of my finances," he explained, underscoring the practical lessons learned from this period of reflection.
