The Journey of Master Ankan Mallick

For most teenagers, balancing school, examinations, sports and friendships can already feel demanding. For Master Ankan Mallick, those responsibilities exist alongside film shoots, modelling assignments, music videos and red-carpet appearances. Yet despite growing up in the public eye, he remains remarkably grounded, moving comfortably between classrooms and camera sets. Actor, model, performer and student, Ankan has already worked alongside acclaimed names such as Victor Banerjee, Soumitra Chatterjee, Anurag Kashyap and Rituparna Sengupta.

Over the years, he has built an impressive body of work across Bengali and Hindi entertainment. But behind that journey stands a strong support system shaped by both his parents, each contributing in their own way to his growth. According to his mother, Ankan’s boundless energy was evident from an early age. Doctors reportedly advised the family to keep him constantly engaged, as sitting idle simply was not in his nature. Instead of restricting that energy, his parents encouraged him to explore different interests while teaching him the importance of commitment. “I always told him that whatever he does, he must give his hundred percent,” his mother says.

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“If he chooses something, he has to do it properly.” His entry into the entertainment industry was never part of a carefully designed plan. Small opportunities appeared naturally during childhood and gradually led to auditions, advertisements, serials and later films. One of his earliest recognised appearances came in Rosogolla, after which he went on to feature in projects such as Akarik and Basuri. These experiences introduced him to larger cinematic spaces and allowed him to learn from some of the industry’s most respected performers. Despite his growing professional commitments, academics have remained a priority within the family.

Currently pursuing Science with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, Ankan hopes to appear for NEET and eventually pursue MBBS. Institutions such as AIIMS feature prominently among his aspirations. For him, studies and acting are not competing worlds. “When I study, I focus only on studies. When I act, my entire concentration goes there,” he says. Much of this balance has been possible because of the support he receives both at home and at school. Shoots are often planned around academic schedules, while teachers and school authorities have consistently encouraged him to pursue both passions. Ankan’s father has played an equally significant role in shaping his outlook. Quietly supportive and constantly present, he has remained one of the strongest guiding influences in his son’s life.

Rather than pushing him aggressively towards success, he believe s in offering encouragement while allowing him the freedom to discover his own path. During a conversation, he reflected on a lesson from the Ramayana that continues to influence his approach to parenting. He spoke about Hanuman, who had forgotten his own powers until Jambavan reminded him of his strength and potential. “Everyone needs a Jambavan in their life,” he says. “Someone who reminds them of their worth when they begin to forget it themselves.” In many ways, that philosophy has guided his relationship with his son. Whether accompanying him through auditions, helping him navigate challenges, or supporting his academic ambitions, he has chosen to be a steady presence rather than a demanding one. Beyond films and studies, Ankan remains actively involved in sports.

A passionate basketball player, he regularly represents his school in competitions and enjoys spending time with teammates and friends. These experiences provide a sense of normalcy that helps him remain connected to everyday teenage life. As he grows older, Ankan is also transitioning into more mature and emotionally layered roles. His upcoming projects reflect a shift from child-centric performances to stories exploring the experiences and emotions of adolescence. Yet even as his career evolves, he continued to approach new opportunities with the same discipline and enthusiasm that characterised his early years. What ultimately makes Ankan’s story compelling is not simply the number of projects he has completed or the celebrated actors he has worked alongside.

It is the balance he has managed to maintain. He speaks passionately about cinema , but equally passionately about medicine. He enjoys performing before audiences, yet values school life, sports and friendships just as deeply. Somewhere between science textbooks, basketball courts, film sets and future aspirations, Master Ankan Mallick is quietly proving that success does not have to be defined by a single dream. Instead, it can emerge from the determination to pursue many passions while remaining firmly grounded in the values that shape them.