From IIT to Bollywood’s face of fear: How Anirudh Agarwal’s rare medical condition made him an icon of Hindi horror cinema

Many Indian film stars, including R. Madhavan, Sonu Sood, Taapsee Pannu, and Kriti Sanon, started their journeys with engineering degrees before stepping into the entertainment world. Yet, the story of Anirudh Agarwal stands apart. An alumnus of IIT Roorkee, Agarwal transitioned from being a trained engineer to becoming one of the most unforgettable faces of Hindi horror cinema.

From Engineer to Horror Star

Agarwal pursued engineering to fulfill his father’s ambitions and later shifted to Mumbai, where he briefly worked as an engineer. However, a rare pituitary tumor altered his physical appearance, making him unusually tall with distinct facial features. This transformation ultimately led him toward films. Through a friend, he was introduced to the Ramsay Brothers, pioneers of Indian horror movies, who immediately cast him in the role of Saamri for their 1984 hit Purana Mandir. Unlike their earlier productions, where masks and heavy prosthetics were used, Agarwal’s natural appearance alone was enough to terrify audiences.

Becoming the Face of Horror

Reflecting on his career in a 2017 BBC interview, Agarwal admitted, “My face itself became the horror face.” Shyam Ramsay also acknowledged that Agarwal’s striking looks made him ideal for their genre, drawing attention even off-screen.

Career Highlights

After the success of Purana Mandir, Agarwal featured in Saamri 3D, Bandh Darwaza, and the cult TV series The Zee Horror Show. He also acted in mainstream films such as Allah Rakha, Ram Lakhan, Trimurti, Mela, and Talaash: The Hunt Begins. Among his notable performances was the menacing role of Babu Gurjjar in Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen.

Life Beyond Cinema

Despite his popularity, Agarwal struggled with typecasting and limited opportunities. Eventually, he shifted his focus to the construction business in Mumbai. Now living with his wife while his children reside abroad, he accepts his career’s trajectory with grace. Though he wished for more diverse roles, Agarwal remains proud of his legacy, forever remembered as the haunting “Saamri” who defined an era of Indian horror.