Anwesh, a 2013 batch IRS officer, is not your typical civil servant. While his role as Joint Commissioner, Pune, involves the intricacies of tax administration, he has also carved out a distinct identity in the world of Indian independent cinema. His career is a remarkable blend of government service and artistic expression. In an exclusive video interview with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Anwesh shared about his UPSC journey, anecdotes from his professional life, and much more.
Watch the video here:
Born and raised in Rourkela, Odisha, Mr. Anwesh’s early life was marked by a deep connection to music and the arts. From an early age, he found solace and expression in music, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in performing arts from Bhatkhande College of Music, Lucknow. This background is far from typical for someone who would later join the Indian Revenue Service, but it reveals the breadth of his interests and the creative spirit that shaped his career. While preparing for the UPSC exams, the officer never let go of his artistic inclinations, and his experiences in music, theatre, and filmmaking deeply influenced his work as a civil servant.
His filmmaking journey began during his college years, when he ventured into freelancing for advertising agencies, producing jingles and corporate films. However, his true passion lay in theatre, and he considers himself a theatre artist first and foremost. His artistic projects over the years—short films, departmental films, and even acting in digital media—have not only allowed him to explore different creative outlets but also serve a deeper purpose. Through his work, he communicated social messages, promoted awareness, and bridged the gap between art and the public.
Despite his burgeoning career in the arts, Mr. Anwesh faced challenges on his path to becoming an IRS officer. His admission into the foundation course at LBSNAA was initially uncertain, and it left him wondering why he wasn’t being accepted. There were doubts, both from within and from the system, but Anwesh’s persistence paid off. He eventually overcame the hurdles and was admitted, starting a journey that would lead him to significant achievements in both governance and filmmaking.
As a civil servant, Mr. Anwesh continues to influence and inspire with his work. In his role as Joint Commissioner in Pune, he has not only managed his administrative responsibilities but also found ways to integrate his creative projects into his professional life. His approach is not simply about governance but about communicating values and messages that resonate with people, whether through tax-related education or the powerful medium of film.
In combining his role as a government official with his passion for cinema, Mr. Anwesh breaks the mold of what it means to be a civil servant. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and the courage to pursue one’s interests, regardless of the expectations placed on them. And as he continues to tell the stories of others, he also finds his own voice—both in the government and in the world of independent filmmaking.
