The coveted IAS (Indian Administrative Service) job is a dream for many young Indians, but leaving it behind for the glamorous world of Bollywood represents not just a decision, but a courageous leap of faith. This is the story of Abhishek Singh, a former IAS officer who transformed a personal betrayal into a turning point, cleared the UPSC exam, and then, within a few years, relinquished everything to pursue his passion for acting.
A Betrayal That Changed the Course of Life
Abhishek Singh's story reads like a film script. During college, he experienced a profound betrayal in love. The shock was so intense that he even contemplated ending his life. However, he pulled himself together, channeling his pain into strength. It was at this juncture that he began preparing for the Civil Services Examination. Abhishek himself admitted in an interview that the pain shook his soul and fueled his desire to prove himself.
In 2011, he achieved success, securing an All India Rank of 94 in the UPSC exam and becoming an IAS officer. His father was an IPS officer, giving him firsthand exposure to the system.
Leaving the IAS Job for Acting
After passing the UPSC, he embarked on serving the nation as an IAS officer. However, he harbored an unfulfilled ambition—acting. He had always aspired to be an actor but societal pressures, family responsibilities, and the stability of a career led him to choose the administrative service initially. After serving for several years, Abhishek Singh resigned from his IAS position in 2023. This decision generated considerable buzz, as few would take such a drastic step, especially when holding a respected and stable government post.
A Spectacular Start in the Glamorous World
Abhishek Singh launched his acting career in 2020 with a short film, 'Chaar Pandrah,' shot in just 72 hours. The film garnered critical acclaim and awards at several international platforms. He then appeared in B Praak's popular music video, 'Dil Tod Ke,' which garnered over 10 million views within 24 hours.
Subsequently, Abhishek featured in Jubin Nautiyal's song 'Tujhe Bhoolna To Chaha,' Netflix's web series 'Delhi Crime Season 2,' and Badshah's music video 'Slow Slow.' Furthermore, his song 'Third Party,' in which he co-starred with Sunny Leone, also went viral.
Strong Foothold in Bollywood: Lead Role in '1946: Direct Action Day'
Abhishek Singh currently plays the lead role in the historical film '1946: Direct Action Day.' This film has generated significant excitement among audiences and critics, as it is based on a pivotal event preceding the partition of India. His presence at the Cannes Film Festival further cemented his rising profile. His consistent activity in Bollywood and participation in high-profile fashion events demonstrate his established presence in the glamour world.
Controversies
Abhishek Singh's career hasn't been entirely without controversy. He faced allegations of clearing the UPSC exam under the disabled quota while videos of him dancing and working out in the gym surfaced on social media. This raised questions about his eligibility for the category. However, he dismissed these allegations as propaganda, maintaining that he achieved everything through merit.
During the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections, while serving as an observer, he took photos in front of his car and posted them on social media, violating Election Commission guidelines. This led to his removal from the observer post and immediate order to leave the area.
Family Background in Administration
Abhishek Singh's father is a senior IPS officer, and his wife, Durgashkti Nagpal, is a renowned IAS officer known for her integrity and courageous decisions. They are childhood sweethearts and a b support system for each other. While Durgashkti believes in bringing about change from within the system, Abhishek chose to pursue his dreams outside of it.
