“My Teachers Kept Saying, ‘You Should Join the IAS or IFS’: Archana Puran Singh Reflects on Choosing an Unconventional Career Ahead of the Premiere of Prime Video’s Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya

From making generations laugh with her impeccable comic timing to becoming one of Indian entertainment’s most celebrated actors, Archana Puran Singh has built a career that has stood the test of time. Whether on the big screen, television, or comedy shows, her infectious energy and unmistakable laugh have made her a household name. But before the spotlight found her, Archana was known for something else entirely: being an exceptional student and every teacher’s favourite. Ahead of the premiere of Prime Video’s Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya, she fondly revisits her school days and recalls how her teachers were convinced she was destined for the civil services, making her decision to pursue acting a complete surprise.

Reflecting on choosing acting as a career, Archana Puran Singh shared, “I was always first in class and definitely a teacher’s favourite. My teachers kept saying, ‘You should join the IAS or IFS.’ Back then, if you were good at academics, people automatically assumed you’d pursue one of those careers. That’s exactly what my teachers expected of me too. So when I told them I wanted to become an actor and entered the film industry, they were genuinely disappointed. They simply couldn’t understand why I would walk away from what they believed was such a promising future. Strangely, I was both a teacher’s favourite and a disappointment to them. Looking back now, I find it quite amusing. But life has a funny way of working out. Acting gave me a career filled with love, laughter, and experiences I could never have imagined. I hope that if any of my teachers are watching me today, they know their favourite student carved her own path—and it turned out to be the right one.”

Adarsh Baal Vidyalay is a lighthearted Prime Original series that explores universal themes of hope, resilience, and community as an unlikely headmaster rallies his staff to transform the institution despite everyday challenges, limited resources, and impossible odds. Directed by Himank Gaur and created and executive produced by Biswapati Sarkar and Sameer Saxena under the banner of Posham Pa Pictures, the seven-episode comedy-drama is written by Biswapati Sarkar, Akshay Asthana, Nupur Pai, Tatsat Pandey, and Meghna Srivastava. Led by the highly versatile Kay Kay Menon, the series boasts a powerhouse cast starring Archana Puran Singh, Abhimanyu Singh, Naveen Kasturia, Prasanna Bisht, Deven Bhojani, Ajitesh Gupta, Annapurna Soni, and Prachee Shah in lead roles. Adarsh Baal Vidyalay will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in Hindi with English subtitles, across India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on July 24.