Lucknow: Rejecting the stereotype that Uttar Pradesh is defined solely by cinematic crime and violence, a panel of actors on Tuesday said the state’s real identity lies in its cultural warmth, diverse stories and growing aspirations.Speaking at the TOI Youth Icons Summit & Awards 2026 (UP Chapter) at Taj Palace, actors Faisal Malik, Anupriya Goenka and Dalip Tahil participated in a session titled ‘UP Then and Now: How UP Was and How UP Is Today’. The discussion explored the state’s transformation over the decades through the personal experiences of those who have witnessed its evolution.Addressing UP’s portrayal in films and web series, Panchayat-famed actor Faisal Malik said cinema follows its own narrative style and should not be mistaken for reality.“Cinema has its own language, and what audiences truly connect with is honesty and conviction in storytelling. Uttar Pradesh is a massive state with diverse regions and countless stories. The spoken dialect of UP is universally accepted across India, which is why filmmakers gravitate towards it. Showing crime in a fictional story does not mean the entire state is about crime,” Malik said.Actress Anupriya Goenka highlighted improvements in infrastructure and the growth of spiritual tourism, drawing from her experiences filming in Varanasi.“Even though I come from a family where daily prayers were routine, I never felt truly spiritual until I shot in Banaras. Experiencing centuries of devotion along the ghats feels deeply purifying. Combined with the ease of shooting and modern development today, the state offers immense creative potential,” Goenka said.Reflecting on his roots in Prayagraj, Malik said the camaraderie and respectful nature of people in UP towns leave a lasting impact.“Being born here leaves an imprint of warmth and humility. That grounded ethos stays with you and shapes you into a better human being,” he said.Goenka, whose family has roots in Kanpur, spoke about the linguistic and cultural warmth of the region.“In Mumbai, I missed the habit of referring to oneself as ‘Hum’ instead of ‘Main’, so much so that I consciously started using it again. Whether in Kanpur or Lucknow, there is a distinct warmth. Even if you ask a stranger for directions, they guide you as if it is their own home,” she said.Dalip Tahil traced his family’s connection to Agra, where he was born, and Lucknow, where his maternal family settled after Partition.“My maternal uncles ran a chemist shop next to Mayfair Cinema in Hazratganj. Later, my father sent me to a boarding school in Nainital, where I spent eight formative years,” Tahil said.
