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Telly Talkies: Anita Hassanandani says TV puts women first and the content is not totally regressive

Anita Hassanandani spoke with great candour about her TV career and said that change is gradually happening in the industry

Anita Hassanandani doesn’t need any introduction. A known face in the television industry, Anita’s acting career has only reached new heights with each passing day. The diva feels grateful for seeing such an illustrious career on TV. Refer her to as a stalwart of the television industry, and she humbly smiles and adds that this is not the case. Undoubtedly, Anita has a huge fan following but she thinks there is much more to do for her.

In a telephonic conversation with InUth.com, Anita spoke about her TV career, her married life and why the small screen industry’s gradual change is welcoming. Excerpts from the interview:

Your television career has been stupendous. Looking back how do you feel about it?

It has been great. I am enjoying the attention. Yeh Hai Mohabbatein has been a wonderful show and the fact that it is doing well since three years now, feels satisfying.

If we talk about TV’s content, it has a huge window to talk about women issues since the main story revolves around women. But despite that, the content is termed regressive. Why do you think that happens? 

I don’t think the content is regressive. The change is happening and I am glad to be a part of the television fraternity. I am proud to be a part of such an industry where women are treated as equals. As far as content is considered, I think it is evolving and with the advent of web series, a lot is happening. In web series, you can experiment with your role and it is amazing that new platforms are coming up.

But you see TV runs on a set formula. For example, to bring a change either a serial takes a leap or a protagonist is killed. Don’t you think this formula is overused? 

If the viewers are liking it, then what is there to complain? And I won’t say that change is not happening. Yes, it has become repetitive but we have seen that whenever someone tried to go on a different path it didn’t turn out to be well. In abroad, things are different as they know they have seasons. But here if we are running a show for three to five years, the concept becomes repetitive and you can’t do much about it. I think it is commendable and amazing that we can sustain the audience for that long.

Anita Hassanandani (Courtesy: Instagram/Anita Hassanandani)

We know TV is a demanding industry. Did you ever feel like quitting any day?

Yes it is demanding and I felt like giving up during Kavyanjali. But with Shagun of Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, things are different. She is a grey character. With looks also I am not tied to anything. Shagun has taught me so much, and it is exciting because I don’t know what she is planning to do next.

Anita Hassanandani with her co-stars from Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Courtesy: Instagram/Anita Hassanandani)

Also read: Telly Talkies: Samir Kochhar has the perfect response to haters who call IPL an entertainment circus

When you started acting, did you always hoped to become this bahu of small screen?

It just happened. When I was doing Kavyanjali, people talked to me as Anjali. And they loved me like Tulsi and Parvati, it was a different experience. It was a nice phase of my life.

The shows that are being aired on TV, they make people laugh but they aren’t termed as class comedy. What is your take on class and crass comedy?

It is easy for people to say but they don’t understand it is really difficult to make people laugh. Now, we know that people will laugh at some jokes and won’t laugh at others. I did Comedy Night Bachao for two years and I am proud to be a part of it.

Will you be a part of ALT Balaji or web series?

I am doing one web series with Alt Balaji and one with Vikram Bhatt. The concept is amazing for an actor in terms of commitment because I know it will end soon.

Anita Hassanandani (Courtesy: Instagram/Anita Hassanandani)

Also read: Telly Talkies: Sahil Mehta, Yuvraj of Suhani Si Ek Ladki, explains why it’s wrong to expect creativity from Hindi TV shows

Were you approached for Nach Baliye?

Yes, I was but it was something I did not want to do. My husband was not very keen, it just did not happen.

I hate to ask you this but there are many rumours about being pregnant. What is the truth?

No, I am not pregnant. It would be a very exciting moment for me and I would not hide it.

You and your husband went on a trip that was documented by Yatra.com. How was the experience? 

Amazing! Rohit and I love travelling. We were in Indonesia for a while and it was so fun. I think everyone should travel a lot.

 

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