Talented and popular actress Anita Hassanandani is engaging audiences with her wily and negative portrayal of Devika Mittal in Colors’ Suman Indori. Anita looks exemplary onscreen and her character’s presence in any scene ignites the entire sequence.
In a candid and exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Anita talks about her role, the concept and her balancing act as a mother and an actor.
Read on.
Tell us about the conceptual dynamics which prompted you to take up Suman Indori?
Suman Indori is a show which captures different kinds of dynamics. Basic normal TV shows are romantic or concepts with the saas-bahu angle. This show captures the Devrani-Jethani angle which is different. There are many issues that the two strong-headed women get involved in and try to resolve. This show offers a different take. I have a strong performance-oriented role. A combination of all these things prompted me to take it up. Devika is a character that is so challenging and different to play that I enjoy my shoot every day.
Tell us about the traits of Devika that you like.
Devika is full of herself. It is her way or the highway. She has done it all for the family and makes sure that she is not hesitant in telling the world that she is doing everything. In a world like this, it is perfectly fine to be like Devika. She wants all that she deserves and can go to any extent to get it for herself. Maybe her approach is not right, but this is what I like about her.
Are you in any way similar to Devika?
Devika is so very unlike me. Frankly, I have wondered how the makers felt that I would fit the part. That is the beauty of portraying a character, and our job as performers. I am honoured to feel that I am given this role. This is not my personality at all and this makes it challenging for me. She is very bossy and wants all the power for herself.
How do you see the tussle coming of Suman and Devika?
It is always a one-up battle between Suman and Devika. The scenes are very interesting and audiences have loved the tashan between the two of them. Suman and Devika are absolute opposites. This angle has never been looked upon. Now that I am a mom and I interact with a lot more women, I understand that this is an issue that prevails in joint families. It is something very realistic. Yes, it is blown out of proportion here as it is a TV show. We are working hard to make the scenes look relatable.
You look the best as Devika Mittal. What have you to say about it?
I have never worn heavy neck pieces and sarees in any project before. Yes, Devika hails from a rich family, with great connections. Having said this, I keep telling my team to give me a bit less of the jewels and easy-going sarees.
How are you juggling your work and mother’s responsibilities?
All moms go through tough days. But now, my son understands that I am away for work. Having said this, I want to run back home the moment I have packed up. I have always loved my field of acting. I love television and have always wanted to come back. It is fine to put yourself first and try to balance it out. I have been there for my kid all these years, and he is now of a reasonable age to understand things. Rohit is more at home, as I am not around. So this makes it easier for me.