Exclusive! Anjana Sukhani: Somebody who doesn't quit acting and leave industry deserves an opportunity to prove their talent

Anjana Sukhani is finally here on OTT. She is currently seen in the web series, Saas Bahu Achaar Pvt. Ltd. The actress speaks to OTTplay about her debut, why she didn’t come for a lead role and where she sees herself on OTT. She also spoke about the trend among the industry – of selecting actors through Instagram likes and why she doesn’t believe it is the right way to go. The actress also spoke about her upcoming project in brief.

Excerpts from the interview…

Anjana, you are coming back after long. What are you feeling like?

I'm excited but also very, very nervous. I'm very confident about what is created. We put the right pieces in the puzzle and made it work.

What made you take up this kind of an OTT debut? While you have an important role, it is not the lead. So, which was that one factor that made you go like no, I want to be in this project?

This was the right script for me because I was looking for something inspirational, real and people, especially women, will resonate with. I didn't want to be a part of something which is very violent, foul language and has crime. I didn't want to debut with that, even if I have to do it later.

As much as I wanted to do the show, I also knew I wasn't the right person to play the protagonist on the show. You need a lot of experience to play what Amruta has played. More than that, I wanted something that wasn't very one-dimensional. Manisha (my character)'s journey isn't something I have felt before. I haven't heard or seen a character like her before on screen. That is how different she is. She's a step-mother but not your regular step-mother. Her internal journey is of being accepted, acknowledged and feel included in the family. What she does to make the family her own, is what Manisha is for me. That's what drove me - the simplicity and yet multiple layers, complexities of what she goes through being in that house.

In a time when people promote women picking each other up, your character appears to be that which causes obstacles in Suman's life. Did it clash with your personal opinions as a woman? Because I'm sure, being a woman in today's times, you would want to see another woman grow too. Did you ever feel conflicted about how you would go about the scene because it didn't stand with your morals?

I'm actually amazed to see this perspective. I know what you're saying but when you are in that situation, where you have to accept your husband's adult children from his previous wife, it is never easy. There's a lot of emotional turmoil that Manisha goes through in the series but rather for me, I could have been on the other side of the fence and said that she's very manipulative but when you actually see the series, you'll feel that Manisha is too sweet that she's fake.

You play the role of a mother, Manisha, for the first time. Was it more of a mental preparation when picking such a role, that you are now going to be seen as a mom on screen?

Honestly, there was a lot of mental preparation but not because I was playing a mother. As a woman, we are intricately designed for maternal feelings. I don't think the prep was for that more for what steps I would take internally - what life I would love to feel or do things so people accept me. When you live in your house which is just your house for the namesake but people are not accepting you, what all are you doing to make them feel that you are a part of the family. Manisha also comes from a baggage. She was married before, she has a child from that marriage and now she's married again. There are times you can feel completely lonely when an outsider comes and lives in a tight house. The mental prep was required for that more than anything else. There was an internal dialogue.

Many actors tend to get emotionally connected to their characters. So, was there ever a point where you went on sets and Manisha being lonely affected you? How did you deal with that situation?

As individuals, we all go through such a phase - to be accepted. That is a battle on its own. For example, even being in this industry, you are striving and going to the battle everyday to be accepted as an artist and member of the cast. You are constantly taking steps that you have to take. That battle just goes on for everyone.

Tell me about your experience while being approached for OTT projects. Did you get lead roles here and refused them or all offers were of the second lead?

I don't like the term OTT/film/TV debut. An actor is an actor at the end of the day, whatever the medium. Nonetheless, I was very sure of not doing something which comes and goes. It had to stay with people. It didn't matter at that time whether I would be the lead protagonist or be on the poster because once you get it right, you will get an opportunity to be on the poster. The worry wasn't that but to pick the right path which stays with people and they talk about it. Once that happens, everything organically will fall into place. You could see me be the face of an OTT show next. The lead or protagonist, as you call it - but it needs to happen organically.

It has been so long seeing you in the lead...

I know. This is just like a buffet, right? You taste and get to understand the flavours rather than eating everything, right? I didn't want to pick up everything that was served to me but something that left a taste in my mouth, something that I enjoyed. Thank you for saying that.

Honestly speaking, I feel OTT provides actors with that opportunity so everyone should get at least one chance to prove their talent. Of course, I want to see you there too...

I totally agree. We all deserve it. We've not quit and gone. Somebody who doesn't quit and go deserves that opportunity much more. Inshallah, let's see.

Generally, OTT shows the backstory of each character in a series. While you have shared that Manisha's backstory will be explored in Saas Bahu Achaar Pvt Ltd, would you say that all her layers are out there which can be explored with more seasons?

There is a probability of a new season where Manisha's character could be explored more. This is just the beginning of touching the emotions. We haven't gone deep. It's like life. Every day a new situation arises and you become a warrior again, put on your safe coat and fight again. That's what we do in life too.

Do you see Manisha's character being loved so much that she gets a spin-off?

That is on the audiences. It's a fan-made thing that will decide that.

You know, OTT has provided opportunity to actors who were otherwise sidelined or not in the focus in films. In these two years, many actors made their debut. Did you wait it out because there was so much competition even here?

The competition is never-ending, to be honest. Every day the OTT channels are launching new shows. The Friday market is now on OTT too. The competition won't end but you choose and pick according to your sensibility. Some you do for the sake of money and others for sake of craft. The wise thing to do is balancing out between them.

Even when competing, you are competing with people who are still shooting, will shoot, ever become actors etc. So, the competition is never-ending. You only have to compete with yourself and restrospect on what you could make better. Your previous day is your competition and not another human being.

You know, actors do not have a Box Office pressure per say on OTT. So, do you believe that this medium provides people an opportunity to improve their craft? There are views, of course but the content is there forever and the views can increase anytime. So, do you feel OTT gives people an opportunity to explore what they really want to say?

I absolutely agree with you on this. What does star power really define? Most of the casting today happens because of numbers, which is so derogatory for an actor. You are casting people who don't know the ABC of being an artist. Big stars have millions of followers and even their films don't work. So, where do the followers go when it comes to watch their favourite actor in theatres? So, what eventually defines you is your craft or content. Whether big or small screen is irrespective. Number of followers, being famous on Instagram doesn't really work in my head. I have had these conversations with casting directors. I ask them that if they select actors depending on their number of Instagram followers, then why don't people go to watch their films? I had a big argument with the producer after the film, which tanked anyway because the number of followers did not go to watch the film.

Now that is a very sad state because we have often read about paid followers too...

That I never understood only. How does that happen? I pay you one day to follow me and unfollow the next? I would rather have real followers.

We live in a world that is addicted to reels more than films, actually...

Yeah, I have been told to upload reels. That isn't my world. If by chance I happen to upload one single picture on social media, I get anxious and if I get anxious, imagine how a common man would feel! They would be very anxious over likes. It's not how humans should be living, honestly.

I know you have another project after this. Would you like to reveal some details?

It is ready for release. It is a completely different character from Manisha. If Manisha is sensitive, my character there is the complete opposite of that. Not divulging too much, this is a character who takes a 360 degree turn.