Aanchal Khurana on quitting Tu Juliet Jatt Di: Sitting at home almost 25 days a month is depressing

Aanchal Khurana, who has been part of shows like Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh Piyaji and Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2, had joined the family drama Tu Juliet Jatt Di with high expectations. However, citing underutilisation and an inconsistent shooting schedule, the actress has decided to quit the show and is currently serving her notice period.

She says, “The makers had blocked 26 days a month for me. I started shooting in October, but I have barely shot for 23 days in total, and that too without any substantial scenes written for my character, Richa. I understand that television functions in a dynamic manner and schedules can change daily. All I expected was a proper shoot or no-shoot schedule so that I could plan my time accordingly. It is disheartening to feel underutilised as an actor. I submitted my papers in May. Although the production house has asked me to serve a 90-day notice period, I have requested them to relieve me by June so that I can move on to other opportunities. I am willing to complete any pending work whenever required.”

The fact that the show is being shot in Chandigarh further added to her difficulties. She explains, “It would not have been such a problem had the shoot been in Mumbai, because I could have managed ad shoots and other assignments alongside. But staying in Punjab and sitting at home for almost 25 days a month becomes depressing. As an actor, my job is to be on set and perform in front of the camera.”

At a time when she is looking ahead to new opportunities after quitting Tu Juliet Jatt Di, Aanchal is now seeking work that feels more meaningful, contemporary and creatively fulfilling. She says, “My dream role is to host a travel show and explore the world. In fiction too, I want to portray characters who feel real and relatable. Real life is not filled with constant misery where the protagonist is always helpless or victimised. People today are far more aware and emotionally evolved. I think we need to start creating more realistic characters because audiences no longer connect with outdated fictional tropes. Somewhere, that is also one of the reasons television viewership has declined.”