From people questioning her success because of Ekta Kapoor to slipping into depression after 'Koi Aap Sa' flopped; Anita Hassanandani opens up about her struggles

Television actress Anita Hassanandani is enjoying a wave of success after her big win on the reality show Chhoriyan Chali Gaon. Anita, known for her hit shows like Kkavyanjali, Kasamh Se, and Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, proved her resilience and emerged as the winner. After a four-year break from television, she made her comeback with Suman Indori last year and is now opening about her journey in the industry. Here’s a glimpse into Anita’s candid revelations about her struggles, delayed payments, and her path to success. (Photo: Instagram)

Anita Hassanandani’s Ding Dong song from the 2003 film Kucch Toh Hai became a massive hit and is still remembered today. When asked if she knew it would have such an impact, Anita said she knew the song was great but never imagined it would become that big. She also recalled her first-ever film, Hare Kanch Ki Chudiyan, sharing that her mother still has kept the newspaper clipping from that time. A song from that film even went viral recently, and fans often message her asking for the soundtrack. However, Anita revealed that the film was so old that even the actresses back then didn’t have their own copies of the music. (Photo: Instagram)

When asked about the moment she realised she had become famous, Anita said it was during her serial Kkavyanjali. She remembered how, back then, everyone was talking about the show and praising her performance. Reading people’s feedback made her understand her growing popularity. She added that the show was watched globally, and she would even receive invites from places like London for appearances. That’s when she truly felt the power of her fame. (Photo: Instagram)

Anita revealed that acting was never something she had planned to pursue. After her father’s death, she was working in Manoj Kumar’s office when someone told her she had an attractive face and should try acting. She decided to do a photoshoot and soon realised that this was meant for her. Anita shared that she used to get selected easily at auditions, sometimes without even trying, because her innocent face suited many roles. Recalling her audition for Kabhii Sautan, Kabhii Sahelii, she said she was nervous and couldn’t deliver her lines, but three days later, she was called again and got the part because she fit the role perfectly. (Photo: Instagram)

Talking about her time on Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, Anita said that all her relationships on the show were completely organic. She joined the show with only one goal — to win. Anita shared that she was exactly how she is in real life, honest and focused. During tasks, she would plan carefully and choose partners who could help her perform better. Having left her young son for over a month, she said she felt she owed it to him to give her best and win. (Photo: Instagram)

Anita Hassanandani shared that for years, people have assumed she gets work only because of her close friendship with producer Ekta Kapoor. She expressed sadness over such comments, saying it hurts to know people believe her success isn’t her own. Even after winning Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, she noticed people commenting that she won because of Ekta. However, Anita firmly stated that everything she has achieved is through her own hard work and determination, not because of anyone’s influence. (Photo: Instagram)

Anita revealed that she slipped into depression after her 2005 film Koi Aap Sa failed at the box office. She shared that the film was ahead of its time, and she had poured her heart into her character, which made the failure even more difficult to handle. It was only because of her close friends, including Ekta Kapoor, and her family that she found the strength to recover. Anita said she learned not to let one flop define her career or her worth as an actor. (Photo: Instagram)

Anita opened about feeling more comfortable working in television than in films. Coming from a middle-class family, she said TV offered her the financial stability she needed. In contrast, the film industry made her feel like an outsider where she had to constantly, please others and compete in a never-ending race. Anita added that television always felt like home, where she could truly be herself and feel secure in her work. (Photo: Instagram)

Anita spoke about how the pay scale for television actors has dropped significantly compared to earlier times. She explained that budgets have gone down because there are now so many shows and platforms. She also pointed out that some actors agree to work for less, leading producers to cut costs further. Sharing her own experience, Anita said, “When I came back, I got less than what my per-day pay used to be.” (Photo: Instagram)

Anita admitted that before doing Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, she often took up roles without thinking much about their depth or importance. She has played second leads, side characters, and even negative roles in the past. But after winning the show, Anita said she feels a new level of confidence in herself and her abilities. Moving forward, she plans to take up only those roles that truly interest her and add value to her career. (Photo: Instagram)