Actress Sunayana Fozdar stepped into the role of Anjali Mehta in one of the longest-running TV shows, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. The role was previously played by Neha Mehta for 12 years. In conversation with Mirror Online, Sunayana spilt the beans how she bagged this role and portraying this role is more than stepping into someone’s shoes. Sunayana shared that the portrayal of Anjali was a huge responsibility and hence bagging this role was also not easy for the actress.
From going through auditions to having sessions with producer Asit Modi, the producer of the show, the actress was then confirmed to play the part. She said, "It is a huge responsibility even for the makers to choose the correct person to play a role which has been played by someone else for 12 years. I went through auditions and conversations with Asit Modi (producer of TMKOC) before I was finally given a green signal, and I am ever so grateful for it. I would say that 2020 was an amazing year for me because I bagged TMKOC!."
Sunayana was not hesitant to play a part previously played by somebody else, instead, she was excited and believed the comedy genre being her forte. "The only emotions I felt were that of happiness, excitement and nervousness. But I was never apprehensive. In fact, I believe comedy is my forte. I have worked in a comedy show earlier as well and had a blast doing it. So I was looking for a new project in the same genre and the universe worked its way out," adds the actress.
Also ready to face criticism and comparison from Neha Mehta’s fans, she believes in playing the role her way instead of mimicking someone else. Sunayana says, "I was sure that I was not going to mimic anyone. For me, it was just a character that was given to me. I'll play it my way and add a bit of my flavour to Anjali. Of course, there was pressure, given the loyal fanbase the show has. I knew that there will be criticism, but thankfully, people have now accepted me as Anjali bhabhi with all their heart. I've been told by the ardent fans of the show that I've blended in!" ALSO READ: Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah Actress Sunayana Fozdar On Her 10-Year-Long Career In Acting: 'I Have Stayed Humble Due To The Lows I Experienced'- EXCLUSIVE
Sharing how the reel character is close to her real-life she shared that the actress herself sticks to healthy eating, “It is a rather creepy connection! I am so much like Anjali off camera too. Back at my house, everything that goes into the fridge has to first go through me. But yes, I don't make my family drink bitter gourd juice and torture them, so I am not that crazy also!," added Sunayana. ALSO READ: Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: Bhavya Gandhi Aka Tapu Reveals Being In Touch With On-Screen Mother Disha VakaniAka Dayaben
Image Source: Instagram/sunayanaf