Pratyusha Banerjee, who played Anandi in Balika Vadhu, is back on the small screen in a new avatar — as Saagarika in Hum Hain Naa. She tells SANGETA YADAV about how this character is so much closer to her heart and what all TV has taught her
Four-years ago, Pratyusha Banerjee became an overnight sensation with her debut TV show Balika Vadhu (BV) on Colors. After three years of playing Anandi, Banerjee’s decision to quit the show came as a shock to her fans.
But her fans need not fret. Banerjee is back in a modern avatar in Sony Entertainment’s Hum Hain Naa (HHN). “After playing a strong emotional character like Anandi, Saagarika seems very light-hearted. I can relate to her as I am like her in real life. Thus, it was not difficult for me to play Saagarika,” the 23-year-old tells you.
She also says that leaving BV was a conscious decision and she declined many offers before signing up for HHN. “After BV, my fans wanted me to do something bigger and better. I got many offers but they didn’t click. I went on to do reality shows. When I got this project, I took a lot of time to decide as nobody was sure whether it will go on to the floor. But then things got rolling,” Banerjee says. She adds that she likes to go with her gut feeling and this show is bound to find a connect with the audience. “I’m enjoying doing TV shows that find a connect with the audience. Though working for TV is extremely hectic and demanding, I have become used to it now. I don’t like sitting idle at home,” she says.
HHN which went on air from September 1 (Monday to Thursday, 9:30 pm), replaced Main Na Bhoolungi. Taking baby steps in the TV industry, Banerjee feels that television has taught her many things and she is more confident today. “When I started out, it would take me 25 takes to get a shot right. Today, I give an okay shot in one take. I have learnt how to deliver good work,” Banerjee says.
Talking about Saagarika, the love interest of Bunty played by Kanwar Dhillon (the villain of Na Bole Tum Naa Maine Kuch Kaha Season 2), Banerjee tells you that her character is very bubbly and cheerful; she is very different from Anandi who had a more serious outlook towards life.
And despite being modern in her thought, Banerjee is very traditional and a family person. “However modern the world may become, I will never be comfortable wearing bikini and show skin. I hate to expose myself,” Banerjee says and hopes that her fans love Saagarika’s character as much as they did Anandi’s.