After getting the offer for the reality show Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, Anita Hassanandani’s first reaction was to go for it, but she still refused. The team tried to convince her for three months. “During the first call, I was excited because I really liked the project. Then it was a no, no, no — until I felt ready,” she shared. It was only after discussing the concept with her husband, Rohit Reddy, who called it “a cracker of a concept,” that she agreed to come on board. Prepared to embrace the rural lifestyle, Hassanandani admitted her only hesitation was leaving her son Aarav. “My mum-in-law and Aarav are very close. She came over and Rohit also decided to take charge. That was the only area where I was hesitant, but now I feel it’s covered,” she said.

Known for her competitive spirit, Hassanandani recalled her fierce side during the reality outing Khatron Ke Khiladi 10. “I once sat in a pitch-dark tunnel for five hours. I didn’t give up. That’s the level of madness I bring to the table.” There were many offers but the actor said she was attracted to the concept of Chhoriyan Chali Gaon. “I didn’t want to do something glamorous. I wanted to be raw and real. I want the audience to see that side of me,” said actor of Yeh Hai Mohabbatein fame.

Anita Hassanandani