After playing supporting roles in several television shows, Sunayna Fozdar is finally getting a chance to make headlines. Sunayna recently stepped in to replace Neha Mehta in the long running show, Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma, to play the popular character of Anjali Mehta, wife of writer Tarak Mehta (played by Shailesh Lodha). The actress, who made her debut on the television show with Santa, says that she is excited to play such an iconic character. In a conversation with Cinema Journal, the actor speaks about the new journey.
You are playing a character that Neha played for almost 12 years. How do you feel
I think that is a word of gratitude. I just asked the audience to give me a chance, and they gave me love, acceptance and more. Because sometimes getting acceptance from the audience for a character that was played by someone else for 12 long years is not a joke! And I thank the audience and God that I did not go through the grill of comparisons.
I am very grateful to the producers for bringing me on board for this role… there must have been many actors who want to be in my shoes. A special mention to Asit [Modi] sir who saw me and believed that I could do this part, which came with a lot of responsibilities. I want to be a part of this prestigious family, which has already created history. Therefore, nothing could be better for me.
I started my career with Kannada films, and also did a Telugu film. Just earning money was never my objective. I always wanted to work for satisfaction. I was too young to understand and understand the language. Therefore, I did not take it seriously in the context of building a full career in the South. At that time, I was trying to complete my studies.
And, then television happened … it was never really planned. I never strategized in such a way that I only want to do films. In fact, I think TV actors are underestimated because it takes a lot of hard work that goes to daily soap shoots. However, I have respect for both mediums. But, doing films is not the only peak of achievement for me. I think I can make my mark on TV as well.
I do not agree with this. For example, my favorite, Sakshi Tanwar is doing films. There are many actors who have made their mark in films after doing TV. Shahrukh Khan is the biggest example of this. So, you can’t really say that you can’t actually do movies after doing TV. You are no less than a movie star because you work hard like they do. The medium does not matter, you are doing your work and that is what matters!
For now it is only Tarak Mehta’s inverted glasses. That’s the only project I’m doing. Future ka toh pata nahi (laughing) … Currently this is the show I enjoy working on. After being on set for so many hours, it is not possible for me to do any other show.