From battling depression during career lows to restarting it after motherhood; Anita Hassanandani opens up about staying away from son Aarav, doing Chhoriyan Chali Gaon and life - Exclusive

Yeh Hai Mohabbatein fame Anita Hassanandani, who has entertained viewers with versatile roles, will soon be seen in a reality show, Chhoriyan Chali Gaon. The show brings together 11 accomplished urban women who will spend over 60 days in a village set-up, away from their comfort zone, luxuries, gadgets and modern day equipment. In an exclusive conversation with Times of India TV, Anita Hasnandani opens up about why she chose to participate in a reality show that takes her away from home, comfort, and most importantly, her son Aarav. The actress stated, “I know I’ll return more evolved, more grounded, and hopefully, more fulfilled.” (Photo: Instagram)

Leaving Aarav behind was tough. It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. It wasn’t easy to step away from my 4-year-old son. But every mother deserves to follow her passion. My husband Rohit is holding the fort, and my family is all hands on deck, from my mother-in-law flying in from Goa to my sister stepping up. (Photo: Instagram)

She says, “I don’t like cooking but maybe I’ll come back saying I loved it.” Talking about the rural set-up of the show, where contestants live without modern comforts, she says, "I’ve never worked on a chulha before. I don’t even enjoy cooking much. But at 43, I’m excited to learn something new. This show will push me out of my comfort zone." (Photo: Instagram)

Motherhood changed everything, even my relationship with food. “Earlier, cooking stressed me out. But now, I associate it with Aarav. He loves a certain chicken dish our nanny used to make. I try cooking just for him now, even if it doesn’t always turn out perfect.” (Photo: Instagram)

She shares, "I began mentally preparing my son Aarav two weeks before I left. I told him gently every day, so it wouldn’t feel sudden. Rohit is also preparing himself. It’s hard for all of us, but I know this is important. I hope I don’t panic when I realise Aarav isn’t around. I’ve worked since I was 16. Work is in my DNA. But being away from Aarav is new. I’m nervous, scared, and emotional. But this is also a personal comeback. People will see a side of me they’ve never seen before." (Photo: Instagram)

Motherhood is beautiful but it changed the way the world saw me. People say you can bounce back to work after a baby, that’s not true. You have to restart. The industry doesn’t treat you the same. I had to tell people I’m ready, I want to work again, I want exciting roles. (Photo: Instagram)

Everyone looks the same now. Back then, actors had their own identity. Now, there’s so much competition especially with social media. Followers matter more than talent. It feels unfair, but I believe this won’t last forever. (Photo: Instagram)

There are two ways to look at life, one is thinking about what more I could have achieved, and the other is appreciating how far I’ve come from where I started. I come from a humble middle-class background, and never imagined I’d become an actor. So when I reflect on that, I feel proud of what I’ve accomplished. My films may not have been massive hits, but one of my songs became a huge success. I may not have made a mark in films, but television has given me recognition and awards. (Photo: Instagram)

Yes, I’ve faced many setbacks, but even at 43, I’m still getting good work and have the chance to be part of shows like this. I consider myself very fortunate to have been given multiple chances to start over in life, whether it was transitioning from films to television, or taking a break to become a mother and then returning to my career. (Photo: Instagram)

Definitely, I have come out stronger from that phase. I wish I could tell my younger self not to stress so much. That was the age to enjoy life, but I cried behind closed doors when my films didn’t work. But I’ve learned, work comes and goes, but peace is more important. (Photo: Instagram)