Saumya Tandon quits Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain: It was not an impulsive decision, want to do projects where there is scope for growth

Saumya Tandon, who rose to popularity as Anita aka the Gori Mem in Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain, has left the comedy show. The reports of her quitting 'Bhabhi Ji' had been doing the rounds of late but it is finally in her exclusive chat with BT that she revealed, "Yes, I have decided to not renew my contract further. Tomorrow (August 21) is my last day of shoot. Finally, people can stop speculating whether I will continue on the show or not." (Photo: Instagram) (By: Tanvi Trivedi)

Considering the pandemic has left many actors uncertain of their future, Saumya's decision comes after thought. She said, "Well, you can say that it’s an impractical decision to quit a stable job, that too, in an established show. But, I realised that being employed and earning a regular income was not exciting enough any more. Desire to grow as an artiste: I want to do projects where there is scope for growth as an artiste." (Photo: Instagram)

She clarified though that her journey on Bhabhi Ji has been productive. She shared, "It does not mean that 'Bhabi Ji...' did not contribute to my growth, I had a beautiful journey on the show. However, I have played this character for five years now, and I don’t see myself doing it for another five years." (Photo: Instagram)

She said, "Not continuing with 'Bhabi Ji...' was not an impulsive decision. Yes, it is true that I was anxious after my hairdresser tested positive for coronavirus, and I did not want to put my elderly mother and one-and-a-half-year-old son at risk. But, I have completed my notice period." (Photo: Instagram)

Appreciating her producers, Saumya said, "My producers (Sanjay and Binaifer Kohli) were very co-operative and I have a great rapport with them. They have been great producers and respect them a lot." (Photo: Instagram)

Saumya ruled out pay cut as one of the reasons for her decision."As far as pay cut is concerned, in these times, people have to accept that the economy has been hit. I am not leaving the show because of monetary reasons," she shared. (Photo: Instagram)

About her future plans, she said, "I want to be part of well-written stories. People are writing good scripts on other platforms; even Bollywood is experimenting with good content." (Photo: Instagram)

The fact that she had been a part of the show for so long didn't make quitting it easier. She added, "I will miss the entire team of 'Bhabi Ji...', but I have to push myself out of my comfort zone and take new risks in life." (Photo: Instagram)