I cried when I got my first hate mail: Anita Hassanandani

Gorgeous Anita Hassanandani has come way long in her journey of acting. Gaining popularity as Tanu of 'Kabhi Sautan Kabhi Saheli' to Shagun of 'Ye Hai Mohabbatein', Anita had a journey full of ups and downs.

We got to know more about Anita's journey in a recent interaction with her. In a conversation with us, Anita shared more about her journey, her life after marriage and much more...

How has your journey as an actress been?

It's been a beautiful journey. I started at the age of 16 and I have done TV, films and even flop films that have taught me, I have also done hit shows that have taught me, I have gone down to South and given biggest hit, I have given the biggest flop as well so it's been a beautiful journey full of ups and downs. Now, I am married, I am content and when I look back, I see the journey as really beautiful.

How has marriage changed your life?

My luck factor has really changed. Before I got married, I was sitting at home with no work. So I would give that credit to my husband. Now that, I have been shooting all the time and my husband and in-laws have been really supportive towards me. So it makes easy for me to pursue my dreams. Life has been great after my marriage.

How has been your experience playing Shagun?

The best part about Shagun is that it has so many shades. As Shagun, I have got to portray all the shades a person can have. When I took it up, I thought that it would be just a negative character but Shagun has been so different - She has been emotional, heartbroken and someone who hated people. She has been a combination of everything and she has even realized that she has been wrong in the past. If something bad happens in anyone's life then there is a possibility that you can become bitter in life. There are a lot of woman who get on a bit to take revenge if something bad happens to them. I have lots of shades as Shagun on the show and it's been very exciting.

You were recently seen in the movie Hero. Please share your experience.

I played Athiya's (Athiya Shetty) Bhabhi in the movie. It's not a very lengthy but a nice, positive and a cute character. It's a great film and it's been really a nice experience shooting for an A Grade movie having Salman Khan as the producer, Nikhil Advani as the director and star son and daughter being launched through the movie. It's been a wonderful experience.

Had there been a tough moment in your career?

I had really worked hard for my movie Koi Ap Sa. With so much of effort put in it, I was kind of sure that it will do well. For 6 months, I have been crying and depressed and I had put on weight. So it taught me that you should not let your career affect you so much. It made me appreciate that I started with nowhere and have achieved so much and I shouldn't be greedy. Not that the fire died in me but I was like - I am ambitious so what if it's not happening now! Being happy in your real sense having a family and being content is more important than your career.

You are good in keeping in touch with your fans through social media. We have seen you interacting with them quite often. How do you manage doing it?

Its fact that no matter how big actor, producer or director you are but you do check your phone! What matters the most is how you feel and make them feel. I haven't got the amount of fame that I have received if from Ye Hai Mohabbatein. I have done hit shows like Kabhi Sautan Kabhi Saheli but social media wasn't there then and I didn't get to know about fans' love for me. Getting fans' through gifts, feedback and comments, means a lot to me.

You also keep getting a lot of hate mails for the character you essay. How do you react to them?

I cried when I got my first hate mail. My husband told me that take it as a compliment that you are portraying a negative character so well but I used to wonder, that I have done sweet characters and they have loved me earlier, so why so much of hatred when I am experimenting something as an actor. It did hurt me a lot but I get more love mails than hate mails and this is what matters to me the most.

Now you are also seen on Comedy Nights Bachao. We would like to know as how good you are with your sense of humor and playing pranks?

I am a little reserved person. People used to take that as my arrogance earlier. But the thing is that no body in my family has been from this field or has taught me anything about it. I had a very simple upbringing. Its been very difficult for me to reach to this level.

Anwesha Kamal