Sumbul Touqeer Khan on Itti Si Khushi: “Anvita chooses responsibility over impulse”

Sony SAB’s Itti Si Khushi challenges the long-held image of the self-sacrificing woman in Indian television. The show introduces Anvita, played by Sumbul Touqeer Khan, a character who dares to question what it truly means to love and care for one’s family. Unlike traditional heroines who silently endure suffering, Anvita’s strength lies in her ability to say “no” — not out of defiance, but out of wisdom and responsibility.

Anvita’s Difficult Choice: Between Love and Responsibility

In the ongoing storyline, Anvita discovers that she is a compatible liver donor for her father, who urgently needs a transplant. However, instead of agreeing immediately, she decides not to go ahead with the surgery. Her decision comes not from a lack of love but from deep concern for her five younger siblings who depend entirely on her. For Anvita, risking her life could endanger the entire family’s future.

Sumbul recalled her initial reaction to reading this track, saying, “When I first read it, I felt surprised and curious. It’s rare to see a daughter refusing to save her father — but once I understood her reasoning, it made sense. Anvita’s decision isn’t about anger; it’s about emotional exhaustion and clarity. She knows her father may not change, and she can’t abandon her siblings who rely on her.”

Breaking the Stereotype of the Ever-Sacrificing Woman

Sumbul believes Anvita represents a much-needed shift in how women are portrayed on television. “She’s not the typical daughter who gives up everything without question,” she explained. “Her love is real, grounded, and thoughtful. She chooses wisely, even when it hurts. Anvita’s story shows that caring for others doesn’t mean losing yourself or risking many lives in the process.”

The actress finds Anvita’s journey refreshing because it redefines heroism as making tough, informed choices rather than blind sacrifice. “It’s far easier to give in to guilt than to stand firm for what’s right,” Sumbul said. “Anvita knows her decision might be misunderstood, but she still chooses what’s best for everyone in the long run.”

When I first read it, I felt surprised and curious. It’s rare to see a daughter refusing to save her father — but once I understood her reasoning, it made sense.

- Sumbul Touqeer Khan

“Love Can Mean Setting Boundaries Too”

Talking about what she relates to most, Sumbul shared, “I connect with her honesty. She doesn’t pretend to be perfect or hide her emotions. Like her, I believe strength can be quiet — it doesn’t need to shout to be powerful.”

Sumbul hopes Itti Si Khushi will make viewers rethink what real love looks like. “We’ve been taught that love equals sacrifice,” she said. “But sometimes, love means setting boundaries and thinking ahead. Anvita’s ‘no’ isn’t rejection — it’s care in another form. I hope viewers understand that saying no can also be an act of love.”