HT-M-Have heard strange things - Prats

Says Pratyusha Banerjee about the hurtful rumours post her decision to quit her hit show

Playing one of the most popular women character on the telly — Anandi — Pratyusha Banerjee's name almost became synonymous with her Colors show, Balika Vadhu. But in February this year, the actor shocked her fans and the industry when she announced her decision to quit the show. Now, with that chapter behind her, the 21-year old actor is moving ahead in life. In this interview, she rubbishes rumours about her and reveals her future plans.

How is life after Balika…?

Life is good. It has been over a month since I quit the show and in this time, I have shifted my house to Lokhandwala. I will be going to my hometown Jamshedpur for 10-15 days. Once I return, my journey will start again. I will be back with a bang on TV.

Did you quit Balika… for Bollywood?

I am not looking at movies right now. I want to grow as an actor before I do that. I did meet Vikram (Bhatt, director) for a project while I was doing Balika… but things didn't work out due to my show. Yet I have been hearing strange things about my reasons to quit Balika… which are not true.

Like what?

The TV industry is a corporate world. People come, people go. They leave for growth, money and many other reasons. I ended my journey with Balika… on a good note, but I've been hearing that I threw tantrums on the set and had an attitude problem. Some rumours were so wild that they even involved my boyfriend Makrand's (Malhotra) mom, saying that she was responsible for my exit. Why are people targeting my personal life just because I quit? I don't know who is spreading these rumours. I'm not disturbed, but feel for the people in my life. Why are they being dragged into it?

What do you think of Toral Rasputra, who has replaced you in the show?

I guess people will take some time to accept her. When I came after Avika Gor, who was very popular at the time, the audiences took a while to accept me.