From soaps to movies - Anita Hassanandani

BALANCING FILMS & TV
From soaps to movies Anita Hassanandani has come a long way
By Seema Sharma

Chandigarh: The hallmarks of the glamour world include looking one's best, wearing a constant smile, posing confidently for the cameras and carrying oneself with poise. TV and film actress Anita Hassanandani displayed these qualities in abundance when she visited a retail exhibition at Hotel Shivalik View, Sector -17 on Saturday. Posing with mannequins and holding garments, she tried to be as natural as possible with her plastic smiles for the photographers. Walking upright in stiletto heels in her slim frame, she exuded oomph and confidence. "I continue to be a bit reserved, simple and friendly girl who loves watching mushy movies and binging on chocolates and fancy food."
Women like her or Smriti Irani have remained a staple in Balaji Telefilms' soaps. Anita made a foray into TV serials with Balaji's 'Kabhi Sautan Kabhi Saheli'. Then came 'Kavyanjali' and now she features in 'Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'. She also acted in a horror film, 'Kuchh To Hai,' in 2003, then 'Krishan Cottage' in 2004 and, later, in 'Koi Aap Sa' produced by Balaji. "Balaji is like a family to me and Shobha Kapoor is like my mother - I enjoy a close association with them. Today whatever I am is because of Balaji," she says.
With 15 Telugu movies in her kitty as well as her latest release, 'Dus Kahaniyan,' Anita does not mind juggling roles between TV and cinema. "I started my career with TV and then began acting in movies - I enjoy working in both. With so many TV channels the door has opened wide for new talent that aims at making it big in showbiz. But yes, I find it more relaxing to act in movies. In TV serials one often has to slog for 10 to 15 hours a day." She says given a chance she would like to work in serious 'offbeat' films such as 'Dor', directed by Nagesh Kukunoor.