Saumya Tandon aka Anita bhabhi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain! is on cloud nine as the show completed 1,000 episodes recently. Ironically, she wasn’t keen on doing the comedy series earlier! The actress says, “I had reservations about joining the daily soap bandwagon as I like the seasons concept more. I was also reluctant because the set was far away.” After being in talks for seven-eight months, she came on-board. “When I look back, I don’t see it as a wrong decision. It’s one of the best shows on Indian television currently,” she says.

Excerpts from a chat...

You’ve been on Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain! for four years now. Isn’t that a long time?

I hadn’t tried comedy as much as I’ve done on this show. In that sense, I did learn a lot and explored myself as an actor. But I was always sure that I didn’t want to do caricature-ish or loud comedy. I wanted to make it look spontaneous. Also, our helmer is not a typical TV director. He understood where I was coming from and gave me some ideas, too.

The show has on occasion aimed to create social awareness...

Honestly, I don’t think our show is teaching anything at all because imagine, the husband is eyeing another man’s wife, which is not good. So, husbands shouldn’t learn anything from it. There is not much of social awareness, but we have promoted initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan because we believe in it.

You started as a reality show host. Are you still open to it?

Anchoring is close to my heart and I have not stopped being a host just because I’m acting.

What about the digital space?

Why not? It’s an interesting place to be in. I would not say that everything happening is great, but if there is an interesting script or a powerful concept, I would jump at it.

You welcomed a baby recently. How has life changed now?

There is a lot more hard work now as balancing home and work life is challenging. I don’t have time for any kind of leisure or social life. I don’t go out for coffee or lunch with friends. I sleep and wake up on time; often, I sleep much lesser than what I used to. Things are hectic but I have become more efficient and organised. I feel, women who have babies and are working at whatever level, are real soldiers.

What was the first day away from the baby like?

I was never around my son for all 24 hours. I would step out for two-three hours a day. But to be without Miraan for nine to 10 hours was a little scary. 

You’re back in top shape already...

I didn’t do anything drastic. I was consistent and exercised right from the seventh month of pregnancy. I’d recommend it to every woman — walking is especially important. I was extremely regular — not at heavy workouts but whatever is recommended for a pregnant lady. I started walking 10 days after delivering. I did not exercise for a few days but after 40 days, I started Pilates. All small steps added up to the final result.

What kind of projects do you want to do next?

I’d like to be part of a good script, which, according to me, is the winner. There is so much exposure to the world with OTT platforms and foreign films so easily available. So, typical formulas do not work. I’m a sucker for a good script. I would struggle to get the next good script to work on. I’d like to do anything with a good concept, even if it’s a small film.