Anjana Sukhani recently starred in Imtiaz Ali’s Main Vaapas Aaunga and the opportunity was no less than a dream come true for her. While she was initially intimidated by Naseeruddin Shah’s presence, she also has fun time cracking up with Diljit Dosanjh. Reflecting on her journey, Anjana remembers working with Priyanka Chopra. She also shares her experience of working down south.
Anjana Sukhani on working with Naseeruddin Shah, Diljit Dosanjh
Speaking about working with Naseeruddin Shah and Diljit Dosanjh, Anjana Sukhani said the most striking thing about both stars was their humility. Anjana noted that while stardom exists outside the set, the actors completely transform once the cameras start rolling. “The moment they step into the set, they just become who they were supposed to be on set, the character.”
She admitted that she was initially intimidated by Naseeruddin Shah because of his legendary status and the intensity of his role. “I definitely would say I was intimidated by Naseer Saab because he is a legend and his character was also very intense, so there was not much of conversation that I could do with him because I also didn’t want to break his space of, you know, what he’s feeling as a character is,” she said. Explaining why she maintained that distance, she added, “You don’t want to break somebody’s emotion and intervene in that because it takes a lot to build up something like that.”
Recalling her time with Diljit Dosanjh on set, she shared that his sense of humour often lightened the mood during intense moments. She adds, “He would randomly say really funny thing and then we all like would burst out laughing. But with him I always say that his eyes are so sincere, so honest. He just emote the truth of life through his eyes.”
The actress also recalled her interactions with Imtiaz Ali and shared how he tenderly wrote her character Meher. “I also feel that maybe he based it on Geet because she was also no filter chick,” laments Anjana.
Anjana on working with ensemble cast
The actress has been a part of films like Salaam-e-Ishq, Golmaal Returns, Good Newzz among many others. Speaking about being part of ensemble casts, Anjana Sukhani admitted that it is natural for actors to occasionally wonder whether they will get their due when sharing screen space with major stars.
Anjana on working with Priyanka Chopra
Reminiscing Salaam-e-Ishq memories, Anjana shared how working with Anil Kapoor was a learning experience in itself. “He’s a master in acting, in performances. You pick any of his films, any, even worst films, but his performance shines. So how will you not want to associate with people like that?” she said.
Recalling her interactions with actors such as Akshaye Khanna and Salman Khan, Anjana revealed, “They have fun while working,” adding that an actor’s energy on set largely depends on the nature of the project. “See, again, it all depends on the kind of film you are doing. So if it’s an intense film, then they have to come with an intense energy,” she explained.
When asked about a fond memory with Priyanka Chopra, she called her an inspiration for all girls willing to achieve something in life. “She is an exemplary example of what you can do with your life, if you set your mind to it. She’s an inspiration not just for actors, but every single girl who wants to be something in life.”
On South films objectifying women
Anjana has been a part of South cinema early in her career. When asked about women being objectified she said, “I personally didn’t go through that at all maybe because my films were not like that. But I have heard about the controversy that’s going on. I guess that’s a battle that you have to fight. I am just so glad that Janhvi stood up for it and fought for all the women who are going to come in line, you know, or who feel objectified. They also will not have the courage to get up and say, ‘I am not comfortable.’”