"My sisters say I am a xerox copy of Anjali"- Daljeet Bhanot

After a hiatus, Daljeet Bhanot is back into action in the role of the cute and bubbly Anjali in Star Plus' popular show Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?

Her character is one of the sweetest ones that we can find in television today. Looking at the relationship of Arnav and Anjali, people would love to think of having a sister like Anjali.

TellyBuzz had a candid chat with Daljeet about her return and her experience in the show…

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Daljeet, you are back on television after a while. How do you feel?
I feel really great to be back in television, I had a wonderful break for a year which was necessary to know my husband and my family. I am happy that I am back with Star Plus again, it has been a good six yearsof association with the channel.

There was a big hunt for the role of Anjali in the show, what was in the character that captured you?
Honestly, I was very skeptical about doing Anjali because when they had approached me with the role I had made it clear that if it is a small role, I would like to take it up because I am happy with the way I am living. But when they narrated the character, I was very passionate about doing that and I even imagined the role in my mind. I like the fact that even though the girl is physically challenged, the irony to it is that the girl is very chirpy and very lively. The fact that the girl leads a very normal life and behaves in a very normal way attracted me a lot. And I guess the audience has also forgotten that the girl has a limp and that was my real intension.

Do you think the role of Anjali is similar to Niyati that you have portrayed in Kulvaddhu?
I am glad if Anjali and Niyati are compared because Niyati was really a believable character and I feel Anjali is also very believable because I had experiences where small kids came up to me had said we wished we had a sister like you.

How could you identify yourself with Anjali?
When my sisters see Anjali, they say that I am a Xerox copy of Anjali, very kiddish and chirpy at home. Apart from the fact that Anjali does a lot of Pooja and stuffs and I do not. I do it in the normal way.

You have a limp in the show, are you finding it difficult to act?
Initially I did find it because I was really very confused as which leg should we use while climbing the stairs, whether it is the limping leg or not. But after completing three months of shooting, I guess I am fine with it now. Even after the shoot, the people on the sets used to make fun of me saying that I walk with the limp even when I am not shooting.

Were there any special preparations that you had to do while portraying Anjali?
I did a small thesis work and every now and then I used to ask the director as how I should walk. They actually wanted me to be the next ideal Bahu, Beti and Behen and I knew it was not going to be a cakewalk.

You have co stars like Jayshree T and Utkarsha Naik in the show. How is it working with them?
They are unbelievable and there is so much to learn from them. When we look at them, we realize that we are nothing in front of them. But they are very sweet and down to earth people.

On screen you are handling two brothers of two different characters, how are you guys off screen?
Oh! It's like a riot. I do not miss the fact that I do not have brothers in real. Barun always cracks me down every time and sometimes it is really hard for me to control my laughter. There were times when I literally had to shut him up by scolding him (laughs). Both Akash (Akshay Dogra) and Arnav take good care of me off screen as well.

When are we going to see your husband appearing in the show?
Audience will see my husband and for that they will have to watch the show. They might be in for a surprise, but you never know.

This is your second show with Star Plus. Does it feel like coming back home?
Yes of course, it is like another family to me wherein I know the people around here.

You started your journey with Kulvadhu where you had portrayed the lead of the show. Have you ever felt upset that you could not do a lead role after that?
Not really because in Santaan as well, the story was about us and here also Anjali is one of the leads in the show. I guess I have done shows where my roles have been prominent.

Is there any show you regret for taking up?
Not at all because I have not done too many shows also. I have enjoyed every show I have done so far.

You have not been seen in any reality shows after Nach Baliye, was there any particular reason?
Actually I wanted to take a break from television and in future if something comes up I would definitely like to take it up.

When will we see you and Shaleen together next?
We would love to work together and if something really interesting turns up we would love to work together.

Reporter and Author: Saranya Valsarajan