The lucky girl who’s chosen to play the grown up Anandi on a tete-e-tete with Tellybuzz…
Pratyusha Banerjee, the bong beauty who bagged the role of post-leap Anandi of
Colors' Balika Vadhu is super excited about landing this much coveted offer. She is full of beans and cheerfully talks about how 'wished for but unexpected' her new job is for her!
Over to Pratyusha…
First of all congrats for bagging this role it's a huge responsibility, how are you feeling?
I am on top of world! I am very excited! I will give my 100 percent for this show!
How will be the grown up Anandi?
The basic thing will be same. Grown up Anandi will be crispy but she will be soft spoken and a few other changes which every grown up married woman undergoes for her family and her husband will be evident in her.
Are you nervous because little Anandi has done a great job?
No, I am not at all nervous. Anandi is a fabulous actress infact on the other hand I am very excited.
Tell us about your background.
I am a Bengali girl. I belong to Jamshedpur. I did my studies in Kolkata from St. Xavier's College.
Were you interested in acting since childhood?
Not really… I've always been into cultural activities since childhood. I am a trained classical dancer. I did theater once so I thought why not try to get into acting and I tried and I got Balika Vadhu (smiles).
When you used to watch Balika Vadhu did it ever cross your mind that one day you will be Anandi…
You won't believe, yes I actually thought that this Anandi will some or the other day grow up and since I am in Jamshedpur maybe I can get to play her.
So how did you bag this role?
I sent my Portfolio to them and then I got a call for audition. So I came to Mumbai. I was given a script and I had to face the camera. Was nervous but gave my best and got selected.
This is your last year so how are you coping up with your studies?
Studies are important. I am completing my TY through distance education.
Tell us about your family?
I am the only child of my family and I live with my parents and paternal grandparents.
Why do you think people have voted you as older Anandi?
I think I am quite similar to Anandi. It will be very challenging for me to play this role because people have voted me. First of all I have to say thank you to all of them for voting me and I will stand true to their expectations.
What was your family's reaction when you told them about acting?
Initially they were very shocked but they always trusted me a lot and supported me in my every decision and now when they see me on screen they are very happy.
Your opinions on the issue of 'Child Marriage'. Your take on 'Balika Vadhu'?
Balika Vadhu was made with the message of discouraging child marriage and also it was shown what consequence the girl has to face. So I just want to give message that child marriage is really bad. What is the use of spoiling a 9 year old girl's life?
You have already started shooting so how are you finding the overall experience?
The people are really very sweet here. All of them are very co operative. I've never had any problems but I miss home very much.
How did you prepare yourself for this character?
I love carrying this outfit and it didn't take much effort from me for this role.
Your earliest performance?
I did one Kalidas play when I was 17, that was my first step towards acting.
Tell us about your first shot.
My first shot was my entry where I am waiting for Jagdish, that was shot in Rajasthan.
If not an actor what will you choose to be?
If not acting then I would be a singer 'cause I am a trained singer.
As we know, Balika Vadhu is slated to take a generation leap of five years in mid-July. And around the same time, the show will complete a successful run of two years too.
There is no doubt that the team of COLORS' Balika Vadhu is eagerly waiting for the new Anandi to step into the show, so that their long wait ends on a fruitful note. 
