2000 episodes of the eight-year-old cult comedy Bhabiji Ghar Pai Hai serial on &TV just concluded production. As Vidisha Srivastava, aka “Gori Mem” Anita Bhabi, marks her one-year anniversary as Anita Bhabi in the programme, we met up with her to learn more about her extraordinary journey. Read on for the quotes from the interview.
Bhabiji Ghar Pai Hai serial:
It’s three reasons to celebrate for you. How does it feel to have finished your first year playing Anita while your television programme Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai has become eight years old and produced 2000 episodes?
“I consider myself privileged to be a member of such a hugely well-liked programme. Last year, I was a little dubious when I was asked to portray Anita. Two actresses played this role superbly before me. After a year of being involved with the programme, I feel grateful that my portrayal of Anita Bhabi has been accepted and valued. 2000 episodes attest to our show’s popularity and the fact that it has maintained a dedicated fan base for eight years. I want to express my gratitude to the network, our producers, my co-stars, and—most importantly—our viewers for their unwavering support.”
How does it feel when people refer to you as Anita Bhabi or Gori Mem?
“Individuals in my friend group and on social media have started calling me by the name of my persona. I was moved to tears by a recent event. During Maha Shivratri, I was in Varanasi, the city I grew up in. People constantly ask me “Anita Bhabi kaisi hain aap” in the alleyways where I grew up. Receiving recognition for the part you play on screen, in my opinion, is the highest praise an actor can receive.”
What characteristics do Vidisha and Anita Bhabi share?
“Anita is a strong, independent lady who believes in defending the right and calling attention to wrongdoing. She possesses elegance, beauty, and intelligence. I absolutely understand her. She has a basic, beautiful, and graceful style statement, and I do too. I enjoy wearing sarees, heels, and accessories much like Anita does.”
You had never heard of the comedy subgenre. How simple or challenging has it been to adjust to it?
“It’s crucial for actors to take on difficult parts. It makes it possible to develop, grow, and evolve. I wanted to experience all kinds of music, therefore I chose Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, which has been one of my best choices in life. Certainly, comedy is difficult, but the positive feedback for my performance motivates me to keep doing my best.”
Do you intend to endorse Bollywood films?
“Since I made movies in the South, Hindi pictures have been offered to me. I declined the parts, though, since I was uninterested in them. I look forward to doing hard and hefty roles as an actor. Also, I adore playing roles for people that add to the show’s overarching premise. I have the chance to show off my acting skills in Anita Bhabi, and I look forward to setting additional goals by participating in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai.”
Every Monday through Friday at 10:30 PM, catch Vidisha Srivastava as Anita Bhabi on &TV’s Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai! Click here to read more about the Bhabiji Ghar Pai Hai serial.