I said, ‘I am Anita Kanwal and I have been acting since most of you weren’t even born.’ After that, they all went quiet,” she shared.
However, she feels the industry no longer values her talent.“I have been giving auditions, but it seems nobody likes my work anymore.
What am I contributing to society or to my craft anymore?’ I have given so much to this industry.
I won’t say suicidal, but sometimes I pray to God and say, ‘If there’s nothing meaningful left for me in this world, then take me away.’ I don’t want to just exist without purpose.
But never suicidal — I have gone through very difficult times and never thought like that.
‘Nobody Likes My Work Anymore’
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From 13 Shows At Once To Feeling Forgotten
‘Cast Me As A 70-Year-Old’
‘I Don’t Want To Just Exist Without Purpose’
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Veteran actress Anita Kanwal , known for iconic television shows like Banegi Apni Baat and Sonpari, has spoken candidly about the emotional struggles she faces after years away from the spotlight. After dedicating nearly four decades to the entertainment industry, the actress admitted she now feels invisible and emotionally drained.Speaking to Siddharth Kannan, Anita recalled a recent audition experience that left a strong impact on her. “An assistant asked me to introduce myself. I said, ‘I am Anita Kanwal and I have been acting since most of you weren’t even born.’ After that, they all went quiet,” she shared. She added humorously, “I obviously didn’t get the part.”Despite her experience and popularity, Anita said she continues to audition while setting her ego aside. However, she feels the industry no longer values her talent.“I have been giving auditions, but it seems nobody likes my work anymore. Earlier they used to say my face was overexposed on television. But it’s been eight years since I worked on TV. Today, when you watch OTT platforms, the same actors appear in every project. How are they not overexposed? Maybe my time is just not right,” she said.Reflecting on the peak of her career, Anita shared how drastically her life has changed over the years.“I used to work on 13 shows simultaneously. It hurts a lot when people stop remembering you. It reaches a point where I feel like self-destruction. Just three days ago, I told my daughter, ‘Why am I even living? What am I contributing to society or to my craft anymore?’ I have given so much to this industry. I have played every kind of role and received so many awards. So who is to blame — me or the industry?” she said.The actress admitted that transitioning from being constantly celebrated to suddenly feeling forgotten has deeply affected her confidence and mental well-being.Anita also spoke about struggling with self-doubt and questioned why opportunities have reduced despite her willingness to play age-appropriate roles.“Now I suffer from self-doubt. I wonder if there’s something wrong with me. Am I doing something wrong? Yes, I have aged. But I’m not asking to be cast as a 12-year-old — cast me as a 70-year-old. There are people my age getting plenty of work, so why not me?” she said.Sharing her emotional state further, Anita clarified that while she feels deeply hurt and purposeless at times, she does not have suicidal thoughts.“I feel so useless. I won’t say suicidal, but sometimes I pray to God and say, ‘If there’s nothing meaningful left for me in this world, then take me away.’ I don’t want to just exist without purpose. But never suicidal — I have gone through very difficult times and never thought like that. I just pray that I don’t end up living like this,” she added.Over the years, Anita Kanwal became a familiar face through shows like Sea Hawks, Sasural Genda Phool, and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. She has also appeared in films including Geetanjali and Mujhse Dosti Karoge!.
