Pratyusha Banerjee in Balika Vadhu

Pratyusha Banerjee, the 19-year-old Bengali from Jamshedpur who studies in Calcutta (she has been pursuing a commerce degree at St Xavier’s College) is the new Anandi of Balika Vadhu. A t2 chat…

You apparently auditioned without knowing it was for Balika Vadhu. What was your first reaction when you were told that you were the new Anandi?

I have been a big fan of Balika Vadhu. In fact, I used to watch it back home in Jamshedpur with my grandmother, who is a big Balika Vadhu fan. I just sent my portfolio across and was asked to audition. When I was told that I was the new Anandi, I was just numb for a moment. It was the happiest day of my life. I actually broke into a dance when I was given the news. I was like, ‘Yeah’!

How does it feel being the new Anandi?

I am very excited. It feels great to be such an important part of the most-watched show on television. I just hope that I am able to make a place in the audience’s hearts as Anandi. It’s a big challenge for me.

You were one of the three faces in the race. What do you think clinched the role in your favour?

I think the makers liked my freshness and the fact that I have very expressive eyes. Besides, I am told that I look a lot like Avika (Gor, the child Anandi).

How has it been shooting for Balika Vadhu so far?

Exciting and a huge learning experience. A newcomer like me could have got lost in such a big project, but the entire cast and crew has gone out of its way to make me feel welcome. I don’t feel like I am just a few days old on Balika Vadhu, I feel that I have been Anandi for years now!

Is Pratyusha anything like Anandi?

My god, Anandi is so shy. Pratyusha is not anything like that. I am an extrovert who likes to go out with friends and chill. But Anandi is a romantic and so is Pratyusha.

What’s the pressure like slipping into Avika’s shoes who made Anandi so popular?

Everyone keeps asking me that, but to be very honest, I don’t feel the pressure at all. Maybe that’s because I have managed to very quickly get into the skin of the character. Yes, there is a lot of responsibility on my shoulders to be as effective and popular as Avika, but I don’t think audience acceptance will be a problem.

How are you planning to play Anandi?

I know people will tend to compare me with Avika, but my Anandi is a lot different from Avika’s Anandi. With a five-year leap, Anandi is now more mature and also far more shy than she was as a child. Also, my Anandi is a lot more romantic (smiles).

With a few episodes on air already, how has the reaction been?

I was very nervous when the first episode was aired, but just 10 minutes into my appearance the compliments just started pouring in. I know that it is early days for me and I have to really prove myself as Anandi, but I think I have made a great start.