Define fashion
One looks fashionable on being comfortable and confident.

Who chooses your clothes?
I choose my clothes. Even if I take someone’s opinion the choice is always mine.

Do you like to accessorise yourself?
Not much. I just wear one accessory at a time. I don’t wear any accessory when I am wearing a bright colour

Is there any particular brand that you prefer?
No. As long as a particular outfit looks good on me I don’t care about its brand. It can be a brand or even a small store on Linking road in Bandra.

What is your favorite destination for shopping?
I love to shop in London. I shop from there once or twice every year. There is exclusivity in shopping abroad. I get the perfect fit in pants and denims that I shop from there. I also like to shop from Atria Mall in Mumbai.

Which are the clothes that make you feel comfortable?
I feel comfortable in a t–shirt and denims as they make you look neat along with being extremely comfortable and casual.

Who is your favourite designer?
I like the cuts, style and colours that Manish Malhotra uses in his clothes. I also like Reza. He is the one who designs my clothes for television shows.

Any particular colour that you like to see in your wardrobe?
Earlier, I used to have a lot of black in my wardrobe. Now, I like to see emerald green and lemon yellow in my wardrobe.

A must have in your purse?
A few make-up items and my sunglasses. I prefer to have few but the best sunglasses.

What are the make-up products that you prefer?
‘Bobbi Brown’ has amazing lipstick colours. ‘MAC’ suits Indian skin tone completely and I love the golden eye pencil of ‘Chanel’.

A fashion tip
There is no point in wearing uncomfortable clothes that make you look self- conscious. So just see to it that you feel comfortable in what you wear.

A make- up tip
Clear every bit of make-up before going to bed so that your skin stays healthy. A good skin is very important.

http://www.tellychakkar.com/y2k8/aug/14aug/lifestyle_anita.php

Dare-devilry to spirituality
ITI SHREE MISRA

ANITA Hassanandani is back with a bang after a nearly three-year-long hiatus. She is creating quite a stir with her dare-devilry in Khatron Ke Khiladi and as Draupadi in Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki.
The petite actress, then known as Natassha, who had the nation dancing to Tere ishq ki deewangi in the film Krishna Cottage, has since become wiser and has reverted to her original name Anita. Explaining why she went ahead with the name change in the first place, she said it was because Ekta Kapoor wanted her to do so. “I was to play the lead in their film Kuchh to Hai and because of their belief in numerology they changed my name to Natassha. The film did fairly well but simultaneously my Tamil film was also a huge hit in which my name was Anita, so I stuck to my original name. I was more comfortable with the name Anita than Natassha.”
But why did she take such a long break? “It was while I was doing the serial Kavyanjali that I felt exhausted and decided to take a break. Besides, the offers I was getting weren’t exciting enough. So in the interim, I learnt salsa, jazz and cooking, instead.”
And she has indeed created quite a stir with her comeback. While she has been praised for her stunts in Khatron.., her performance as Draupadi in Mahaabhaarat… has faced a lot of criticism. Accused of being very loud and over the top in her very first appearance as Draupadi, Anita says: “Although I take the criticism very positively, I really don’t understand why a comparison is being made with the previous Mahabharat. But then each one has the right to voice his/her opinion. After all, everyone can’t have the same tastes.”
After a pause she adds, “Anyway, It was my first scene and I was totally unprepared for it. There were no rehearsals, no workshops and no preparations. All I say is give me some time and I will improve.”
Coming back to happier topics, Anita is one of the 13 girls who are into daring
stunts in Khatron Ke Khiladi. Just back from its shoot, she exclaims: “It was an experience of a lifetime. In fact, it’s been the best experience of my life and I’m glad I did it.” Adding, she says, “I took up the show to test my inner strength.”
Recalling her scariest stunt on the show – the one with cockroaches and bungee jumping, she says, “I was petrified at first but after I completed the task, it felt great. It made me feel so content and happy.” But it was actually the water diving stunt which Anita found the toughest. “I don’t know how to swim, so even though I tried I couldn’t complete the task. I was scared but I attempted it, and that made me feel great.”
In spite of doing good films, which did fairly well, Anita could never make it to the big league. And without making any excuses, Anita holds her poor PR skills responsible for that. “I never cashed in on the success of my films. I never tomtommed about myself, which I should have. Plus, I don’t even socialise much and I don’t call up people to ask for roles. So I lost out in the ratrace, but I have no regrets.” So as of now, “it’s only Mahaabhaarat that I’m concentrating on,” she informs as she adds, “I will do a film only if something exciting comes my way. I do get offers for films but I’m not interested. I’m content with the way my life is at the moment.”
itishree.misra@timesgroup.com

In an interview with AT, Anita Hassanandani talks about Akshay Kumar and why she’s kicking butt
AMRITA MULCHANDANI
Times News Network

There’s an air of professionalism about her as Anita Hassanandani gets ready for the interview. We are told at the onset that she’s not going to talk about anything but work. So, all those questions we’ve been itching to ask about former beau Eijaz Khan will have to wait for AT’s next chat with her. The dusky small screen sex symbol who’s been away from television for two and half years, returns with two brand new shows. In Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi, the docile television bahu gets set to kick some serious butt and does a series of death-defying stunts. What brought about this sudden change of image — from girl next-door to action diva? Anita laughs and admits that anchor Akshay Kumar was surely one of the reasons she joined the show. “Initially, I wasn’t sure of doing the show. But then I went ahead as I had decided to overcome my fears. I have learnt a lot — this show has helped me to fight my inner strength. I have also known my weakness and strengths by now,” she confesses.

So has she finally over come her fears? “Not completely. I was very scared of water, but now I can jump in water easily without being too scared. I have done lots of crazy stuff in this show which I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. I was afraid quite a lot of times, as I had to do stunts like jumping from the building, going deep in to water, and be with snakes, insects, fire, glass. There was a time when my head would have been hurt badly by a speed boat but luckily I was saved. I became more careful after that as anything could go wrong. There are fabulous people around. I have made great friends.” And what does she feel about Akshay? “He is an amazing guy. He is the perfect and brilliant host for the show. He has been supportive, encouraging and a mentor all the time.” Not just all this, Anita also plays Draupadi in 9X’s Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki. A reality show on one hand and a mythological on another, why did she decide to do this show?

“Mahaabhaarat is as different as the reality show I am doing. I have never done a mythological so this was a great opportunity for me to experience,” she says. Anita hasn’t taken any special training for the serial but has watched small clippings of B R Chopra’s Mahabharat and is now reading a lot of literature on Mahabharat and Draupadi.
For now she can only “eat, dream and breathe work.” Way to go girl!

Another interview from the same Fear Factor photoshoot location.

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Anita Hassanandani sure knows what she is talking about and cautiously treads the narrow path between speaking her mind and stirring up a controversy.

Soon to be seen as one of the 13 beauties on Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi on Colors, Anita is grateful that the shooting for the show is over. “We defied the fears of insects, height, deep water, fire, glass, et al. I was very scared of heights and water.

I would not say that I have overcome the fears completely but yes, I have managed pretty well in facing them. In one of the sequences, we were to jump off some 17-storey tall building, and not to say, I was petrified and started crying. Everytime I’d look down, I would start feeling giddy. It was after much cajoling from the other ladies and Akshay Kumar, that I did the stunt,” she confesses.

The now-petite actress also reveals that her family and friends discouraged her from taking up the show and she herself was a lot hesitant in the beginning. “But then I decided to face the fears to overcome them. Having Akshay on the show was a big motivating factor. I was also scared of creepy-crawlies but he comforted me before I went ahead with a particular stunt involving such creatures,” she adds.

Talking about what else is keeping her busy professionally, Anita says she has started shooting for Ekta Kapoor’s much-hyped Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki. “Portraying Draupadi on screen is no small deal. And I am going to play a role that was played very well by Rupa Ganguly earlier.” Does she have a plan in place to make sure her portrayal does not arouse feelings of déjà vu? “Such a plan is not required. The look of this Mahaabhaarat is so different that there can’t be any comparisons or similarities with the earlier one. To make sure that I know enough about the character, I am reading a lot of literature on Mahabharat and Draupadi,” she clarifies.

“I am also unfazed by the controversies surrounding the show. The veteran actors who are saying that the show will not match the popularity of the earlier one, sound prejudiced and judgmental. Everyone in our team is working really hard to make a mark. I think anyone who wants to comment should wait until they have seen the first few episodes,” she opines.

Over to the personal life. What kept her busy during her almost-3-year-long sabbatical from screen? “Oh! I indulged myself and attended a lot of classes,” she smiles. Classes? “I learnt cooking and also took up Salsa and Jazz classes. I have never been a good dancer but am very passionate about it. Unfortunately, I could not complete the dance classes because of my professional commitments.” So will we see her displaying her newly acquired dancing skills on a reality show soon? “Not as yet. I would not settle for a show that would not do justice to the various styles of dance. I was offered Jhalakk Dikhla Jaa 2, but could not take it up. But if it comes my way once again, I would gladly take the challenge,” she says.

And how’s boyfriend Eijaz Khan doing? “He is very well, thank you,” she smiles and adds, “He is doing films now and is very happy. We spent quality time together when I took a break from work. Now both of us have got back to the grind but still manage to spend a little time together every now and then.” “And yes, before you ask me, marriage is not on the cards right now!” she signs off.

Anita Hassdandani is one busy lady. The actress, who made her television debut in the highly successful Kabhia Sautan Kabhie Saheli, is all set to play Draupadi in the brand new mythological serial Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki.

Most popular for her role as Anjali in Kavyanjali, Anita has also dabbled in south Indian films. This is not all. More action is in store for Anita as she is one of the participants of the desi version of the popular reality show Fear Factor, which is hosted by the Khiladi himself, Akshay Kumar.

Read on as the actress tells Rajul Hegde about Draupadi and what scared her the most about Akshay Kumar. Excerpts:

How did you get the role of Draupadi?

When I was shooting for Fear Factor Khatron Ke Khiladi in South Africa, I got a call from Balaji Telefilms. They wanted to know whether I would be interested in Draupadi’s role. I said yes immediatedly. Later on, I was little scared because the new Mahabhaarat is modern complete with a new format and contemporary looks. And here I was playing Draupadi! I had butterflies in my stomach.

What attracted you to Mahabhaarat?

It’s challenging, intense, complex and nothing like the regular soaps. It was different and difficult for me to portray Draupadi.

What kind of research did you do after you came to know that you are portraying one of the important characters in Mahabhaarat?

I didn’t have much time to prepare. I started shooting within few days after returning from South Africa. I have gone through some CD’s of B R Chopra’s Mahabharat to acquaint myself with the character. I have also been reading up on the subject. Plus, those around me know about Mahabharat and my character, so I am getting to know from them too.

Gauri Pradhan was also short-listed for Draupadi’s role though she lost out to you. Any comments?

As far as I know, the producers were looking for a fresh face for Draupadi’s role. It’s news to me that Gauri Pradhan and I were short-listed. The production house will be able to give you the right answer as to why they selected me.

Do you have jitters about playing Draupadi?

Yes, I am very scared. I will definitely be compared to Rupa Ganguly (she acted as Draupadi in B R Chopra’s Mahabharat). She created history by portraying the character. It’s going to be difficult for me to reach to her level. I will be happy if I reach one tenth of her level. I am really working hard and have put in my best. I hope people will accept me as Draupadi.

Tell us about your costume and look.

Manish Malhotra [fashion designer] chose the colour red for me. Bharat and Dorris have worked on my make-up and hairstyle. I was told not to cut my hair after they selected me for this role.

Do you think this new Mahabhaarat can create the magic of B R Chopra’s Mahabharat?

This show is going to a big challenge for the channel, production house and the actors. Everyone has worked hard. I hope all the hard work pays off.

Why have you stayed away from soaps?

I was busy doing south films after Kavyanjali and I requested the production house to reduce my track in Kyunki. Plus, I had to go to South Africa for Fear Factor.

Take us through the experience of Fear Factor.

It was a last minute decision. As it was a once in a lifetime experience, I thought why not give it a try. And it has really been the best experience of my life. You will see me crying, laughing, and screaming. It was really scary to do some of the stunts but at the end of the day, it it’s all about your inner strength. I was able to perform most tasks and it was worth it.

Did you overcome any of your fears?

I am scared of water and I still don’t know to swim. After my Fear Factor experience, I have realised the importance of swimming. I will start learning it now.

How was Akshay Kumar as a host?

He was the right choice. Everybody was really petrified of his scary laughter. He would get very upset if any of us refused to do a stunt. I recalled the time I had to put my hand in a container full of cockroaches and other insects. I didn’t want to do it and started crying. That was when Akshay grabbed my hand and shoved it in the container.

Did you make friends there?

All the participants were friendly and amazing. I bonded well with Ajana Sukhani.

What is in the pipeline?

I was supposed to do Krazy Kiya Re, Balaji Telefilm’s new show. But now I don’t think I will be able to do it. Right now I want to concentrate only on this show and give my best.

Catch Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki every Monday to Thursday on 9X at 9 pm.

Can someone keep tabs of Anita appearing on SBS – I no longer get Star News.

Video Courtesy: Desi9

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Anita Hasnandani is back in action literally. The girl-next-door of Kavyvanjali will soon be seen performing death-defying stunts in Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi, to be hosted by Akshay Kumar.

There’s more action in store for Anita as she plays Draupadi in 9X’s Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki.. Plus, she has another soap in her kitty.

In an exclusive chat with Tellychakkar, the pretty lass talks about overcoming her fear, Mahabharat and her relation with beau Ejaz. Read on.

What attracted you to Fear Factor? Is it the adventure or Akshay Kumar?

None of these thoughts crept in my mind. I wasn’t sure of taking up this show as I kept asking myself whether I’ll be able to perform such daredevil acts. But I wouldn’t know the answer till I actually tried it myself. Well, that’s how I landed in this show.

Isn’t it a risk for a beautiful woman to participate in such shows as you might end with injuries to your face and body?

Yes, that threat is always there but life is all about taking risks. You wouldn’t succeed without taking risks. This was once in a lifetime opportunity and I couldn’t miss it.

Have you overcome all your fears?

Not entirely but I no longer fret at the sight of a cockroach or water. I still don’t how to swim. However, after my Fear Factor experience, I’ve realised the importance of swimming. I will learn it now.

Were you made to face roaches and perform stunts in water?

Yes, there were plenty of water stunts. Fortunately, none of us were made to eat insects or worms. I wasn’t the only non-swimmer out there. The atmosphere was such that we dared to do anything.

What kind of stunts did you perform?

We’re not supposed to disclose that but I can assure you that each of them were difficult in its own way. I used to break down even before performing. I reckon, amongst all the girls, I was the one who shed the most tears. At the end of the day, it’s all about your inner strength. Fortunately, I was able to perform most tasks.

Was Akshay a tough taskmaster?

He didn’t blast anyone but he used to get very upset if any of us refused to perform a stunt. He did push us to the brink but kept motivating us at every stage. I was hesitant in putting my hand in a container full of frogs, roaches and other insects. The moment I saw it, I started to weep. However, Akshay grabbed my hand and shoved it in the container.

Akshay himself showed us the way by performing the difficult stunts.

Reality shows aren’t complete without any dramatics. Was there any?

Not really. In fact, it was very peaceful out there. This show is not about competing but it’s all about overcoming one’s fear. We all were too occupied with our own task that there was no time to indulge in any bickering.

How much research have you done on your other show Mahabharat?

I’ve been reading little bit of Mahabharat. I have picked up few books. It’s important to do some work when you playing an important character like Draupadi.

Are you learning Sanskrit?

No, I haven’t but I do pay attention to my language. Often, I pick up my script well inadvance thus giving myself more time to prepare.

Critics feel that Balaji actors are fit to do saas-bahu roles not an epic like Mahabharat. Comment.

I’m very much aware of this fact. Viewers are accustomed to seeing us in saas-bahu roles. At the end of the day, we’ve given our best shot and merely hope for the best.

You were supposed to do a comedy show? What happened to that?

Unfortunately, Mahabharat will now consume most of time thereby it’s not possible for me to take up other shows. I’ll be doing another soap thus it left me with no time for Karlo Sapney Poorey.

Finally, is everything going smoothly between Eijaz and you?

It’s always been smooth. I don’t know where stories of our break-up emanate from. We are very much in love with each other. However marriage is still far away.

Courtesy: IndiaTimes

More pictures are in the gallery under the interviews section starting here.

Video on SBS with extended interview about her role as Draupadi -

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