VluvAnita.net

Source: Hindustan Times

It’s been more than a week since Ekta Kapoor’s version of Mahabharat launched on 9X.

The feedback has been mixed.

Anita Hassnandani who plays wife to the Pandavas, says that it will take a while for viewers to accept the new look.

But tattoos, bronze make-up and the absence of mukuts aren’t the only reasons for the flak. Anita’s melodramatic outburst in the opening episode has also come under the scanner. “Draupadi was being stripped in public. She had to be loud,” exclaims Anita.

The actress also defends Kapoor’s decision to cast established names as opposed to new faces.

“The viewers get to see the Anjali of Kkavyanjali playing a very different character from another era,” she reasons.

So who is the best among the five brothers? She laughs, “It’s too early to play favourites.”

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!

How many shows is our angel set to do? *gasp*

Source: Mumbai Mirror

Finally all speculations over the most important character of Ekta Kapoor’s Kahaani Hamaaray Mahabharat Ki are over. Ekta’s blue-eyed girl close friend, Anita Hassanandani will be playing the all important character, Draupadi. Ekta had a tough time deciding between Anita and Gauri Pradhan, who was also a strong contender for the role.

Our source says, “It was a tough call between Anita and Gauri. However, ultimately it was Anita who was selected. Anita will be growing her hair for the character and will start shooting soon.”

Ekta Kapoor confirmed that Anita has indeed been finalised to play Draupadi.

Anita Hassanandani says, “I was really excited when Ekta offered me the role. I am obviously thrilled to be part of the show and I will be working on my look as well. I am now waiting for Ekta to give me a detailed narration of the character. I will also be reading the Mahabharat and will take tips from there. I will have to grow my hair for the character as well.”

The show is scheduled to go on air from August this year.