‘My savings will run out in a year’: Sasural Genda Phool actor Anita Kanwal struggles to find work
New Delhi: Veteran actor Anita Kanwal, known for television shows such as Chanakya, Banegi Apni Baat and Sasural Genda Phool, has opened up about struggling to find substantial acting work despite spending more than three decades in the entertainment industry. The actor revealed that her savings could run out within a year and said she wants to continue earning rather than depend financially on her children.
In a conversation with Vickey Lalwani, Anita spoke about how the casting process has changed over the years. She recalled that she did not have to audition for roles earlier in her career, but now finds herself being asked about her previous work despite having appeared in dozens of shows.
“It’s fine if someone asks me to introduce myself, but when they ask what work I have done, I find that very weird. I have done 50–60 shows in my life. I still get casting calls to play 21-year-old characters because they don’t know who to send the message to,” she said.
‘My savings will run out in a year’: Anita Kanwal
The actor also spoke about the growing emphasis on social media presence in the entertainment industry. Anita said she has been making an effort to increase her Instagram following by posting twice a day. However, she stressed that social media engagement cannot replace acting work when it comes to earning a livelihood.
“I need to earn. If I survive for another 10–12 years, what will I do? My house is my only asset. My savings will run out in a year; that’s why I need work. Even though my kids want to support me, I don’t want to take money from them. I want to be in a position where I can give. I won’t be happy taking money from my kids,” she said.
“I never want to reach a point where I have to depend on my children or ask them for anything. I want to continue providing them, just like always. They sometimes ask, ‘Mom, why do you still give us birthday gifts?’ It actually hurts me when they say that, because I enjoy giving. I want to remain in a position where I can continue to do so,” she added.
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Anita said she carefully manages her expenses, but rising costs have made things increasingly difficult. She also has the responsibility of supporting people who work for her.
Anita Kanwal on struggling to find work
The veteran actor also expressed disappointment that some younger people working in the industry are unfamiliar with her body of work. She revealed that she sometimes receives casting messages for characters far younger than her actual age.
Despite approaching casting directors and attending auditions, Anita said she has yet to land a major acting opportunity. At the same time, she maintained that she does not want to appear desperate for work and would rather be considered on the strength of her experience and abilities.
Who is Anita Kanwal?
Anita Kanwal began her television journey with Chanakya in 1991 and later became widely recognised for playing Mrs Seth in Banegi Apni Baat. Her television credits also include Shanti, Son Pari, Sasural Genda Phool, Gustakh Dil and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.
On the big screen, she has appeared in films including Shah Rukh Khan’s Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Mujhse Dosti Karoge!, Na Tum Jaano Na Hum and Gangaajal. She also moved into production and launched her own production house in 2002.
She was last seen in the 2021 anthology Ajeeb Daastaans and the 2024 series Raisinghani vs Raisinghani.