Born on April 14, 1981, Anita Hassanandani is a Sindhi, born and raised in Mumbai. Anita lost her father at a tender age and she bravely took up the responsibility of her household. She had to face multiple tough situations including taking a step back from her studies at a very young age. She is a fighter and has always dealt with difficult problems in life courageously. (All photos/mid-day archives and Anita Hassanandani's official Instagram page)
A still from the movie Taal in 1999! That's Anita Hassanandani 21 years ago. Anita made her debut on the silver screen with Aishwarya Rai and Akshaye Khanna-starrer Taal, where the former played a small role. Anita did a short cameo in the song 'Ishq Bina Kya Jeena Yaaron' song.
She was 20 when she made her acting debut as a lead face in Telugu film Nuvvu Nenu. In the consecutive year, Anita Hassanandani made her debut in the Tamil film industry with Varushamellam Vasantham.
In picture: In 2014, Anita shared this photo with the caption: That's me 15 years back! Yes yes yes ..... It's me only
Anita Hassanandani went on to star in films such as Samurai (2002), Thotti Gang (2002), Ninne Ishtapaddanu (2003), Aadanthe Ado Type (2003), Veera Kannadiga (2004) - her Kannada debut, Sukran (2005), among others.
While she was trying her luck to make a mark in the south film industry, Anita Hassanandani made sure to grab projects simultaneously in Hindi - Television and film industry as well.
Anita Hassanandani made her Television debut with Doordarshan's show Hare Kanch Ki Choodiyan in 2000. However, it was Ekta Kapoor's daily soap Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii that gave Anita recognition. She earned popularity pretty much during the show, which starred Urvashi Dholakia and Pankit Thakker.
In picture: A throwback picture from the sets of Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii. Urvashi Dholakia, director Qaeed Kuwajerwala and Anita.
Her association with Ekta Kapoor's 'K' series started ever since. She starred in Kkavyanjali (2005), Kayamath (2007), Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2007-2008), Kya Dill Mein Hai (2008), Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki (2008), Kasamh Se (2009).
The duo are best of friends now! In fact, Anita Hassanandani is now a part of Ekta Kapoor's family. Anita and Ekta are inseparable on the personal and professional front. Even when Ekta Kapoor got rid of the 'K' series, Anita featured in her shows such as Yeh Hai Mohabbatein and Naagin 3 and 4.
Though Anita Hassanandani has had a successful run in television, she has a not-so-inspiring stint in Bollywood behind her. She starred in films such as Kucch To Hai (2003), Yeh Dil (2003), Krishna Cottage (2004), Koi Aap Sa (2005), Dus Kahaniyaan (anthology), Just Married (2007), Ek Se Bure Do (2009), Benny and Babloo (2010), Hero (2015).
Anita Hassanandani believes in the power of television as a medium to reach out to viewers in small towns. "I do believe in TV as a medium. In smaller towns, people really follow you (actors). They want to know how you lead your life. I feel TV has more power than any other medium because people personally connect with your characters. They see you every day. There's a different connection they make with you," Anita said in an interview.
In 2018, Anita Hassanandani made her web debut with ALTBalaji's Galti Se Mis-Tech. When asked what took her so long to foray into the webspace, she said, "I was busy doing TV shows and was pressed for time. Secondly, nothing great was offered to me. I've been thinking about acting in a digital series for a while. The quirky storyline of Galti Se Mis-Tech appealed to me. It was the perfect opportunity to start my web journey."
Galti Se Mis-Tech, offered a humorous take on love in the age of technology! When asked Anita Hassanandani whether she believes that lifelong relationships can be formed on social media, she said, "It has worked out for some people I know. But I'm too old for all this. Having said that, my husband (Rohit Reddy) pursued me on Facebook. So, you can say that social media did have a small role in our relationship."
Anita Hassanandani and Rohit Reddy, who are one of the most-loved couples of the Television industry, used to go to the same gym. The entrepreneur later messaged Anita on Facebook and the rest is history!
You would be surprised to know that Rohit was unaware that Anita is a famous actress, before approaching her. While now, Rohit is part of almost all Telly-world parties, there used to be a time when he was purely a news watcher on television.
Anita Hassanandani married the man of her dreams - Rohit Reddy in October 2013 in a South Indian style wedding in Goa.
"I lost my father when I was a child and never got to share the bond that most daughters have with their fathers. Rohit is the love of my life and he has been my best friend, my support system, my everything. He always strives to make me happy. He has filled my life with happiness," said Anita, in a candid chat with mid-day, earlier.
On her first wedding anniversary, Anita Hassanandani got the initial of her husband Rohit Reddy inked as a gift to him! Isn't that adorable?
Interestingly, while Anita Hassanandani's husband Rohit Reddy's mother tongue is Telugu, it's the actress who knows the language better than her husband. Despite being a Sindhi girl, she is quite well-versed with Telugu thanks to her acting stint in Tollywood.
In 2019, Anita Hassanandani and husband Rohit Reddy featured in a romantic song Teri Yaad, sung by Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. With their constant social media PDA, and public appearances, Anita and Rohit give couple goals to their fans!
On the work front, Anita is currently seen in the fourth season of popular supernatural series Naagin. The series is produced by Ekta Kapoor and stars Nia Sharma, Jasmin Bhasin and Vijayendra Kumeria, apart from Anita.
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