The recent web series Chiraiya has sparked serious conversations regarding sexual harassment, marital rape, and consent in arranged marriages. Actress Anjuman Saxena, who essays the role of Prasanna Bisht’s mother, reveals how she was taken aback during the narration. She also reflects on her career choices, working with Rishi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, and leaving music.
Anjuman Saxena on Chiraiya
Revealing how she was taken aback by the subject, Anjuman asserts how issues like the casting couch and sexual harassment exist beyond the film industry. “When I heard it for the first time, I was a little taken aback. It suddenly hit me that this is how things have always been taken for granted. This is not just about the film industry; it applies to every industry. You will see these kinds of issues happening everywhere.”
However, things are beginning to change, with POSH training now becoming essential in every organization, and even on film sets. She explains, “There is always a dedicated POSH team present during shoots. This ensures that anyone, whether a woman or a man, can easily approach them and raise a complaint if something is going wrong.”
Anjuman Saxena on leaving music
Beyond acting, Anjuman is also a trained Hindustani classical vocalist and a respected music industry professional. However, she left her passion behind as she could not cope with the digital transition.
“Leaving music was tough because it has always been my first love. However, I was no longer finding my space there due to the transition from the physical to the digital world. Fortunately, for more than a year now, I have returned to music along with acting, so I can say that I am enjoying the best of both worlds.”
She added, “I do come across lyrics that have no real meaning, and especially in many item numbers, some lines seem to go beyond what is appropriate and should not be there. Those are the kinds of things I do not approve of. However, I would also say that this is a very good time for many newcomers to create their own original music.”
Working with Rishi Kapoor
Anjuman shared screen space with Rishi Kapoor in his last film, Sharmaji Namkeen. She shared how the actor was dedicated to his work amid his battle with cancer.
“At that time, Rishiji had just recovered but was still recuperating, so he was not in the best of health. However, his dedication to his work, even then, was truly remarkable. The best part was that he would not simply go off to rest; instead, he would sit with all of us in one room. We would spend time together, and he would often engage in conversations. He was never aloof.
Seeing that level of dedication was incredibly encouraging. It motivated me to work harder and do better. Although we had only a very short duration to shoot with him, and what happened during the shoot was truly unfortunate, those few days we spent together will remain a cherished memory for life.”
Anjuman Saxena on star kids
The actress, who has shared screen space with actors like Janhvi Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Varun Dhawan, admits that they are scrutinized more and that everybody wants to poke them.
Reacting to the trolling Varun is facing for his acting and family background, she shared, “David Dhawan did not really produce a film for Varun Dhawan or launch him. Varun worked his way up, assisted in the AD team, and only after that did he begin acting. He went on to do Student of the Year and many other projects. Ultimately, everyone has to work hard. I have seen how dedicated they are and the effort they put into their work.”
She also heaped praise on Alia Bhatt and said, “I love her work. I loved her in Gangubai Kathiawadi and her role in Udta Punjab. She has turned out to be an amazing actor. The way she has portrayed her characters in films like Dear Zindagi is remarkable. These are the movies I remember her for because I like her.”
