Women’s Day 2026 Exclusive: Saumya Tandon On Dhurandhar Success, ‘Actors Must Break The Boxes’

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Strong, articulate and unapologetically honest - Saumya Tandon has always stood out not just for her performances but also for the conversations she sparks. This Women's Day, Boldsky spoke to the actress, who recently won hearts with her role in Dhurandhar.

Photo Credit: Saumya Tandon

Popularly known as Anita Bhabhi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain, Saumya reflected on her journey in the industry, spoke candidly about typecasting and ageism, and shared why she believes that talent knows no surname, background or platform.

Q: Your role in Dhurandhar has received a lot of love. How has the response been for you?

Saumya Tandon: Dhurandhar was an absolute surprise for me. I never imagined that the role would receive this kind of love and appreciation. In my head, it was a small part, though the director had told me it would leave an impact.

For me, it was a learning that runtime doesn't matter. Even if your role is small, if the performance is impactful, it can still leave a mark. I received messages from directors, producers, writers and fellow actors across the industry, which was a very pleasant surprise. Some filmmakers I have always aspired to work with also sent appreciation messages.

I genuinely feel that the love people gave to my role also came from the affection they already had for my earlier work. That love doubled and came back to me in a beautiful way.

Q: Audiences still remember you as Anita Bhabhi. How do you look at that kind of recognition?

Saumya Tandon: I did Bhabhi Ji Ghar Pe Hain for almost five years, and I received a lot of love from that show. Even today, people call me "Gori Mem" or "Bhabhi Ji".

But as actors, we always have to remember one thing - you are only as good as your last project. This applies to everyone, from newcomers to the biggest superstars. The world will always try to put you in boxes. Your job as an actor is to break those boxes and move beyond them.

Q: Do you think television actors often get typecast?

Saumya Tandon: People do try to label actors based on platforms, but I have always believed that talent has no platform. Talent has no location, no surname and no bank balance. Someone could come from a small village, a theatre background, television or even be a star kid - talent can exist anywhere.

So when people try to judge talent based on where someone comes from, I feel that's a very limited way of thinking. Real talent doesn't belong to any particular industry or background.

Photo Credit: Saumya Tandon

Q: You have worked both as an actor and as a host. How did your career evolve?

Saumya Tandon: I actually started my career as an actor. I appeared in the film Jab We Met directed by Imtiaz Ali, where I played Kareena Kapoor's sister. Later, I moved into hosting and ended up anchoring many television shows like Dance India Dance, quiz shows with Derek O'Brien, and several entertainment programs.

Over the years, I kept switching platforms between acting and hosting. That required patience because I had to say "no" to many projects while waiting for the right opportunity. Even when I left Bhabhi Ji Ghar Pe Hain, I turned down several offers because I wanted to wait for scripts that truly excited me.

Q: Do you feel the entertainment industry is still ageist, especially for women?

Saumya Tandon: Yes, the industry is definitely ageist, and it affects women more. Once women cross their 20s or get married, they are often put into certain categories. There are fewer roles written for them and fewer opportunities available.

It sometimes feels like society assumes that once a woman gets married, love disappears from her life. But that's simply not true. Women in their 30s or 40s still have beautiful and meaningful stories that deserve to be told.

Q: What challenges do women face in a male-dominated industry?

Saumya Tandon: We live in a world that is still largely male-dominated. As women, we often have to be more diplomatic, tactful and clever to navigate our way. This isn't limited to the entertainment industry, it happens in almost every profession. When a woman is strong and opinionated, she is often labelled negatively.

But women have learned to adapt and manoeuvre through these challenges. In fact, I believe women are a very intelligent and resilient gender because of the situations they have to navigate.

Q: If you could challenge one stereotype about women in the industry, what would it be?

Saumya Tandon: I would challenge the stereotype that love stories are only meant for young people. Women beyond their 20s also have beautiful, meaningful love stories. There are mature, nuanced relationships that audiences would love to watch, but we rarely see them on screen.

I'm waiting for a filmmaker to create a beautiful mature love story and break this stereotype. We have seen college romances and love stories ending in marriage for decades. I think audiences are ready for something deeper and more real.

Photo Credit: Saumya Tandon

Q: Your Women's Day message to aspiring women artists?

Saumya Tandon: Believe in your talent and don't allow anyone to box you into labels. Work with patience, resilience and self-belief. The journey may take time, but if your work is honest and impactful, it will eventually find its audience.

Happy Women's Day!!!