Ten years ago, a precocious eight-year-old Sana Saeed shot to fame by playing Anjali, daughter to Shah Rukh Khan and Rani in the mega hit film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai . At 19, Sana resumed her tryst with acting by marking her television debut with Sony’s Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na. Unhappy with her character, she quit Babul and has now bagged a lead role in the comedy show ‘Lo ho gayi Pooja iss ghar ki’ on SAB TV.

Tellychakkar caught up with the actress at the show’s launch.

What’s the sole reason for taking up Lo ho gayi Pooja iss ghar ki?

I was keen on working with Cinevistaas. They had approached me earlier for another show which couldn’t materialise then. When I was given the brief for this character, I was told to be myself. Once that happens, it becomes easy for you fit into the role. Plus, it’s a comedy show.

Comedy shows on SAB TV haven’t met with favourable results. Were there any apprehensions in doing a show for this channel?

No, there were no such apprehensions. Cinevistaas has churned hits like Jersey No.10, Dill Mill Gayye. For me, the production house counts more than the channel.

You quit Babul Ka Aangann… for this show. Were you eyeing a lead role?

On the contrary, I’d decided to stay away from playing lead roles as that would require me to shoot for 20-25 days in a month and severely affect my studies. I’m in my third year of college plus I’m pursuing an advanced course in Advertising from HR.College.

Cinevistaas were ready to give me two days off in a week plus leave during my exams. It’s only after I got this assurance that I agreed to do the show.

Is acting not a priority for you then?

Acting is a field where you’ll face intense competition. You aren’t guaranteed success even if you click in one film. One bad performance and you’re put out of action. That’s why it’s important to have a second option. In future, I intend to go abroad for further studies.

Does it irk you that people always keep referring to you as Anjali of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?

Initially it did as I tried hard to convince people that I’m Sana and not Anjali but with time I’ve learned to live with it. The fact that they keep referring to me as Anjali is also indication of how they’ve appreciated your work. Looking back at the film, I feel proud that as an eight year old, I was able to pull off those expressions which Karan (Johar) uncle had asked me to.

Uncle and aunty! Is that how you referred to everyone on the sets?

Yes, I did. In fact, I do that even now but Shah Rukh doesn’t like me calling him uncle. He’s once expressed his displeasure politely.

Fame at an early age can have a negative effect on an individual’s psyche. How have you handled it?

I come from a conservative family. I’m blessed to have parents who have always treated me like a normal child. I was never made to feel special at home. It also helped that I was into this field right since the age of three. My friends at school made me feel special but I’ve always remained firm on my feet.

Very few child actors have grown up to be superstars. Why is that?

Yeah, that’s true but Urmila Matondkar is an exception. Luck plays a crucial factor if you are to succeed in this line. No matter how talented you are, you need to have luck on your side. As I grew old, my father wasn’t keen on me doing films. Offers kept pouring but I didn’t want to rush into anything which I’d regret later. Bollywood is as place wherein you go wrong in one film and you fall out of favour with all.

But television isn’t a safe heaven too. Low TPRs and your show could be pulled off any moment.

I do agree but unlike in films, you’ll be at least seen for a few months. People notice you 3-4 days in a week. Besides, I’ll have something to show on my resume. I consider television a more secure field than films.

What do you do to chill out and do you have a boyfriend?

Well, I do hang out with my friends but I’m not a party animal. When free, I spend time doing my advertising projects. I’m slowly learning how to cook and prepare dishes whose recipes are scripted by my sister.

To answer you second question; no, I don’t have a boyfriend.