Anita Hassanandani, a well-known figure in the television industry, recently shared her experiences about the financial realities of working in the industry after making her comeback. In a candid discussion on a recent podcast with Hindi Rush, Hassanandani opened up about the changes she's observed in pay scales and the industry dynamics.

Having been active in the industry since the late 1990s, Hassanandani has witnessed firsthand the evolution of television. She took a break from the small screen after "Naagin 5" to focus on being a mother to her son, Aaravv. After a four-year hiatus, she returned to television with "Suman Indori".

Hassanandani revealed that actors are now receiving less money compared to previous years, explaining, "Actors get a lesser amount now, compared to before, because budgets have gone down". She attributed this shift to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused financial losses across the entertainment sector. She noted that the rise in the number of shows and platforms has also led to a trend where "people think paise bachao (save money)".

"All of this started post-COVID...due to Covid, there were losses," Hassanandani explained. "When I came back, I got less than what my per-day pay used to be". Despite the reduction in pay, she chose to prioritize her return to work, placing less emphasis on financial compensation.

In a conversation with Mumbai Mirror in July 2025, Hassanandani reflected on her 25 years in the entertainment industry, observing that television content has remained largely unchanged. She stated that the medium continues to rely on outdated tropes, though shows now have shorter runs, which she considers a positive aspect for actors.

Hassanandani also shared her thoughts on staying relevant in the industry, saying, "You have to make the most of what comes your way. Sometimes, you have to bend a little, even if the creative satisfaction is only 80 percent or the money is not ideal". She acknowledged that the industry dynamics have shifted after COVID, and compromise is necessary to remain active.

Despite the challenges and changes in the industry, Hassanandani remains a prominent figure. Most recently, she emerged as the winner of the reality show "Chhoriyan Chali Gaon," where urban female celebrities adapted to traditional rural lifestyles.