Surbhi Chandna, a prominent figure in Hindi television, recently shared insights into her initial hesitations about taking on the lead role in Ekta Kapoor's "Naagin 5". Best known for her performances in "Ishqbaaaz" and "Naagin 5", Chandna revealed that she wasn't immediately convinced she was the right fit for the supernatural drama.
Chandna, who debuted in 2009 with a cameo in "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah", has built a successful career with major roles in "Qubool Hai," "Sanjivani," and "Sherdil Shergill". Her portrayal of Anika Trivedi Singh Oberoi in "Ishqbaaaz" garnered her significant recognition and awards.
In an interview, Chandna disclosed that she was first offered the role in "Naagin 5" during the lockdown period, about two months after finishing her previous show. At the time, she felt her next career move would likely be in web series, and she hadn't considered a fantasy genre like "Naagin". "I told them that I had just finished my previous show in March. My next step is probably going to be web. I've not given it a thought because I like taking 6-7 months break before I jump on to some other wagon," Chandna explained. She further elaborated on her initial reservations: "See that's also a genre that I've never tapped. It's a fantasy world and something that I've never done. So, I don't know if I'm ready for it".
The actress admitted she had doubts about whether she could justify playing Naagin, given the show's legacy and the "best Naagins" that had been portrayed on television before. "Aur mujhe lagta tha shayad main justify nahi kar paungi. And I'm very real to myself, agar main nahi kar paungi, toh main nahi kar paungi. Mere yeh doubts the," she said. Despite her reservations, the producers remained confident in her ability to take on the role.
Ultimately, after several discussions with the creative team, Chandna was convinced to take on the role of Bani Sharma Singhania, a shape-shifting serpent. She starred opposite Sharad Malhotra in the series, and their chemistry became a major hit with the audience. Chandna also expressed that working with Ekta Kapoor was a dream come true, mentioning she had manifested working with Balaji Telefilms.
Reflecting on her experience, Chandna shared that she had no complaints or demands during the show, as it was a project she had long wished for. She also acknowledged the immense love and appreciation she received from fans for her performance in "Naagin 5," which further solidified her decision to take on the role. The series, which initially starred Hina Khan, Dheeraj Dhoopar, Mohit Sehgal and Sharad Malhotra, centered around Bani seeking justice for her friend's murder by the Singhania family. Chandna's portrayal earned her another ITA Award for Best Actress - Popular.
