Nidhi Bhanushali, known for her portrayal of Sonu Bhide in the popular sitcom "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah" (TMKOC), has recently addressed the reasons behind her departure from the show and the broader trend of actors leaving the long-running series. In an interview, Nidhi opened up about her personal experiences on the show, the emotional challenges she faced, and her decision to prioritize her well-being and education.
Nidhi played Sonu for seven years and decided to leave the show in 2019 to pursue higher studies. She revealed that balancing her professional commitments with her academic pursuits became increasingly challenging.
In a candid discussion, Nidhi shared that working on TMKOC for seven years eventually took a toll on her mental health. While she initially enjoyed the experience, the routine nature of the work led to emotional exhaustion. "One of the biggest emotional breakdown I felt was when I was working with TMKOC for 7 years and it was the same routine," Nidhi explained. "Initially, I enjoyed a lot because I was learning a lot but when it became a routine, I did not realise that there was a lot of pressure on my brain. It was very overwhelming". She described feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands and the need for a break. "Jab aap bhagte rehte ho aur aapko lagta hai ab rukne ki zarurat hai saans lene ke liye. That's when I decided to quit everything and take a long break," she shared.
Nidhi's comments come amidst ongoing discussions and speculations about why several actors have left TMKOC in recent years. While she did not directly address specific claims of non-payment or unprofessional behavior that have been rumored, her remarks shed light on the pressures and challenges faced by actors in long-running television shows. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and taking breaks when needed.
Nidhi also reflected on her initial audition and how she landed the role of Sonu. She mentioned that acting was not initially a serious career plan, but she decided to audition for TMKOC on a whim. Despite initial reservations about committing to a long-term project, she was selected and became a beloved character on the show. "Once randomly, I went to audition for TMKOC, I was giving two or three more auditions that particular day," Nidhi recalled. "TMKOC was one of them and we knew it was for one or the shows, and it might be a longer commitment. We had decided we would never sign up for a show which is a longer commitment. But when we got to know that it is for this show and TMKOC was already on-air for 4 years by that time. I was also an avid viewer, so it interested me to give an audition".
Since leaving TMKOC, Nidhi has pursued other projects, including the coming-of-age drama series "Sisterhood". She has also focused on her personal interests, such as traveling and exploring new experiences. Nidhi's decision to leave TMKOC highlights the importance of personal growth and well-being, even when it means stepping away from a successful and familiar environment.
