The actress, who will mark her last day on the sets of Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai tomorrow,talks to BT about her reasons to quit the show and her future plans
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; August 20, 2020)

Actress Saumya Tandon, who became popular as Gori Mem of Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai, has decided to bid adieu to the comedy show. In an exclusive chat with BT, she said, “Yes, I have decided to not renew my contract further. Tomorrow (August 21) is my last day of shoot. Finally, people can stop speculating whether I will continue on the show or not.”

So, what made her quit the show, that too, at a time when many actors are out of work? “Well, you can say that it’s an impractical decision to quit a stable job, that too, in an established show. But, I realised that being employed and earning a regular income was not exciting enough any more. I want to do projects, where there is scope for growth as an artiste. Having said that, it does not mean that Bhabi Ji... did not contribute to my growth, I had a beautiful journey on the show. However, I have played this character for five years now, and I don’t see myself doing it for another five years,” she replied.

There has been buzz for some time now that Saumya is planning to quit the show due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent pay cut. However, she refuted the rumours, saying, “Not continuing with Bhabi Ji... was not an impulsive decision. Yes, I was anxious after my hairdresser tested positive for Coronavirus, and did not want to put my mother and one-and-a-half-year-old son at risk. But, I have completed my notice period. My producers (Sanjay and Binaifer Kohli) were very cooperative. As far as pay cut is concerned, in these times, people have to accept that the economy has been hit. I am not leaving the show because of monetary reasons.”

About her future plans, she said, “I want to be part of well-written stories. People are writing good scripts on other platforms; even Bollywood is experimenting with good content. I will miss the team of Bhabi Ji..., but I have to push myself out of my comfort zone and take new risks in life.”