Aneri Vajani, who played Malvika in Anupamaa, has bid a final goodbye to the daily soap. Her decision to join a show midway and especially not in the lead role might have surprised many given that she has only played the protagonist in all her outings, but Aneri says that it was the strength of the character Mukku that prompted her to take it up.

She says, “When Rajan Shahi sir narrated the character of Mukku, I realised that it was multilayered and I could explore so much as an actor. More importantly, I was brought in to highlight the social evil of domestic violence. So I couldn’t have declined the offer at any cost. After the short break, when Rajan sir asked me whether I would like to come back, I had to return for the love of Mukku. Par ab khatam ho gaya hai and there is no scope of coming back to the show (smiles). I have been a part of Anupamaa and Anuj’s pre-wedding rituals. Maine saari rasme nibha lee bas shaadi mein nahi rahungi. I will enjoy the rest from Cape Town.”

Why Cape Town, you wonder? Well, the actress will soon be flying to South Africa to participate in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi (KKK) 12. Talking about it, she says, “I am more excited than nervous, as this is my first reality show. I have never been an adventurous person, so KKK will be a nice addition to my profile. I am a bindaas and carefree girl, and I hope to show that side of me on the show.”

Meanwhile, on the fiction front, Aneri now wants to take up only lead characters and shows that revolve around her. She shares, “I like playing strong characters and that’s the reason why I played Mukku. Ek actor ki craving hoti hai ki yaar kuchh achha karo, ab woh satiate ho gayi hai aur mera pet bhar gaya hai. Now, I am going to focus more on myself. I will only take up lead roles now.”