Struggle never ends — it’s what keeps us alive and growing, says Actor Saanand Verma

Saanand Verma, known for his unforgettable portrayal of Saxena ji in Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain, continues to shine as one of television’s most versatile and beloved actors. Beyond television, he has made his mark in films like Babli Bouncer, Pataakha, Vijay 69, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyaan, and the web series First Copy. Over the years, he has also been part of acclaimed Bollywood projects such as Mardaani, Raid, and Chhichhore, working with celebrated filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Madhur Bhandarkar.

Reflecting on his journey, Saanand says two characters stand out for him. “Two roles are closest to my heart — Dubey ji from Apharan: Sabka Katega and Saxena ji from Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain. Dubey ji was tough because I’m nothing like him in real life, while Saxena ji is emotionally close to me. Interestingly, the popularity I gained from just 12 episodes of Apharan matched what I got from thousands of episodes of Bhabhiji,” he shares.

On whether the struggle in the industry ever ends, Saanand answers with calm conviction. “Not at all. Struggle never ends — not in Bollywood, not in life. Every profession has its ups and downs. Struggle ends only when life ends. It’s what keeps us alive and growing,” he says.

Despite his consistent body of work, Saanand feels he still has much more to achieve. “Honestly, I’ve received love and recognition, but I still believe my best is yet to come. I’ve been blessed to work with some incredible directors, but I’m still hungry to do more and explore deeper as an actor.”

Talking about how cinema has evolved, Saanand points out a major shift. “Earlier, filmmaking was driven by pure passion — like Mughal-e-Azam, which was born from one man’s genius. Today, the industry is more corporate and structured, with more professionalism and paperwork. That’s both good and limiting in different ways.”

On the changing landscape for character artists, he adds thoughtfully, “Character artists have always been the backbone of storytelling. Even in Sholay, Sanjeev Kumar was technically a character actor, yet he carried the soul of the film. Their importance isn’t new — what’s changed is the visibility and respect they now receive.”

For Saanand, the true essence of life and acting lies in balance. “Life, like acting, is unpredictable. The key is to stay centered, humble, and truthful to your craft. Social media, fame, and competition will come and go — but what truly lasts is peace of mind, talent, and the ability to keep your inner world alive.”