Anamika Singh on Zamana Badal Gaya Hai – 2, Working With Legends and Choosing Meaningful Roles
Actress Anamika Singh is embracing a new chapter with Zamana Badal Gaya Hai – Part 2, where she steps into the popular character of Anju, originally played by Urvashi Dholakia. From working alongside veteran actors such as Aruna Irani, Om Puri, Sanjay Mishra and Tiku Talsania to exploring comedy, negative roles and episodic television, Anamika’s journey has been marked by versatility and a willingness to learn.
Anamika Singh Opens Up About Television, Bollywood & Challenging Roles
In a candid conversation with Downtown Mirror Weekly, the actress opens up about playing an iconic character, her experience working with industry veterans, her journey across television and regional cinema, and the kind of challenging roles she hopes to explore next.
Q1. Zamana Badal Gaya Hai – Part 2 carries immense nostalgia for television audiences. How did you approach playing Anju, a character originally played by Urvashi Dholakia?
Anamika Singh: I had originally auditioned for Aruna Mam’s daughter-in-law role, and the channel selected me for that character. However, when the writer met me, he felt I naturally suited Anju. I then watched the old Zamana Badal Gaya Hai and realised that Urvashi Mam had originally played Anju.
Anju is someone who knows she is beautiful and is a little obsessed with her beauty—and I feel I have both those qualities in me too! So, I am very happy and honoured to play a character that is already so well known.
Q2. Working with legendary actress Aruna Irani was one of the major attractions of the project. What is the most valuable advice she gave you?
Anamika Singh: Absolutely. One of the biggest reasons I chose this project was Aruna Mam. I simply could not miss the opportunity to work with a legendary actor like her. Being associated with her name itself is a huge achievement for me.
She always advised me, “Don’t stop yourself as an actor. You have to keep moving and looking forward.” She also taught me that this is an industry where you should focus on your work and keep doing your job sincerely. I have learned many valuable things from her experience.
Q3. DD National reaches audiences across the country. How does it feel to be part of the prime-time 8:30 PM slot?
Anamika Singh: Honestly, it feels amazing and very special. DD National has a massive reach, and being part of the prime-time 8:30 PM slot is a proud moment for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with audiences across India through my character, Anju.
Q4. Your Bollywood debut in Yeh Hai Lollipop placed you alongside veterans such as the late Om Puri, Sanjay Mishra and Rajpal Yadav. How inspiring was that experience early in your career?
Anamika Singh: Om Puri ji was a very sincere and serious personality, while Sanjay Mishra ji, Tiku Talsania ji and Rajpal Yadav ji were extremely humble and kind towards me.
I never felt that I was working with such senior actors because there were absolutely no tantrums. Everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves together. The environment was very fresh and happy.
Working with such well-known actors changed my perspective and removed any fear I had about working with senior artists. I genuinely love working with experienced actors and would love to share the screen with more of them in the future.
Q5. You have worked with several comedy actors, including Krushna Abhishek and Tiku Talsania. What did you learn about comedy timing from them?
Anamika Singh: I would also like to mention Brijender Kalra ji, who was part of Sharma Ji Ki Lag Gai. He gave me some wonderful tips about comedy timing and expressions, and I learned a lot from him.
When I first met Krushna Abhishek, I remember thinking that he was very handsome, fair-looking and extremely decent. Tiku ji has a very jolly nature.
I learned from all of them to stay happy, focus on my work and enjoy the process. Touchwood, whenever I work with anyone now, I try to create a jolly and positive environment on set.
Q6. You also ventured into regional cinema with Yuga – The Journey of Love. How was that experience compared with mainstream Bollywood?
Anamika Singh: The people there were already fans of my character from Sajjan Re Phir Jhooth Mat Bolo. The storyline of Yuga involved both a past life and a present life, and I played the present-life character.
After the film, people in Madhya Pradesh started recognising me, which was a wonderful experience. Personally, I feel mainstream Bollywood gives me more opportunities and exposure, so I would prefer working in Bollywood.
Q7. You have often been seen in innocent and graceful roles. Would you like to explore darker or more intense characters?
Anamika Singh: I do comedy, and trust me, it is not an easy job. In my opinion, making someone cry is easier than making someone laugh.
I have also played a negative character in an episodic story, and I really enjoyed exploring that side of myself. The story received millions of views, and the audience loved the twist.
I feel there is something very interesting about an innocent face revealing a negative side. It surprises the audience and makes the character more entertaining. So yes, I would definitely love to explore more negative, intense and challenging roles.
Q8. In Sajjan Re Phir Jhooth Mat Bolo, you played Pinky, a Bengali character. What went into creating her look and personality?
Anamika Singh: Honestly, I was shocked when the channel took almost four hours to finalise my makeup and look. That was when I realised they were giving me a look inspired by Sonakshi Sinha’s character from Dabangg.
When I finally saw the look, I felt that I actually resembled her in that character. It made me realise that the channel had a clear vision for the role.
People recognised me and appreciated my work on the show, so I am very grateful to SAB TV and Optimystix for giving me the opportunity to play Pinky.
Q9. You have also worked on episodic shows such as CID, Shapath and Cheekh. What has episodic television taught you as an actor?
Anamika Singh: I must say that doing episodic television has actually been a good thing for me. When you get the opportunity to play different roles, you learn to work quickly and understand what you are capable of as an actor.
It also helped me discover what other kinds of characters I can portray well.
Q10. With your work now reaching digital audiences, what kind of stories would you like to explore on OTT?
Anamika Singh: I would love to play challenging characters where my brave and strong personality can come through.
I would love to portray characters with the kind of strength and courage we have seen in films like Mardaani. I admire Rani Mukerji’s performances in such roles and would love to explore something similarly powerful and impactful.
Q11. You believe in choosing projects carefully rather than constantly chasing screen time. How do you maintain that patience?
Anamika Singh: I am a person who wants to make a name for myself, not spoil my name or my family’s name by taking up projects simply for the sake of constant visibility.
During periods of patience, I focus on improving myself. I read books, meditate, stay connected to my spiritual side and keep myself busy with my workout regime.
I believe that when you are mentally and physically fit, you can wait for good things with much more patience.
My philosophy is simple: “Dheere naam bane, lekin achha naam bane.” I would rather take my time and build a good, respected name.
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Rapid Fire with Anamika Singh
In a quick round with Downtown Mirror Weekly, Anamika Singh reveals her television preference, acting inspirations, dream directors and what keeps her motivated through the highs and challenges of her career.
DD National or OTT platforms?
Anamika Singh: DD National.
A senior actor whose acting style you would love to emulate?
Anamika Singh: Karisma Kapoor, especially her performance in Shakti.
One word to describe your character in Zamana Badal Gaya Hai – Part 2?
Anamika Singh: Innocent. Her innocence often leaves everyone around her surprised.
Comedy or intense drama—which challenges you more?
Anamika Singh: Nothing is too tough for me!
The best compliment you have received for your graceful persona?
Anamika Singh: “You look different in every look.”
An actor from Yeh Hai Lollipop you miss working with the most?
Anamika Singh: Rajpal Yadav sir.
One regional language you would love to learn for a film role?
Anamika Singh: Gujarati.
A director on your Bollywood bucket list?
Anamika Singh: Imtiaz Ali sir and Sooraj R. Barjatya sir.
What keeps you motivated on a difficult day at work?
Anamika Singh: My goal. I always remind myself why I started and where I want to reach. My goal keeps me moving forward, even on difficult days.
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