From Bihar's Poverty to Mumbai's Glamour: The Saanand Verma Story
Popular television actor Saanand Verma, best known for his role as Anokhelal Saxena in the hit show Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai, has traveled an extraordinary path from severe poverty to recognition in the entertainment industry. His journey serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Early Struggles: Hunger, Evictions and Walking Miles
Saanand Verma's childhood was marked by extreme financial hardship that made basic survival a daily challenge. The actor recalls periods when his family couldn't arrange three proper meals a day, and frequent evictions due to unpaid rent were a regular occurrence. His father, Rajnarayan Verma, though a respected poet in Bihar, lacked financial acumen, leaving the family in perpetual economic distress.
After his father's death in 1991, a young Saanand made the life-altering decision to move to Mumbai to pursue acting and singing - dreams his father had cherished for him but didn't live to see realized. The struggle continued in the metropolitan city, where he often walked long distances between Mira Road and Andheri to save transportation costs while juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Multiple Careers: From Book Seller to Journalist
Long before facing camera lights, Saanand Verma had already experienced diverse professions that shaped his worldview. He started working as a child, selling books and assisting in agricultural fields. His literary talents emerged early - by the remarkable age of 13, he had already written three complete novelettes, inspired by his father's love for reading.
When the family's book publishing business collapsed, they relocated to Delhi where Saanand joined a newspaper as a proofreader. His talent quickly elevated him to the editorial team, marking his stint in journalism. Reflecting on those formative years, the actor shares that while his childhood lacked leisure, it built incredible resilience that would later serve him well in the unpredictable world of show business.
Artistic Roots and Breakthrough Performance
Growing up in a creatively rich environment naturally steered Saanand toward artistic expression. While writing came easily to him, acting and singing remained his true passions. At just 12 years old, he delivered a stunning performance playing a 70-year-old man in a state-level drama competition, winning the best actor award and signaling his natural talent for character portrayal.
These early experiences with life's hardships made him both hardworking and emotionally strong - qualities that would become invaluable assets in his acting career. The challenges he faced didn't break his spirit but instead taught him to rise above difficult circumstances with positivity and determination.
Breaking the Comedian Mold: Seeking Diverse Roles
Despite his current success, Saanand Verma initially found himself typecast following his popularity in Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai. He openly discusses the industry's tendency to label actors who excel at comedy, making it challenging to be considered for different types of roles.
The actor has consciously worked to diversify his portfolio, taking on serious characters like a police officer in Chaar Lugaai and a dramatic role in Vishal Bhardwaj's critically acclaimed film Pataakha. His ultimate dream remains to portray a complex villain who can simultaneously make audiences laugh, scare them, and generate hatred within the same film.
Through strategic role selection and persistent effort, Saanand continues to expand his range and challenge perceptions, proving that his talent extends far beyond comedic characters. His journey from hunger and hardship to recognition stands as an inspiring narrative for aspiring artists across India.
