In a candid revelation, popular television actress Surbhi Chandna has shared the surprising story of how she was initially reluctant to take on the iconic role in the hit supernatural series 'Naagin 5'. The actress, best known for her role in 'Ishqbaaz' opposite Nakuul Mehta, stated that the COVID-19 pandemic played a pivotal role in her final decision to embrace the character.
The Initial Hesitation and a Dream Collaboration
During a recent podcast interview hosted by fellow actress Rashami Desai, Surbhi Chandna expressed her long-standing desire to work with producer Ektaa Kapoor of Balaji Telefilms. However, when the offer for 'Naagin 5' finally came her way, the 36-year-old actress had serious doubts. She confessed to the hosts that she felt she didn't fit the traditional criteria for the mythical 'Icchadhari Naagin' character.
"I told them that I am dying to work with Balaji, but give me some other show," Chandna recalled telling the makers. She requested time to reconsider the offer, a decision that coincided with the global disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
How COVID-19 Changed The Game
The unforeseen delay caused by the pandemic ultimately worked in Chandna's favor. The production timeline shifted, altering the sequence of character introductions. The show was originally supposed to begin with a different actor, followed by a reincarnation storyline, before Chandna's Naagin was to appear. This change in schedule allowed her to prepare and instantly switch into "action mode" when her entry was moved forward.
Reflecting on the outcome, host Rashami Desai humorously highlighted the show's massive impact on its young audience. She laughed, recounting how children would approach Chandna and say, "Aunty, Naagin ban ke dikhao na (Aunty, show us how you become a Naagin)."
Embracing the Transformation and Legacy
Once committed, Surbhi Chandna fully embraced the challenging role, which required her to portray a seemingly ordinary girl with immense hidden power. Her stunning look as the Naagin, first unveiled by Ektaa Kapoor on Instagram, left fans in awe. Chandna has stated that working on the show was a transformative experience, contributing significantly to both her professional growth and personal journey.
Furthermore, her on-screen chemistry with co-star Sharad Malhotra became one of the most celebrated aspects of the season. As the 'Naagin' franchise continues to evolve, with Priyanka Chahar Choudhary set to debut in 'Naagin 7' starting December 27, 2025, Chandna's season remains a memorable chapter in the series' successful run.
