Saanand Verma, best known for his quirky portrayal of Anokhelal Saxena in Binaiferr and Sanjay Kohli’s Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai!, holds a unique distinction in his career — seamlessly slipping into the shoes of female characters. He recently turned Lenka for an episode of the show. The actor shares, “Over the years, I’ve portrayed various female characters on Bhabiji. In nearly every third or fourth episode, I’ve played a woman, and there was even a day when I portrayed four distinct female roles in a single shift. I think this might just qualify me for a world record!”
Saanand Verma as Lenka and numerous other female characters in Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai!
Playing a woman on screen, however, is no easy feat. He explains, “Cross-dressing isn’t just about makeup and jewellery — it’s about adopting the nuances of a woman’s body language, her walk, and her way of speaking. Initially, wearing women’s attire makes me very uncomfortable, but as an actor, I have to dive into the character and portray it authentically. Once the camera starts rolling, I transform and fully embody the role. But the discomfort returns the moment the shoot is over, and I’m back in my vanity van.”
So, how does he get it right every time? Saanand relies on keen observation to make them authentic. “I observe how women walk, smile, use their hands, and carry themselves. There’s so much to learn just by paying attention to the women around us. Incorporating these subtle details into my performances makes them believable,” he shares, adding, “Playing a different gender is demanding, but I love such challenges. Over time, with practice, the process has become smoother, though it still demands a lot of effort.”
Speaking about the process, Saanand offers a fascinating glimpse into the physical transformation. He says, “Whenever I play a female character, my admiration for women grows exponentially. The preparation is exhaustive — it takes around 2.5 hours to get ready. The eye makeup alone requires 30 minutes, and the entire makeup process, including costume and accessories, feels like a marathon. The heavy costumes often kill my appetite, and the tight accessories can be painful. By the time we pack up, I’m completely drained. It is commendable how women handle these challenges every day with such grace, all while balancing their families and careers. Their resilience is nothing short of inspiring.”