Exclusive - Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai fame Saanand Verma: People assume that a superstar is happy and carefree 24 hours a day, but that’s not true

Actor Saanand Verma has been working constantly across platforms for many years. Be it television, OTT or films, he has always been consistent in his performance. Often, he has to strike a balance between his personal and professional life.In high-pressure industries like acting and music, how real is the burden of long-term stress? Saanand was a journalist before he became an actor. He says, ”This is one of the most uncertain and high-pressure industries in the world. Whether it’s an actor like me or a big superstar, everyone lives with some kind of stress every single day. People assume that a superstar is happy and carefree 24 hours a day, but that’s not true.

There is always tension because this industry runs on uncertainty. In other professions, success can be passed on from generation to generation. Here, individuality matters. Every person has to build their own identity. That uncertainty creates constant pressure and long-term stress.”Recently we have seen actors quit or step away at their peak, like Mamta Kulkarni, and singers like Neha Kakkar or Arijit Singh take breaks. Do you think such decisions are sometimes less about ambition and more about survival — mentally and physically?On this Saanand says, "Absolutely. Protecting your nervous system and your health is the most important thing.

If someone chooses to walk away from fame, leave everything behind, or live a quieter life, there is nothing wrong with that. It should not be misunderstood as ingratitude. We are human beings first. We work hard, we entertain people, we earn fame and money. But if at some point someone decides to prioritize peace and mental health, that decision can be about survival not ambition.

It depends on the individual, their mindset, upbringing, and how they see life.

Some people fight through pressure, others step back. Both choices are valid.”He also adds, “Fame definitely adds another layer of pressure. Expectations from the audience, producers, media, and even from yourself keep increasing. When I get a project, I give myself completely to it. I forget everything else and focus only on the character and my craft. Sometimes, in this process, personal habits, hobbies and health take a backseat.

Not everyone can afford to take breaks, go on long vacations, or detox in peaceful places.

Only very wealthy people can manage that easily. For many others, work keeps going, and stress becomes a constant companion.”But Saanand also feels there is a lot of awareness now in the industry. He says, “People talk about detoxing, about spending time in healthier environments, about taking time off. But the system itself is still demanding.

This industry pushes you to constantly perform and prove yourself. Some people create drama for survival, some start businesses, some try different strategies just to stay relevant. It is one of the most stressful industries because success cannot be guaranteed or inherited.

You are only as good as your last performance.”We have often noticed that when celebrities walk away from successful careers, they’re often judged as ungrateful or impulsive.

How can we shift the narrative to recognize that protecting one’s nervous system and health is not weakness? On this Saanand shares, “We need to understand that choosing peace is not weakness. Calling someone ungrateful for prioritizing their health is unfair. Everyone has a different emotional capacity and personal situation.

Some people manage to sustain careers for 40–50 years — Amitabh Bachchan is a great example. But not everyone can or wants to do that. Some shine for a few years and then choose a different path. That does not make them weak or impulsive. In an industry built on uncertainty and pressure, protecting your nervous system is not a luxury — it is a necessity.”