Telly Belly : The beautiful dog trainer

As Indu of 'Choopulu Kalisina Subhavelaa', she has become a household name even down south, on Telugu television. Sanaya Irani's new serial said to be in the lines of the film 'Khoobsoorat' is currently the buzz on the telly tube where she plays the role of a dog trainer Tanuja M After her debut in SAB TV drama 'Left Right Left' her first major role was that of Gunjan in Star One's 'Miley Jab Hum Tum'. But it was as Khushi in 'Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon' that got her fame, adulation and she reached heights of success and the Telugu run of the serial is still on air. Now, Sanaya Irani is all ready to shine in the title role of 'Chhanchhan' and here she talks to us about her new show, how the character is close to her real life and more�

Tell us about 'Chhanchhan'� 'Chhanchhan' is the name of my character in the serial set in Ahmedabad. I would describe her as today's girl who is free spirited and comes from a well educated family that doesn't force their ideals on her. But still her morals and values are in the right place and due to that she tries to change the world. She is someone who loves listening to rock music but at the same time recites the Gayatri Mantra every morning. And then there is Umaben (Supriya Pathak) who is a strict disciplinarian who sets all the rules in her family. They meet, clash and it's a story of two generations of feisty women who redefine the quest for a day when East meets west. The show explores how the vivacious 'Chhanchhan' applies her intelligence, plays her cards well and sets a dysfunctional family that she marries into, back on track.

How similar are you to your character in 'Chhanchhan'? I think it starts with the dogs� I am a dog lover in real life too and have three dogs at home while in the serial, 'Chhanchhan' has four dogs and is a dog trainer. The family backgrounds also match as even in my real life, family is not the strict types and they have a very cool attitude towards life in general.

We have heard that the serial is based on the film 'Khoobsurat'? I have not seen the film and neither was I ever briefed that the serial or my role is like in the film 'Khoobsurat'. I am happy about it because even if it is true that the serial comes across as being similar to the said film, I will not pick up any traces of the character in the film.

Your co-actor Farhan Khan is a fresh, new face on Indian television. How is he as a co-star? I have really not shot with him much but yes, I have met him and we get along well. At the shoot too, he did come across as a serious, talented guy. As a newcomer he sure must be having butterflies in his stomach. Give him some time� he will do good. Talking about the male lead, even your boyfriend Mohit Segal was being considered for the male lead� I know and he had even given the look test for the role but so had many others who had been finalised but it just did not work out. Even I would have liked to have worked with Mohit, but then the ultimate decision is not mine. Right now, I am just concentrating on making 'Chhanchhan' as popular as my earlier shows and keep up to my fans expectations.