Karishma Tanna has opened up about one of the most emotionally challenging phases of her career following the release of Sanju. In a recent interview, the actress shared that despite receiving praise for her brief but memorable role in the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer, she expected the film to open stronger doors. When that didn’t happen, the disappointment pushed her into a cycle of self-doubt and emotional withdrawal.
‘I stood out despite a small role… I thought opportunities would come’
Speaking about the phase when she slipped into depression after Sanju, Karishma told Bollywood Bubble that it was natural for her to expect a certain kind of momentum. She felt that being part of a big film, placed alongside prominent actors—even if only for a scene or two—should ideally translate into visibility. Since critics had noticed her performance and even mentioned her despite her limited screen time, she felt happy and validated. And because of that recognition, she naturally assumed that better opportunities would follow. She added, “Maine bhale hi do–teen scenes kiye, par main stand out hui us chhote se role mein. Mujhe pata tha that it’s a very small role, but I knew it was a very impactful role… a funny impactful role. I had one song also.”The actress admitted that the appreciation naturally made her hopeful. “Toh, I expected that after that… jaise hota hai na, koi actor ek chhota sa role karta hai, par woh pick up ho jaata hai, aur uske baad unki life change ho jaati hai, I had expected something on those lines.”
‘I didn’t get meatier roles… I didn’t know what the industry wanted’
Karishma revealed that despite the recognition, opportunities didn’t follow as she had hoped.“Chhota sa role hai, critics are talking about it, I will get good, meatier roles after that. Human nature hai… But logon ne iske baare mein bola. Main jahan-jahan gayi hoon, people have said, ‘Arey, Pinky, Pinky’ — abhi bhi kabhi-kabhi mujhe Pinky bolte hain.”Yet, the roles she expected never came, “After that, it was just human to expect meatier roles. And I didn’t get it. So I just went into my shell, thinking: I don’t know what people want from me anymore… I was thinking that I don’t know what this industry wants from me.”She revealed that this emotionally draining phase lasted over a year, “I mean, I will just kind of give up and not expect anything from anybody. Let it just be. I was in that zone. Yeh feeling ek saal, derh saal chali.”
‘I didn’t take therapy… I tried to understand what I was going through’
When asked if she sought therapy during this time, Karishma shared, “No, I used to read a lot of books on it. I used to go online and check — is it normal? I met a lot of actors, normal people, and I kept myself busy. Maine professional help toh nahi li, but mujhe lagta hai main self-help bhi karti hoon achhi tarah se.”She explained that understanding her emotions helped her cope, “You feel what you’re feeling… you’re feeling depressed, feel it; you’re feeling anxiety, feel it; you’re feeling low, feel it. Because it’s human to feel all of that… Aapki life mein sab kuch wow toh hamesha hone wala nahi hai.”Karishma added that even now, she sometimes experiences anxiety but knows how to handle it better.
‘I deserve a little more… but Scoop changed how people see me’
Reflecting on her journey and whether she has regrets, Karishma admitted, “I think I deserve a little more in my career. And I’m not losing hope. Main bahut hi patiently wait kar rahi hoon for that transformation — that turning point.”She believes Scoop became a turning point in how the industry views her. According to Karishma, the show finally gave her the kind of opportunity that helped her break out of the long-standing image of being a “TV face” or a “glamorous actor,” allowing her to step beyond that box and be seen in a new light.The actress concluded on a hopeful note, “I’ve become much more confident after that show… that shift has come — from me being glamorous to being an actor-actor. ‘We can consider her. We should consider her.’ Woh switch aa gaya hai, and I’m very happy with it.” Go to Source
