Rishi Saxena on playing the role of obsessed lover in Sony SAB’s Itti Si Khushi

Sony SAB’s Itti Si Khushi resonates deeply with audiences through its heartfelt story of unshakeable family bonds. The show follows Anvita (Sumbul Touqeer Khan), a young woman who has spent her life protecting her family through every storm, from handling her father Suhas’ (Varun Badola) addiction to shielding her siblings from danger. Standing at the center of her emotional world are two contrasting forces: Virat (Rajat Verma), whose quiet love has been her constant strength, and Sanjay (Rishi Saxena), whose hidden manipulations now threaten to upend everything she holds dear. 
In a candid chat, Rishi Saxena opens up about stepping into Sanjay’s complex psyche and portraying a character who operates in the most intriguing shades of grey..
Sanjay isn’t a typical villain — what, in your view, makes him so layered and complex?
Humans react differently in different situations, no one is completely black or white. Sanjay is exactly that. His flaws, impulses, vulnerabilities, and emotions make him real. He isn’t written as a “villain”; he’s someone driven by love, fear, and desperation. That’s what gives the character so many layers.
His love for Anvita slowly turns into obsession. How did you approach portraying that emotional shift?
The transition was beautifully built into the writing, so for me it was about tuning into that slow burn. I simply followed the graph the writers created and trusted the vision of our director. The shift had to feel organic, and having that clarity on the page made it easier to internalise and play it truthfully.
Sanjay blackmailing Virat marks a major turning point. What went into preparing for that intensity?
Every scene demands its own approach, and for this one I wanted the performance to feel raw and unpolished. That honesty worked for the moment. Also, the solid onscreen dynamic I share with Rajat who is playing the role of Virat made it easier to tap into that confrontational energy. When your co-actor gives you so much, half the battle is won.
In this wedding track, how far do you think Sanjay is willing to go to get what he wants?
Sanjay truly believes everything he’s doing is for Anvita. In his mind, he’s protecting her, doing what’s “right.” When someone feels that strongly, there are no limits to how far they can go. So yes, he will go as deep and as far as he thinks is necessary, because his intentions, to him, are justified.
As an actor, what excites you most about playing a character who operates in the grey zone rather than being outright negative?
I love keeping performances real and raw, and Sanjay allows me to do exactly that. Characters like him are rare on Indian television. He’s unpredictable, emotional, flawed, and honest, which makes him extremely interesting to play. There’s so much room to explore, and that’s exciting for any actor.
Does playing someone as emotionally charged as Sanjay affect you off-set? How do you switch off after such heavy scenes?
Honestly, it’s just professionalism. Once the scene is done, I switch off and move on. That separation is important, it keeps you grounded and helps you come back fresh the next day.
Are there any specific techniques or prep methods you rely on to get into Sanjay’s mindset?
I try to keep the character’s motives simple and aligned with the story. When the intention is clear, the mindset follows naturally. And on days when I drift, which happens, I’m lucky to have an amazing team that helps bring me right back into Sanjay’s headspace.