Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 23 (ANI): Ahead of the release of their upcoming series ‘Hunkkaar: The Roar’, actors Raghubir Yadav, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Zoya Hussain opened up about their characters, the themes of the show and what drew them to the project.
The story moves through a police investigation, courtroom proceedings and media coverage, with each setting presenting a different view of the case. Fatima plays ACP Jasleen Singh Soni, while Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub essays Bhalerao. Arjun Mathur, Raghubir Yadav and Ram Kapoor are also part of the cast.
Raghubir Yadav, who plays the character of ‘Baapji’, shared details about his role and said that portraying the character was a challenge as it was completely different from his own personality.
Talking about what compelled him to take up the role, the veteran actor said the character was completely opposite to his own nature and way of thinking.
“Well, actually, it was completely contrary to my very existence and nature. The character... I mean, who I am as a person, my personality, my thought process, the way I live my life or wish to live it—it was entirely opposite, a stark contrast. So that in itself was a challenge for me. And while not with a smile, I accepted it through quite a bit of struggle and discomfort,” he told ANI.
Fatima Sana Shaikh, who plays a police officer in the series, spoke about her character’s journey and said the role revolves around fighting for truth against powerful forces.
“I am playing the role of a police officer who is setting out to rein in... to take control of Baapji. But essentially, it is also her personal journey. She is fighting for the truth against immensely powerful forces. Moreover, it explores how the world and the crowd blindly follow faith, and how, in doing so, the scales of morality tilt heavily to one side. Her journey is about how to change that and how she fights against it,” she said.
Speaking about the aspect of her character that she could relate to, Fatima said they shared a similar moral compass.
“In reality, I think her sense of morality... both of us share the same moral compass, so I was able to connect on that level. Other than that, in real life, I am neither a police officer, nor am I trying to take down such a mammoth entity, nor am I fighting that battle on the ground. Doing that takes immense courage, fighting a case for years without giving up, and consistently waging that battle against the entire world, the mob, and massive powers isn't easy. I am just a humble actor fortunate enough to get the opportunity to portray such impactful roles; that's all,” she said.
Zoya Hussain, meanwhile, spoke about the transformation of her character and said what interested her was the gradual change in the character’s beliefs.
“I think what was interesting about this character was that our moralities are completely different. She is on a path of self-discovery. In the beginning, she is extremely sure about what she believes in. But gradually, over the course of what happens with Baapji and throughout the show, that certainty begins to shift. Why and when that happens is something you'll have to watch the show to find out. But that’s what drew me in, the gradual unfolding of something, rather than having everything set in stone from the start,” she said.
Talking about the title ‘Hunkkaar’, Raghubir Yadav said it represents the need to raise one’s voice and bring out the truth.
“Whether the issue is big or small, you have to roar (hunkarna), to voice your stance and bring out the truth. So that's what it is. I believe it isn't about big or small; when a person is completely overwhelmed from within and feeling suffocated, then other than letting out a roar, there is simply no other way,” he said.
Fatima also highlighted the importance of courage while speaking about social realities and struggles faced by people.
“Regardless of the issue, big or small, until it pushes you to that extreme... it takes enormous courage to speak out, and very few are able to do it. Whether female or male, so many people are going through various kinds of struggles, like casteism, sexism, and many other issues,” she said.
She added, “We live in a city within a protective bubble, but people out there lack those privileges and opportunities. While it might be relatively easier for us to raise our voice (hunkar), for them it is immensely difficult. It's not just about discussing tough topics; society itself doesn't allow them to speak. That's why it is necessary.”
Zoya Hussain said supporting people who raise their voices is important.
“I feel that in today's world, so much is happening around us, genuinely. So whether in a small way or a big way, if you can support anyone who is trying to speak up, just help them, basically,” she said.
Urging audiences to watch the series, Raghubir Yadav said, “Please do watch it. We have put in immense hard work, effort, and emotion to bring this story to you. It is your responsibility to watch, reflect on where we stand today, and see what we have accomplished and what still needs to be done.”
The series is directed by Karan D Kapadia, Nitya Mehra and Heeraz Marfatia and created by Karan D Kapadia and Nitya Mehra.‘Hunkkaar: The Roar’ will be available on JioHotstar from September 25. (ANI)
“Whether the issue is big or small, you have to roar.. ": Raghubir Yadav, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Zoya Hussain discuss message of ‘Hunkkaar’
