Hunar Hali Gandhi on playing Queen Kaikeyi in Veer Hanuman; says ‘Playing a mother to Lord Ram has been emotionally gratifying'
'Playing a mother to Lord Ram has been emotionally gratifying,' Hunar shares, reflecting on her journey with the character.
Portraying Kaikeyi—often remembered for sending Lord Ram into exile—was no small task. Hunar dove deep into the emotional complexities of the role, determined to break the one-dimensional perception of the queen. 'Kaikeyi is often seen through a one-dimensional lens, but she was much more than her one decision.
She was loving and brave,' Hunar says. To prepare, she focused on embodying the grace, strength, and inner turmoil of a warrior queen.
'Mythology demands a sense of therav (pause), grace, and correctness in speech and movement. Fitness and poise were essential,' she explains.
The emotional connection with Kaikeyi's intentions as both queen and mother came naturally. 'Absolutely. What resonates with me is that life often judges us for one mistake, forgetting the many good things we do,' Hunar says.
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Her scenes with the young Lord Ram, filled with tenderness, offer audiences a fresh, heartfelt perspective on Kaikeyi's maternal love.
Experiencing the grandeur of mythological storytelling on set was overwhelming in the best way. 'I was truly in awe,' she recalls. 'Kaikeyi's look and presence made me feel regal, strong, and connected from day one.'
When asked what she admires most about Lord Hanuman, the central figure of the show, Hunar praises his timeless virtues. 'Lord Hanuman is the epitome of loyalty, selflessness, and humility. Sadly, these values are fading today. I've had close friendships fall apart unexpectedly—that's why I value honesty and loyalty so deeply.'
Through Veer Hanuman, Hunar finds herself not only portraying a powerful queen, but also embracing deeper emotional truths about love, sacrifice, and redemption.
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