Latest news with #VeerHanuman
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anila Kharbanda joins the cast of Veer Hanuman
Anila Kharbanda embraces a challenging role as Tadka, a powerful demoness in the TV show Veer Hanuman. Actress Anila Kharbanda has stepped into an intense and unconventional role in the TV show Veer Hanuman. She plays Tadka, a demoness with a significant presence in the Ramayan narrative. Sharing her excitement about the project, Anila says, 'I've joined Veer Hanuman as Tadka – a demoness who has had a significant role in the story of Ramayan . My character is negative, even though Tadka's story signifies that she was cursed to be a demoness.' For Anila, this role marks a bold shift from her previous work. 'I've never done any role like such and I'm loving every bit of it,' she says. But the experience hasn't come without its demands. 'This character is extremely strong and powerful and requires a diligent amount of strength in terms of expressions, voice, power, and hence for a petite self like mine.' She adds, 'Every dialogue delivery has been excruciatingly powerful and has taken over every ounce of my strength in the body.' Despite the physical and emotional intensity of the role, Anila shares, 'This show is being shot in Umbergaon, which is five hours away from Mumbai. Hence, they are very responsible for keeping their artists comfortable at all times. But it does get tough sometimes to manage to shoot this far away from the city.'
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hunar Hali, Arav Chaudharry and other celebs on how traditional Indian costumes shape their performance on-screen
In Indian television, costumes do more than create a visual identity; they anchor characters in history, culture, and emotion. For actors playing mythological and historical roles, traditional Indian attire becomes not just a wardrobe requirement but a tool that enhances performance and emotional depth. Stars from popular shows like Tenali Rama and Veer Hanuman reflect on how slipping into traditional clothing transforms their portrayal and connects them more intimately with their characters. Krishna Bharadwaj, who essays the iconic role of Tenali Rama in Tenali Rama, believes costumes are crucial for authenticity. 'You can't truly bring Tenali Rama to life without immersing yourself in the cultural fabric of the era and the costume plays a pivotal role in that. From the sacred tilak on the forehead to the drape of the dhoti, every element grounds me in that world. It transforms not just my appearance, but my posture, how I speak, even my energy. In fact, slipping into traditional attire makes it far easier to set Krishna aside and fully become Tenali.' Echoing a similar sentiment, Nikkhil Arya, who plays Kotwal in the same show, shared how traditional attire deepens his connection with the character. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your 2 & 3 BHK dream home in the heart of city Pune Kohinoor Riverdale Read More Undo 'The traditional attire feels like an extension of the character, it's almost a performance tool in itself. The layers, the elegance, the sheer grandeur of it all help me step into the role with ease. Even the language begins to resonate more deeply once I'm in costume; it anchors the performance in authenticity and makes the entire portrayal feel grounded and real. Of course, my outfit is among the heaviest on set, but despite the physical demands, the experience is incredibly fulfilling.' Aditya Redij, portraying King Krishnadevraya in Veer Hanuman, finds strength and power in his royal costume. 'Wearing the traditional Indian costume for the role of Maharaj Krishnadevraya truly helps me get into character. Initially, it was a bit challenging to shift from modern clothing to the heavy royal attire, with the jewelry, the crown, and all the layers. But over time, I got used to it, and now I genuinely feel it adds immense value to my performance. The moment I put on the costume, I begin to feel the power and responsibility that a king like Krishnadevraya would have carried. It changes my body language, my mindset, and even the way I speak. It connects me more deeply to the time and culture he belonged to. So yes, traditional attire doesn't just enhance the visual appeal, it helps me truly feel like a king, and that sense of authenticity brings a lot of honesty to the way I portray him on screen.' Hunar Hali, who essays Queen Kaikeyi in the same series, admitted that while the grandeur of ethnic wear initially felt overwhelming, it soon became integral to her performance. 'At first, shooting long hours in sarees, heavy ethnic wear, and especially the grand headgear felt physically demanding. But that headpiece isn't just an accessory, it carries the weight of Kaikeyi's pride, status, and inner turmoil. Over time, I've come to embrace how much it adds to the performance. Kaikeyi is a character who lives through intense emotional highs and lows, and traditional clothing brings an elegance and authenticity to the role.' Finally, Arav Chaudharry, playing Kesari in Veer Hanuman, shared how traditional attire immerses him fully into the character. 'Traditional attire brings a certain nobility and weight to your presence. Especially in mythological roles, you're not just wearing a costume, you're wearing history. For Kesari, the regal look is an extension of his strength and devotion. When I put on the outfit, I don't feel like I'm playing him, I'm him. ' For these actors, traditional Indian costumes are more than aesthetics; they are essential tools that bridge the gap between performance and authenticity.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exclusive: Hunar Hali Gandhi on her elaborate look as Queen Kaikeyi in Veer Hanuman; says ‘The styling wasn't just aesthetic, it was armour'
In a world of larger-than-life mythological characters, Hunar Hali Gandhi is leaving an indelible mark with her portrayal of the fierce and complex Queen Kaikeyi in Veer Hanuman. With her striking look, royal aura, and powerful expressions, Hunar has not only stepped into a character but fully transformed into a symbol of grace, pride, and power. In an exclusive chat with Times of India TV, the actress opened up about the experience of bringing Kaikeyi to life, starting with the moment she first saw herself in full costume. 'When I first saw myself as Kaikeyi — in that elaborate costume, the intricate jewellery, and the powerfully lined eyes — I didn't see myself anymore,' Hunar recalled. 'I saw a queen, a mother, a storm in stillness. It gave me goosebumps. I remember just standing there, quiet, because something inside me shifted. I knew I wasn't just playing Kaikeyi — I was about to become her.' The transformation wasn't just physical. For Hunar, the styling became a bridge to Kaikeyi's layered inner world. 'Kaikeyi's styling wasn't just aesthetic — it was armour. The weight of the jewellery, the richness of the silks, the sharpness of the crown — all of it reminded me that she wasn't a gentle breeze, she was a calculated storm,' she said. 'Each layer I wore peeled away a part of me and layered in a part of her.' To craft this majestic look, the makers invested deeply in research. 'The team studied ancient scriptures, paintings, and regional influences to ensure authenticity. From jewellery that hinted at royal dominance to hair styled for discipline and drama — they built a legacy, not just a look,' Hunar shared. 'You don't have to act royal, you feel royal.' While every element contributed to the transformation, one detail stood out to Hunar the most. 'It was the eyes — the boldness, the upward strokes, that silent intensity,' she said. 'That gaze held pride, pain, power — and somewhere, poetry. I connected to that the most. It reminded me that strength doesn't always roar — sometimes it just looks back unapologetically.' Of course, the grandeur comes with challenges. 'Kaikeyi's look is grand, and with that grandeur comes a certain weight,' she admitted. 'It demands extra care and balance during long shoots, but the crown itself feels like both a symbol and a shield — it keeps me rooted in Kaikeyi's strength and presence.'
India.com
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Bigg Boss 19 contestants: From Ram Kapoor, Nia Sharma to Gaurav Taneja, tentative list is here, 4th entry is controversial
Bigg Boss 19 Contestants: There isn't much time left before the launch of Bigg Boss 19. Fans are buzzing with questions about what new twists the makers will bring to TV's biggest reality show and which celebrities will be participating this season. Who are the contestants of Bigg Boss 19? So far, several actors' names have surfaced as potential contestants in the Salman Khan-hosted show. The latest names to be mentioned are Dhanashree Verma and Hunar Hali. Hunar is currently playing the role of Kaikeyi in the TV serial Veer Hanuman, while Dhanashree Verma is the ex-wife of the Indian cricket team's star player Yuzvendra Chahal. Which social media influencers will be appearing in Bigg Boss 19? Earlier, it was updated that YouTubers or social media stars will not be invited this season. However, later it turned out to be just a rumour when stars started getting offers for the show. Content creators like Apoorva Mukhija, Gaurav Taneja, Dolly Chaiwala are also in the tentative list. Dheeraj Dhoopar, known for popular shows like Kundali Bhagya , is reportedly set to appear in Bigg Boss 19. Apoorva Mukhija, aka The Rebel Kid, who made headlines earlier this year due to the India's Got Talent controversy, is also said to be joining the show. Gaurav Taneja, popularly known as Flying Beast, is a well-known YouTuber and fitness enthusiast, and can join the list of contestants too. Actress Khushi Dubey, who gained fame for her role in the show Aashiqana, is reportedly signing for Bigg Boss 19. It is speculated that Ram Kapoor may participate in Bigg Boss 19 alongside his actress wife, Gautami Kapoor. Veteran actor Ashish Vidyarthi, who was recently seen in The Traitors , is also among the rumoured contestants.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Is Hunar Hali participating in Bigg Boss 19?
Hunar Hali After a lot of back-and-forth and speculation over Bigg Boss moving to another channel, the reality show is back on its original platform. We have learnt that it will launch on August 24 and conclude in the first week of December. Now, there is an exclusive update on the probable list of participants this season. Sources tell us that the makers have approached Hunar Hali to participate in the reality show. The actress is currently seen as Kaikeyi in Veer Hanuman – Bolo Bajrang Bali Ki Jai. The show marks her second foray into the mythological genre after Paramavatar Shri Krishna, in which she essayed the role of Rukmini five years ago. While Hunar remained unavailable for comment just days before joining Veer Hanuman - Bolo Bajrang Bali Ki Jai, a source closely associated with the production shared, 'We finalised Hunar for the character because she fits the part perfectly. Just like the other mythological characters in the show, we've put in a lot of effort into crafting Kaikeyi's role. It will be portrayed with great depth and nuance. Hunar has already begun shooting in Umbergaon. ' She also underwent a dental procedure to align with the appearance of the character. The source revealed, 'She had to get a procedure done to correct her buck tooth for the role of Kaikeyi. In mythological shows, it is crucial for actors to look a certain way. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Since the shoot was scheduled to begin immediately, she opted for composite bonding as a temporary fix. It was a two-hour procedure to get her ready for the part.' The actress later confirmed the news of her dental procedure. Hunar has been part of shows like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Grihasti, 12/24 Karol Bagh, Mukti Bandhan, Ek Boond Ishq, Dahleez, Thapki Pyar Ki, Patiala Babes, Tera Mera Saath Rahe and Deewani.
