Jugal Hansraj, known for his role in the iconic 1983 film “Masoom,” recently shared insights about his on-set dynamics with co-star Shabana Azmi. The film, marking the directorial debut of Shekhar Kapur, features Azmi as the stepmother of a young Hansraj’s character, Rahul Malhotra.
In a conversation with Pinkvilla, Hansraj recounted how Azmi maintained a distance from him during filming, which contrasted sharply with her friendly interactions with fellow child actors Urmila Matondkar and Aradhana. He explained, “She was very friendly with the other two girls because she was playing their mom in the movie, but she kept a distance from me.”
Reflecting on this experience, Hansraj later understood that Azmi’s approach was intentional and aimed at enhancing her performance. He noted, “I later got to know that it was part of her process, and she didn’t want us to become close because the audience should feel the coldness between us on the screen.” This deliberate choice added depth to their characters, creating a palpable tension that echoed throughout the film.
“Masoom,” which is an adaptation of Erich Segal’s novel “Man, Woman and Child,” features a talented ensemble cast, including Naseeruddin Shah and Tanuja. The film also marked the debut of several actors, including Urmila Matondkar and Aradhana, in their child roles. With its powerful storytelling and performances, “Masoom” remains an essential film in Indian cinema.
On the current projects front, Shabana Azmi has recently appeared in “Dabba Cartel,” a crime drama series directed by Hitesh Bhatia, while Jugal Hansraj was last seen in the third season of “The Family Man,” a popular spy thriller series also featuring Manoj Bajpayee. Both actors continue to contribute significantly to the Indian entertainment industry, showcasing their versatility and talent in various roles.