“King Jarasandh is a character who has both strength and wisdom” says Aabhaas Mehta on Sony SAB’s Hastinapur Ke Veer

Sony SAB’s Hastinapur Ke Veer takes viewers into the lives of the Pandavas and Kauravas exploring the stories, relationships and ambitions that shaped Mahabharat. Adding to this powerful world is actor Aabhaas Mehta, who steps into the role of King Jarasandh, a ruler known for his immense strength, power and wisdom.

In this conversation, Aabhaas Mehta opens up about doing mythology, what makes Jarasandh an exciting character to portray and more.

1. What interested you most about playing the powerful character of Jarasandh in Hastinapur Ke Veer?

What interested me the most about playing Jarasandh is the kind of power he has and the important place he holds in this epic story. Being a part of a show connected to the Mahabharata is a very special opportunity for me as an actor. Jarasandh is known for his great strength and power, so playing a character like him comes with a lot to explore.

2. Jarasandh is known for his power and strength. What different sides of his character will viewers get to see?

Jarasandh is known for his power and strength, but there is another side to him that I find very interesting, and that is his wisdom. He is not just a strong king. He is also someone who understands things and thinks before he acts. I think viewers will get to see that Jarasandh is a character who has both strength and wisdom, which makes him more interesting.

bI want to show Jarasandh in a way that feels different from the usual way mythological characters, especially antagonists, are shown. Hastinapur Ke Veer explores the human side of every character and the reasons behind their actions and choices. Every person has different emotions and reasons behind their actions, and I want to bring that into my portrayal of Jarasandh.

5. How does Jarasandh’s look help you get into the character?

The look helps me a lot because once I wear the costume, jewellery and makeup, I feel like I am Jarasandh. The look is a very important part of becoming the character for me. Jarasandh has a very unique and intriguing look. His hair, costume, makeup and props reflects his strong personality. It helps me change my body language, my expressions and even the way I think about the scene.

6. You may not share screen space with the young actors, but how has your off-screen bond with the kids been?

Even though I don’t shoot with the young artists off-screen I have had some really nice conversations with most of them. They are all very energetic and fun to be around. It is wonderful to see kids who are so eager to learn and give their best while performing.

7. What can today’s audience learn from Jarasandh’s journey?

I think Jarasandh’s journey shows us that power needs to be handled carefully. Even someone who is very powerful can face a big fall if that power is not used in the right way. Hastinapur Ke Veer shows how important it is to nurture people with the right values and guidance, because power, when not nurtured and guided in the right way, can become catastrophic, even for the mighty. It shows that having power is one thing but knowing how to use it is equally important.

Tune in to watch Hastinapur Ke Veer Monday to Saturday at 9:00 PM only on Sony SAB