Sony SAB’s newly launched magnum opus Hastinapur Ke Veer brings alive the untold early years of the Pandavas and Kauravas, exploring the relationships, upbringing, and ambitions that shaped the destiny of Hastinapur. As viewers begin their journey into the world of Hastinapur, bringing one of Mahabharat’s most intriguing characters to life is Chandan Anand as Shakuni, whose influence changed the destiny of the Kauravas and Pandavas.
Shakuni is often remembered for his intelligence, persuasive nature, and ability to stay several steps ahead, making him one of the most influential figures in Hastinapur. To portray such a layered character on screen, Chandan Anand spent time understanding Shakuni’s personality and the qualities that make him one of the most memorable figures. From his mannerisms to the way he communicates, Chandan worked on several aspects of the character to bring authenticity and depth to his performance in Hastinapur Ke Veer.
Talking about his preparation for the role, Chandan Anand shared, “While preparing for Shakuni, I spent a lot of time understanding what truly makes him powerful. To me, Shakuni is a magician of words. His greatest strength lies in concealing his true intentions while subtly influencing everyone around him through what he says. There’s a saying, ‘Shabd sambhal kar rakhiye, shabd ke haath na paanv. Ek shabd malham kare ek kare hai ghaanv’ (Be careful with your words, words have no hands or feet. One word can heal, another can cause a wound.) Understanding this aspect helped me shape the way Shakuni thinks, speaks and manipulates situations. I also introduced a special clap as one of his signature mannerisms, inspired by a gesture my grandfather used to make. It felt very personal, and somehow perfectly aligned with Shakuni’s personality. These small nuances help me connect more authentically with the character and make his presence on screen more memorable.”
Tune in to watch Hastinapur Ke Veer every Monday to Saturday at 9 PM on Sony SAB
