Mumbai, 13th July 2026: Portraying a dark character on screen is never easy, especially for young actors who are still discovering the craft of performance. While antagonists often leave a lasting impact on audiences, bringing such layered characters to life requires a careful balance between conviction and emotional detachment. On the sets of Sony SAB's Hastinapur Ke Veer, the camaraderie extends beyond the camera, with senior actors often mentoring their younger co-stars as they navigate these layered performances. Chandan Anand, who essays the role of Shakuni, has become one such guiding force for young Duryodhan (Aayudh Bhanushali).
Since Aayudh is playing one of mythology's most layered negative characters at such a young age, Chandan makes a conscious effort to ensure that the intensity of the role doesn't spill over into his real life. Whether it's joking around between takes, encouraging him to play with the other child actors, or reminding him that Duryodhan's actions belong only to the character, Chandan ensures Aayudh remains the cheerful, grounded and fun-loving child he is off-screen while continuing to grow as a performer. Sharing his advice, Chandan Anand said, "Working with the young actors is always special because they're like sponges, they absorb everything happening around them. Since Aayudh is playing Duryodhan, a character who is filled with so much anger, ambition and emotional complexity, I feel it's my responsibility as his senior to make sure he understands that these emotions belong only to the character. I often tell him that once the director says 'cut,' Duryodhan stays on the set and Aayudh gets to be himself again. I encourage him to laugh, play, spend time with everyone on set and enjoy being a child. The character should stay in front of the camera, never become a part of who you are." Tune in to watch Hastinapur Ke Veer Monday to Saturday at 9:00 PM on Sony SABMore Articles