Actor Arav Chowdharry, renowned for his portrayal of Bhishma in the television series Mahabharat and his performances in Bollywood films such as Dhoom and Housefull 3, is poised to appear in the forthcoming Sony SAB TV serial Veer Hanuman. In this new role, he will depict Kesari, the father of Hanuman.

In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Arav shared insights about his transformation, having gained 10 kilograms of muscle mass to authentically portray Kesari. He also elaborated on how this series distinguishes itself from other representations of Lord Hanuman and its significance in contemporary society.

Arav's outfit as Kesari

Regarding his costume as Kesari, the production team recently unveiled a preview showcasing Arav in a majestic ensemble featuring mustard-red silk drapes and an elaborate mukut (crown) inspired by India's ancient landscapes. He noted that the most advantageous aspect of the costume is its practicality, allowing him to move freely while performing various actions.

When questioned about the enduring appeal of mythological shows, Arav affirmed, “Absolutely, they continue to engage audiences. After Mahabharat, I took a hiatus of ten years, focusing on cinema and other ventures. Subsequently, I participated in Shrimad Ramayan for Sony SAB, which emerged as the channel’s top show with impressive TRPs. The feedback I received from viewers globally for my role as Maharaj Dashrath was truly gratifying. I even received calls from the US praising my performance. If you create quality content for the audience, they will undoubtedly watch it.”

Arav on challenges of playing Kesari

Reflecting on the most demanding aspect of embodying Kesari, Arav remarked, “Each character presents its unique challenges. When we began our discussions about Kesari approximately three months ago, I commenced my preparations for the role. My previous project for this channel involved portraying Maharaj Dashrath in Shrimad Ramayan. For the role of Kesari, I needed to gain 10 kilograms of muscle to achieve a more imposing and muscular appearance, as Kesari is a Vanar and the father of Hanuman ji. Attaining that physique proved to be quite challenging.”

He further stated, “The most significant personal challenge for me is wearing dentures throughout the day to create the character’s appearance. They complicate my speech and even create difficulties when swallowing saliva.”

Arav shares a BTS moment

The filming for the series has commenced. Recalling a behind-the-scenes incident, Arav mentioned an injury sustained on set: “I experienced a minor injury, but thankfully, nothing serious occurred. I am not accustomed to having a tail behind me. When I turn, the tail moves with me. During a scene where I was paying homage to Lord Shiva, my tail inadvertently knocked over a large lamp adorned with multiple diyas, which fell directly onto my leg. It tore my dhoti and scratched my leg, but fortunately, the lamp extinguished before causing any further injury.”

Discussing what distinguishes Veer Hanuman from other shows centered on Lord Hanuman, Arav noted, “If you view the promo, you will observe how distinct it is, particularly with the visual effects. It appears grand and monumental. While we have encountered narratives of Lord Hanuman and his role in the Ramayana, this series will delve into the story of Bal Hanuman and the lives of Kesari and Anjana prior to Hanuman ji’s birth. It offers a fresh and innovative perspective for everyone.”

Produced by Swastik Productions, Veer Hanuman features a talented ensemble cast, including Aan Tiwari, Sayli Salunkhe, and Mahir Pandhi in prominent roles. The show is set to premiere on Sony SAB on March 11 at 7:30 PM.

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