Hiba Nawab returns to comedy with ‘Chudail Chali Sasural’: ‘I don’t believe in putting myself in a box’

Hiba Nawab is returning to television after nearly a year with Chudail Chali Sasural, a fantasy-comedy that gives the actor an opportunity to step away from the intense dramatic space of Jhanak. She says she had been hoping to do comedy again and believes actors should remain open to different kinds of roles.

Hiba Nawab is ready to embrace a lighter side of television with Chudail Chali Sasural. After spending the last few years playing emotionally demanding characters, the actor is returning to comedy with the upcoming fantasy show, which takes inspiration from the popular 1990s sitcom Bewitched.

However, Hiba is quick to point out that the new series is not intended to be a direct adaptation. According to her, the show draws inspiration from the concept while developing its own characters, tone and storyline.

“Comparisons are inevitable, but this isn’t a copy-paste adaptation. It’s inspired by the original while telling its own story,” Hiba said.

Hiba Nawab plays a different kind of witch

One of the show’s biggest departures from conventional supernatural portrayals is its central character. Rather than presenting a frightening witch associated with horror clichés, Chudail Chali Sasural introduces a more approachable and humorous character.

Hiba described her character as a “lovable chudail”, noting that viewers should not expect the stereotypical image of a supernatural woman with long nails, untidy hair and a frightening appearance.

The fantasy element also gives Hiba an opportunity to explore comedy while working with a character that is unusual for mainstream television.

‘I had really missed comedy’

For Hiba, the project also represents a return to a genre she had been actively looking for after completing Jhanak.

“I had really missed comedy. After wrapping up Jhanak, I remember telling my co-actors that I wanted my next project to be a comedy,” she recalled.

The actor said that several family-drama opportunities were discussed after Jhanak, but those projects did not eventually materialise. Looking back, she feels that the wait ultimately worked in her favour because it led her to the kind of role she wanted.

“I was a little nervous because, after spending the past few years in an intense drama space, I felt I had forgotten how to do comedy. But once I started shooting, it all came back naturally,” she said.

Her return therefore comes with both familiarity and a new challenge: reconnecting with the comic timing and lighter performance style she had been missing.

Hiba says she does not want to be limited by one type of role

Although Chudail Chali Sasural gives Hiba an unconventional fantasy-comedy character, she does not want her choices to be restricted to one particular interpretation of a role.

She said she would also consider playing a more traditional portrayal of a witch if the material was strong enough.

“If the story is engaging and I’m convinced by the script, I’ll enjoy playing the character. And if I feel the role will help me grow as an actor, I would happily take it up,” she said.

For Hiba, the quality of the writing and the opportunity to evolve as a performer matter more than whether a character fits a particular image.

Hiba Nawab on relationships and growing older

Away from the sets, Hiba also reflected on how her outlook on relationships has changed with age.

The actor, now 29, said she once believed she would have her life completely figured out by her mid-twenties. Her perspective has since become more relaxed, with Hiba acknowledging that personal growth does not follow a fixed timeline.

“When I was younger, I thought I’d have life completely figured out by the time I turned 26. I’m 29 now, and I feel I’ll probably still be figuring things out even at 50,” she said.

She added that she no longer approaches relationships with the rigid checklist she once had.

“Earlier, I had a fixed checklist of what I wanted, but now I prefer going with the flow. I want to love myself, hopefully find someone to share my life with, and grow together. I think I’ve become wiser with time, but I’m still learning,” Hiba said.

With Chudail Chali Sasural, Hiba Nawab is entering another phase of her television career—one that combines fantasy, comedy and a willingness to experiment rather than being defined by a single genre.