Pavleen Gujral has reunited with her Big Girls Don’t Cry co-star Aneet Padda in the JioHotstar series Hunkkaar: The Roar. In an exclusive conversation with Zoom following the series’ premiere, Pavleen discussed her decision to join the project, her lawyer character and her experience working with Aneet again.
Pavleen, who has previously appeared in projects including Angry Indian Goddesses and Big Girls Don’t Cry, takes on a significant role in Hunkkaar. The series, which premiered on September 25, follows a story centred on a woman who accuses a godman, played by Raghubir Yadav, of sexual assault.
Pavleen Gujral on What Drew Her to Hunkkaar
Speaking to Zoom, Pavleen explained that the women-centric nature of Hunkkaar was one of the major reasons she wanted to be part of the series.
“I think what drew me to Hunkkaar was basically that it’s very women-centric; it’s about speaking up, it’s about being brave, which I believe I have been in my life.”
The actress added that she has generally been interested in characters that challenge her emotionally and take her beyond familiar territory. According to Pavleen, her role in Hunkkaar offered exactly that kind of opportunity.
She also described her character as an important part of the narrative, explaining that the lawyer helps move the story forward and strengthen the case at the centre of the series.
Pavleen Praises Aneet Padda’s Confidence
Hunkkaar also marked another collaboration between Pavleen and Aneet Padda after their work together on Big Girls Don’t Cry.
Reflecting on their reunion, Pavleen spoke warmly about Aneet and recalled her confidence during their earlier project.
“She was so lovely even in Big Girls Don’t Cry. And now even with Hunkkaar, she’s been amazing. She is so warm every time you meet her.”
Pavleen further described Aneet as “very bubbly, chirpy and beautiful” while also highlighting the actress’s confidence and clarity about her performances.
According to Pavleen, that confidence was already evident when they worked together on Big Girls Don’t Cry, where Aneet played one of the central young characters.
From Big Girls Don’t Cry to Hunkkaar
The reunion gave Pavleen and Aneet an opportunity to work together again in a very different setting. While Big Girls Don’t Cry focused on the experiences and relationships of a group of young women, Hunkkaar explores a more serious subject involving allegations of sexual assault and the pursuit of justice.
For Pavleen, the new series offered a role that was emotionally demanding while also contributing directly to the central conflict.
The actress credited the project’s directors, cast and production team as additional reasons behind her decision to come on board.
Pavleen Gujral on Working With Arjun Mathur Again
Another familiar face also influenced Pavleen’s decision to join Hunkkaar. Arjun Mathur, with whom she previously worked on Angry Indian Goddesses, is part of the project.
Pavleen said their existing friendship made the experience feel more comfortable and collaborative.
“Arjun Mathur was there, who was my co-star in Angry Indian Goddesses. I have known him since then and we have a great bond. It was like working with friends and not just really felt like work.”
Her comments highlight the familiarity between several members of the cast and crew, something Pavleen said contributed to her overall experience on the series.
Hunkkaar Cast and Story
Directed by Nitya Mehra and Karan Kapadia, Hunkkaar: The Roar features an ensemble cast including Aneet Padda, Pavleen Gujral, Raghubir Yadav, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and others.
The series centres on a woman’s accusation against a godman and explores themes of courage, speaking up and the pursuit of justice. Pavleen’s lawyer character becomes an important part of the storyline as the case develops.
Hunkkaar: The Roar premiered on JioHotstar on September 25.
