Actress Akanksha Puri has drawn attention for her portrayal of Meetu Punjaban — a dancer-turned-informer — in the Randeep Hooda-fronted web series Inspector Avinash 2, which premiered on JioHotstar on 15 May 2025. Speaking about the role, Puri said the project pushed her well beyond familiar territory, both emotionally and creatively.

Why Akanksha Puri chose the role

Puri was candid about her motivation for taking on the character. 'I wanted to do something fearless and different. This role allowed me to step away from my comfort zone and explore a much stronger and emotionally intense side of myself as an actor,' she said.

She added that embodying Meetu Punjaban demanded a specific combination of confidence and emotional depth, and that the process helped her uncover a new layer of versatility as a performer.

On working with Randeep Hooda

Puri was effusive in her praise for her co-star Randeep Hooda, crediting his intensity on set as a catalyst for her own performance. 'Randeep brings so much honesty into every scene. Working with him was a great experience because you naturally become more focused and involved as a performer,' she said.

Her remarks align with those of Inspector Avinash 2 director Neerraj Pathak, who has publicly compared Hooda's work ethic to that of the late actor Irrfan Khan. Pathak recalled his long association with Irrfan, including a Doordarshan television show and the film Right Yaaa Wrong, and said the creative joy he experienced working with Irrfan was mirrored in his collaboration with Hooda. 'I can say that he has spoiled me, actually. Now, when I cast someone... I think, Who will have so much dedication? Who will do it so well?' Pathak said.

The character and its significance

Meetu Punjaban is positioned as one of the more layered supporting roles in the series — a woman navigating the dangerous overlap between the entertainment world and criminal intelligence. For Puri, the character represents a deliberate departure from safer, more conventional roles she has played in the past.

Notably, the series is built around a real-life narrative, with Hooda reprising his role as Inspector Avinash Mishra, lending the production a gritty, grounded quality that actors on the project say shaped the overall tone on set.

Inspector Avinash 2 on JioHotstar

Inspector Avinash 2 is now streaming on JioHotstar following its 15 May 2025 premiere. The series has generated considerable viewer interest, particularly for Hooda's performance and the ensemble cast's commitment to the material. Puri's turn as Meetu Punjaban has been cited as one of the standout supporting arcs of the season.