Aneet Padda shot 'Hunkkaar – The Roar' before 'Saiyaara' breakthrough
Synopsis
Aneet Padda's 'Hunkkaar – The Roar' was in the works long before 'Saiyaara' made her a household name — and that context matters. Playing an assault survivor opposite Fatima Sana Shaikh's steely police inspector, Padda steps into her most challenging role yet. Streaming on JioHotstar from 25 September, the series could reframe how audiences see her beyond the romantic-drama breakout.
Key Takeaways
Aneet Padda confirmed she filmed 'Hunkkaar – The Roar' before her breakthrough film 'Saiyaara' (2025).
The series streams on JioHotstar as a Hotstar Special from 25 September .
Padda plays Meenu Rawat , a 17-year-old assault survivor; Fatima Sana Shaikh plays the investigating police inspector.
The ensemble cast includes Ram Kapoor , Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub , Arjun Mathur , and Zoya Hussain .
Produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment ; directed by Karan D Kapadia , Nitya Mehra , and Heeraz Marfatia .
Aneet Padda has revealed that her upcoming crime and justice drama 'Hunkkaar – The Roar' was filmed before 'Saiyaara' — the 2025 Mohit Suri romantic film that catapulted her to mainstream recognition. The JioHotstar series, a Hotstar Specials production, streams from 25 September and marks one of her most demanding roles to date.
Aneet Padda on the Project's Journey
Sharing the official teaser on social media, Padda opened up about the show's significance. In her post, she wrote: 'Hunkkaar has been a part of my journey for a while, and I'm glad to finally share it with you all. Nahi hoga insaaf ka intezaar, bas goonjegi sachhai ki Hunkkaar.'
The actress plays Meenu Rawat, a 17-year-old student at Mahasherni School who comes forward at a police station alleging sexual assault by a powerful figure known as Baapji — connected to Baapji's Shaburi Fort. The teaser frames her character's courage against a backdrop of entrenched power and institutional resistance.
Fatima Sana Shaikh Leads the Investigation
Fatima Sana Shaikh stars as the no-nonsense police inspector assigned to the case, determined to pursue justice despite the forces aligned against her. As the teaser unfolds, the mystery around Baapji deepens, hinting at a web of influence that the investigation must cut through.
The ensemble cast also includes Ram Kapoor, Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, Arjun Mathur, and Zoya Hussain, each appearing to hold pivotal roles in the narrative.
Production and Creative Team
'Hunkkaar – The Roar' is produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment, in association with Purple Pebble Pictures, under the Mangata Films banner. The series is created by Karan D Kapadia and Nitya Mehra, and directed by Karan D Kapadia, Nitya Mehra, and Heeraz Marfatia.
Aneet Padda's Career Arc
Padda made her acting debut with a brief appearance in the 2022 film 'Salaam Venky', alongside Kajol. Her first substantial role came with the Amazon Prime Video series 'Big Girls Don't Cry', which premiered in 2024, followed by the television show 'Yuva Sapno Ka Safar' in 2025. It was Mohit Suri's romantic drama 'Saiyaara' that marked her major breakthrough — making the revelation that 'Hunkkaar' predates that success all the more notable.
With the series set to drop on 25 September, 'Hunkkaar – The Roar' could further cement Padda's range as an actress willing to take on complex, socially charged material.
Point of View
Not overnight luck. 'Hunkkaar' was sitting in the pipeline while audiences were still getting to know her, which means the series arrives with a built-in second-look dynamic: viewers who discovered her through 'Saiyaara' will now revisit her earlier craft. The crime-and-justice genre on Indian streaming has become increasingly crowded, but the combination of Fatima Sana Shaikh's established credibility and a survivor-centred narrative gives 'Hunkkaar' a distinct identity. Whether it translates into sustained streaming numbers will depend on execution — but the casting choices suggest Applause Entertainment is betting on substance over spectacle.
NationPress
1 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Hunkkaar – The Roar' about?
'Hunkkaar – The Roar' is a crime and justice drama on JioHotstar in which Aneet Padda plays Meenu Rawat, a 17-year-old assault survivor, and Fatima Sana Shaikh plays the police inspector investigating her case. The series explores themes of power, truth, and institutional resistance.
When does 'Hunkkaar – The Roar' release on JioHotstar?
The series premieres on JioHotstar on 25 September as a Hotstar Special. It is produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment, in association with Purple Pebble Pictures.
Why did Aneet Padda say 'Hunkkaar' has been part of her journey for a while?
Padda revealed that she filmed 'Hunkkaar – The Roar' before 'Saiyaara', the 2025 romantic drama that brought her widespread recognition. The series was therefore completed earlier in her career, making its release a significant personal milestone.
Who else stars in 'Hunkkaar – The Roar'?
Apart from Aneet Padda and Fatima Sana Shaikh, the ensemble cast includes Ram Kapoor, Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, Arjun Mathur, and Zoya Hussain. The series is directed by Karan D Kapadia, Nitya Mehra, and Heeraz Marfatia.
What was Aneet Padda's career before 'Saiyaara'?
Padda debuted with a brief role in the 2022 film 'Salaam Venky' alongside Kajol. She then starred in the Amazon Prime Video series 'Big Girls Don't Cry' (2024) and the TV show 'Yuva Sapno Ka Safar' (2025) before 'Saiyaara' became her mainstream breakthrough.
