Chhaya Kadam learnt Bengali for 'Gandhari' role: 'Added a new dimension'
Synopsis
Chhaya Kadam learnt an entirely new language — Bengali — to inhabit her character in 'Gandhari', the Taapsee Pannu-led Netflix film arriving on 3 September. In a cast stacked with acclaimed performers, this detail signals the level of craft the film is betting on.
Key Takeaways
Chhaya Kadam learnt Bengali to prepare for her role in Netflix's 'Gandhari' .
Taapsee Pannu described the lead role of Bani as physically and emotionally demanding.
The film is directed by Devashish Makhija and written and produced by Kanika Dhillon .
The ensemble cast includes Ishwak Singh , Jatin Sarna , Swastika Mukherjee , and Mita Vashisht . 'Gandhari' premieres globally on Netflix on 3 September .
Actress Chhaya Kadam has revealed that she learnt Bengali to prepare for her role in the upcoming Netflix film 'Gandhari', led by Taapsee Pannu, set to premiere on 3 September. The Mumbai-based actress said the language-learning process enriched her understanding of the character and made the experience deeply memorable.
Chhaya on Learning Bengali
'For this character, I had the opportunity to learn Bengali, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It added a new dimension to the character and made the journey even more memorable for me,' Kadam said.
Known for her acclaimed performances in 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', 'Jhund', and 'Laapataa Ladies', Kadam continues to push her craft with each project. Taking on a new language for a role underscores her commitment to immersive character work — a quality that has earned her recognition as one of Hindi cinema's most versatile character actors.
Taapsee on the Physical and Emotional Demands
Lead actress Taapsee Pannu, who plays the central character Bani in the film, described the role as one of the most physically demanding of her career. 'What stayed with me throughout Gandhari was Bani's refusal to give up, even when everything seemed stacked against her. The role demanded a great deal physically, but it was her resilience, conviction, and unwavering spirit that truly drew me in,' Pannu said.
Pannu also spoke warmly about reuniting with writer-producer Kanika Dhillon and Netflix: 'Reuniting with Kanika as well as Netflix once again was incredibly special — over the years, we've built a creative partnership rooted in trust and a shared love for telling stories about complex, compelling women.'
The Film and Its Cast
'Gandhari' is directed by Devashish Makhija and written and produced by Kanika Dhillon. The ensemble cast includes Ishwak Singh, Jatin Sarna, Swastika Mukherjee, and Mita Vashisht, alongside Taapsee and Chhaya, in significant roles.
This marks another collaboration between Pannu, Dhillon, and Netflix, following their earlier work together — a creative axis that has consistently centred on narratives about strong, complex women.
What to Expect on 3 September
The film is set to stream globally on Netflix from 3 September. Pannu noted: 'I can't wait for audiences around the world to experience Gandhari on September 3.' With a director known for gritty, character-driven storytelling and a cast of proven performers, the film arrives with considerable anticipation.
Point of View
Craft-first film — not a star vehicle — which is a meaningful signal given that Taapsee Pannu's recent Netflix output has been uneven. The Kanika Dhillon–Devashish Makhija combination is an interesting one: Dhillon writes women with agency; Makhija shoots the margins of society with unflinching honesty. Whether that pairing produces something greater than the sum of its parts is the real question audiences will answer on 3 September.
NationPress
25 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Chhaya Kadam learn Bengali for 'Gandhari'?
Chhaya Kadam learnt Bengali to authentically portray her character in 'Gandhari', saying it added a new dimension to the role and made the journey more memorable. The character's linguistic identity was integral to how Kadam approached the performance.
When does 'Gandhari' release on Netflix?
'Gandhari' is set to premiere globally on Netflix on 3 September. The announcement was confirmed by lead actress Taapsee Pannu.
Who is in the cast of 'Gandhari'?
The film stars Taapsee Pannu in the lead role, alongside Chhaya Kadam, Ishwak Singh, Jatin Sarna, Swastika Mukherjee, and Mita Vashisht in significant roles.
Who directed and produced 'Gandhari'?
'Gandhari' is directed by Devashish Makhija and written and produced by Kanika Dhillon. It is a Netflix India production.
What is Taapsee Pannu's character in 'Gandhari'?
Taapsee Pannu plays a character named Bani, whom she described as defined by resilience and an unwavering refusal to give up despite overwhelming odds. She called the role one of the most physically demanding of her career.
