Did Jacqueline Fernandez Really Have to Unlearn Her Dance Skills for ‘Hai Junoon’?

Mumbai, May 2 (NationPress) The creators of “Hai Junoon - Dream.Dare.Dominate” unveiled the series' trailer on Friday. Actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who portrays the character Pearl, shared that she had to unlearn many of her trained dance instincts for this role.

Directed by Abhishek Sharma, the series is situated in the lively and competitive environment of Anderson’s College in Mumbai, immersing viewers in the exciting realm of dance and music battles. Meet Sebi, an underdog who assembles a rebellious crew named The Misfits, mentored by the determined Jacqueline Fernandez, to challenge the elite Supersonics, headed by the legacy-driven Gagan Ahuja.

Jacqueline Fernandez described her character: “Pearl is an intriguing figure, glamorous and assertive outwardly, yet profoundly vulnerable within. To embody her truthfully, I had to unlearn many of my trained dance instincts and embrace a more raw, emotionally-charged style of performance. That journey was challenging but also liberating.”

“The physical demands, emotional intricacies, and narrative depth required parts of me I hadn’t previously accessed. Working alongside such a passionate team made the experience immensely rewarding.”

Produced by Jio Creative Labs and created by Aditya Bhat, the series also features Neil Nitin Mukesh, Boman Irani, Sumedh Mudgalkar, Siddharth Nigam, and Priyank Sharma, among other emerging talents.

Neil Nitin Mukesh, portraying Gagan Ahuja, remarked, “Having been raised in the realm of music and cinema, I’ve always recognized the importance of exceptional sound in storytelling. However, what Hai Junoon delivers is genuinely distinctive—a fully-fledged musical universe, an unparalleled experience in the web space.”

“With 40 extraordinary tracks, it’s not merely the largest album of the year; it’s a movement. Each song advances the narrative and enriches the characters, integrating seamlessly into the screenplay.”

As the son of veteran singer Nitin Mukesh, the actor expressed that being part of a grand production where music is not merely an embellishment, but the essence of the story, has been creatively exhilarating.

Sumedh Mudgalkar, who embodies Sebi, stated that his character is a representation of every outsider with dreams. He shared, “Emerging from modest beginnings, he refuses to accept that belonging to a certain legacy is the singular path to greatness. His journey is intensely personal, yet he is vulnerable and learns everything he needs along the way; his experiences guide him. Such themes made me connect with the character in unexpected ways.”

He added that dance and music are just facets of the show; it transcends mere competition, delving into courage, belief, shared struggles, and the drive to forge a more significant life.

Siddharth Nigam, portraying Bikram, noted: “People have always linked me with dance, but in Hai Junoon, I had the opportunity to explore a new aspect of my creativity—music. Learning to sing for this role was both thrilling and daunting, and I dedicated hours to vocal workshops to ensure I infused authenticity and depth into Bikram.”

Priyank Sharma, playing Kush, added: “Dance is my first passion, and portraying a dancer felt like returning to my roots. However, what made this journey distinctive was mentoring some of my co-stars during rehearsals. We forged genuine friendships, and that camaraderie beautifully translates on screen.”

“Directing Hai Junoon felt like reliving those chaotic, beautiful college days when every emotion was heightened—be it love, rivalry, ambition, or heartbreak. This narrative springs from that raw, unfiltered space we’ve all inhabited, where we are figuring out our identities and sense of belonging,” stated Abhishek Sharma.

“Hai Junoon - Dream.Dare.Dominate” will be available for streaming starting May 16 on JioHotstar.