Sonakshi Batra on playing Jagadhatri: 'Patriotism feels real in uniform'
Synopsis
Ahead of Independence Day, Jagadhatri actress Sonakshi Batra says slipping into uniform every day has made patriotism feel lived-in rather than abstract — while co-star Farman Haider reveals the role fulfils a childhood dream of joining the IPS. A rare moment of on-screen purpose meeting off-screen conviction.
Key Takeaways
Sonakshi Batra plays the lead in Jagadhatri , airing daily on Zee TV .
Batra says the role has given her a 'completely different perspective' on patriotism and the sacrifices of India's armed and security forces.
Co-star Farman Haider , who plays Shivaay , has said he dreamt of becoming an IPS officer since childhood.
Both actors shared their reflections ahead of Independence Day 2025 on 15 August .
The show portrays a female protagonist in uniform, reflecting a growing trend of women-in-service narratives on Indian television.
Television actress Sonakshi Batra has spoken about how portraying the titular character in Jagadhatri on Zee TV has reshaped her understanding of patriotism, courage, and the weight of duty — ahead of Independence Day 2025.
What the Role Has Taught Her
Batra described the experience of stepping into Jagadhatri's uniform as genuinely transformative. 'Playing Jagadhatri has made me look at patriotism from a completely different perspective,' she said. 'Every time I put on the uniform and step into her character, I feel a sense of strength and power that is truly empowering.'
She elaborated that the role has deepened her appreciation for the men and women who serve in India's armed and security forces. 'What has stayed with me is that for these heroes, duty always comes before everything else and serving the nation is not just a responsibility but a way of life,' she noted. 'This Independence Day, I feel incredibly proud to portray a character who embodies that spirit.'
Farman Haider on Portraying a Police Officer
Co-star Farman Haider, who plays Shivaay in the show, shared a personal connection to the role. 'Ever since I was a child, I have dreamt of becoming an IPS officer, so getting the opportunity to portray a police officer on screen through Shivaay feels incredibly special to me,' he said.
Haider acknowledged the gap between reel and real, but drew meaning from the portrayal nonetheless. 'While I may not have become an IPS officer in real life, stepping into this role has allowed me to experience, in my own way, the sense of responsibility, courage and commitment that comes with serving the nation,' he added.
Pride in Portraying National Heroes on Screen
Haider also reflected on the emotional resonance of fictional justice. 'Every time Shivaay and Jagadhatri succeed in their mission and bring a criminal to justice, I feel an immense sense of pride because, even if it is through a character, I get to experience what it means to stand up for the country and its people,' he said.
Both actors expressed gratitude for the timing of their roles, noting that the Independence Day context adds a layer of meaning to the characters they portray on the daily show.
About the Show
Jagadhatri airs every day on Zee TV. The show centres on a female protagonist in uniform and has drawn attention for its portrayal of women in law enforcement and defence-adjacent roles — a growing narrative trend in Indian television.
Point of View
But Batra and Haider's comments carry a degree of specificity — particularly Haider's childhood IPS aspiration — that lifts this above routine promotion. The more interesting angle is structural: Indian television's steady turn toward women-in-uniform protagonists reflects a genuine shift in what audiences want to see, and Jagadhatri is part of that wave. Whether the show sustains that framing beyond the patriotic calendar moment is the question mainstream coverage rarely asks.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sonakshi Batra and what is Jagadhatri?
Sonakshi Batra is a television actress who plays the lead character in Jagadhatri, a daily drama airing on Zee TV. The show features a female protagonist in a law-enforcement role and airs every day.
What did Sonakshi Batra say about playing Jagadhatri?
Batra said the role has given her a 'completely different perspective' on patriotism, describing how wearing the uniform makes her feel a sense of strength while deepening her respect for real-life heroes in India's Army, Police, Navy, and other forces.
Who plays Shivaay in Jagadhatri and what did he say?
Farman Haider plays Shivaay in Jagadhatri. He revealed that he had dreamed of becoming an IPS officer since childhood and said the role allows him to experience, in his own way, the responsibility and courage that comes with serving the nation.
When did the actors share these remarks?
Both Sonakshi Batra and Farman Haider shared their reflections ahead of Independence Day on 15 August 2025.
Where does Jagadhatri air and how often?
Jagadhatri airs every day on Zee TV.
