Zoya Hussain on Raghubir Yadav in Hunkkaar: 'Returning to his childlike state was a treat'
Synopsis
Zoya Hussain's account of watching Raghubir Yadav snap between a menacing spiritual patriarch and his warmly curious offscreen self is a rare behind-the-scenes window into craft at work. With 'Hunkkaar: The Roar' arriving on JioHotstar on 25 September 2026, the pairing of these two distinct talents in a faith-and-power thriller is shaping up as one of the more compelling streaming premieres of the season.
Key Takeaways
Zoya Hussain opened up about working with Raghubir Yadav on 'Hunkkaar: The Roar' , set to stream on JioHotstar from 25 September 2026 .
Hussain called watching Yadav transition between his intense character and his offscreen childlike warmth 'quite a treat to observe.' She described the acting challenge as maintaining the emotional distance her character requires — 'a weird mix of fear and need for validation.' The series follows an accusation by 17-year-old Meenu Rawat against a powerful spiritual figure, exploring responses across police, legal, and media systems.
Hussain praised Yadav's life journey and curiosity, saying she always wanted to hear more of his stories.
Actress Zoya Hussain has opened up about her experience sharing the screen with veteran actor Raghubir Yadav in the upcoming streaming series 'Hunkkaar: The Roar', set to premiere on JioHotstar on 25 September 2026. The actress described witnessing Yadav's effortless transition between his intense on-screen persona and his offscreen warmth as one of the most memorable aspects of the shoot.
The On-Set Dynamic
Zoya revealed that working alongside Raghubir Yadav was as instructive as it was enjoyable, even as their characters navigated a fraught emotional relationship. 'He's nothing like his character. Watching him go in and out of it, returning to his natural childlike state was quite a treat to observe,' she said.
She added that the greater challenge was sustaining the emotional distance her character demands. 'What was difficult was to maintain the emotional distance our characters are supposed to have — this weird mix of fear and need for validation she feels,' Hussain noted.
Off Camera: A Storyteller Worth Knowing
Beyond the scenes, Hussain found the veteran actor's life and curiosity equally compelling. 'Raghubir Ji, one always wants to chat with and hear stories from — he's had such a grand journey and is interested in so many things, you want to know more and more,' she said.
Raghubir Yadav, widely regarded as one of Indian cinema's most versatile character actors, brings decades of stage and film experience to the series, lending it a gravitas that Hussain says was palpable on set.
What 'Hunkkaar: The Roar' Is About
The series is set in a world of power, faith and influence. It centres on an accusation made by 17-year-old Meenu Rawat against a powerful spiritual figure. As the story unfolds, it traces the response of the police, legal, and media systems, examining the relationships and motivations of those within the orbit of the figure known as Baapji.
The narrative structure — moving across institutional layers — places it squarely in the tradition of social thriller streaming content that has found a committed audience in India over the past few years.
Release and Platform
'Hunkkaar: The Roar' is set to stream exclusively on JioHotstar from 25 September 2026. The series marks a notable pairing of Hussain, known for nuanced performances, with the formidable Yadav in what promises to be a layered, institution-interrogating drama.
Point of View
Which is a smart play for a faith-and-power thriller where atmosphere depends on performance. Zoya Hussain's candid account of Raghubir Yadav's process — and the genuine warmth she expresses off-camera — doubles as effective, authentic promotion at a time when audiences are increasingly allergic to manufactured hype. The series' institutional critique angle, moving across police, courts, and media, positions it in a crowded but audience-tested genre; whether it adds something genuinely new will be the real test when it streams on 25 September.
NationPress
16 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Hunkkaar: The Roar' about?
'Hunkkaar: The Roar' is a streaming series centred on an accusation made by 17-year-old Meenu Rawat against a powerful spiritual figure known as Baapji. The story unfolds across police, legal, and media systems, exploring the relationships and motivations of those within Baapji's sphere of influence.
When and where does 'Hunkkaar: The Roar' release?
The series premieres exclusively on JioHotstar on 25 September 2026.
What did Zoya Hussain say about working with Raghubir Yadav?
Zoya Hussain said watching Raghubir Yadav shift between his intense on-screen character and his naturally childlike offscreen self was 'quite a treat to observe.' She also described the challenge of maintaining the emotional distance her character requires, calling it a 'weird mix of fear and need for validation.'
Who are the lead actors in 'Hunkkaar: The Roar'?
The series prominently features Zoya Hussain and veteran actor Raghubir Yadav, with their characters sharing a complex dynamic shaped by fear, validation, and emotional distance.
What is Raghubir Yadav's role in the series?
While specific character details have not been fully disclosed, Raghubir Yadav appears to play a figure whose intensity contrasts sharply with his warm, curious offscreen personality, according to Zoya Hussain's account. The character is part of the powerful spiritual world at the centre of the story.
