At the NDTV Yuva 2026 session titled Fatima No Filter, actress Fatima Sana Shaikh opened up about her gripping portrayal of ACP Jasleen Singh Soin (Jasleen Soni) in her recently released series, Hunkkaar.
Key Takeaways from the Session
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Ditching the “Typical Cop” Stereotype: Rather than focusing purely on physical action and standard tropes, Shaikh immersed herself in understanding the psychological and emotional complexities of law enforcement officers. By meeting officers across various ranks—from constables to inspectors—she explored the internal friction between personal morality and professional duty, as well as the emotional nuances of high-stakes interrogations.
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Nuance Over Generalization: Discussing public perceptions of “the system,” Shaikh noted that every institution consists of both individuals who protect and those who fail, emphasizing the importance of looking past sweeping generalizations.
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The Power of Long-Format Storytelling: Reflecting on the evolution of OTT platforms, Shaikh highlighted how long-form media allows creators to break away from the box-office pressures and rigid character pacing of traditional cinema. She noted that streaming platforms have expanded opportunities for women in particular, enabling female characters to be deeply complex, multi-dimensional, and authentically vulnerable rather than leaning into flat stereotypes.
About Hunkkaar
Directed by Karan D. Kapadia, Nitya Mehra, and Heeraz Marfatia, Hunkkaar features an ensemble cast that includes Fatima Sana Shaikh, Raghubir Yadav, and Ram Kapoor.
The intense series revolves around a 17-year-old named Meenu Rawat, who accuses an influential and revered cult leader, “Baapji,” of sexual assault. As police begin investigating the high-profile case, the narrative dives into the complexities of public opinion, media scrutiny, and whether Meenu’s account is as straightforward as it initially appears.
