Sony SAB’s grand mythological drama Hastinapur Ke Veer is bringing the untold early years of the Pandavas and Kauravas to television, exploring the relationships, ambitions, and rivalries that shaped the future of Hastinapur.
Among the many iconic characters in the series is Shakuni, portrayed by Chandan Anand. Known for his intelligence, political cunning, and ability to influence events from behind the scenes, Shakuni remains one of the most intriguing figures in the Mahabharata.
To prepare for the role, Chandan Anand spent considerable time understanding the mindset, behavior, and communication style that made Shakuni such a powerful presence in Hastinapur. From his speech patterns to his subtle mannerisms, the actor worked extensively to bring authenticity and depth to the character.
Speaking about his preparation, Chandan Anand said:
Loading ...“While preparing for Shakuni, I spent a lot of time understanding what truly makes him powerful. To me, Shakuni is a magician of words. His greatest strength lies in concealing his true intentions while subtly influencing everyone around him through what he says.”
The actor further explained how a traditional saying about the power of words helped him shape the character’s personality and approach.
“There’s a saying, ‘Shabd sambhal kar rakhiye, shabd ke haath na paanv. Ek shabd malham kare ek kare hai ghaanv.’ Understanding this aspect helped me shape the way Shakuni thinks, speaks, and manipulates situations.”
Chandan also revealed that he introduced a unique signature gesture for the character — a distinctive clap inspired by a mannerism of his grandfather.
“I also introduced a special clap as one of his signature mannerisms, inspired by a gesture my grandfather used to make. It felt very personal, and somehow perfectly aligned with Shakuni’s personality. These small nuances help me connect more authentically with the character and make his presence on screen more memorable.”
As Hastinapur Ke Veer unfolds, viewers will witness how Shakuni’s influence gradually shapes the destinies of both the Kauravas and the Pandavas, setting the stage for one of the greatest conflicts in Indian mythology.
Tune in to watch Hastinapur Ke Veer, every Monday to Saturday at 9:00 PM, only on Sony SAB.
