In a recent candid interview, actor Jugal Hansraj, known for his adult roles in films like 'Papa Kehte Hai' and 'Mohabbatein', shared fascinating behind-the-scenes insights from his childhood debut in the iconic 1983 film 'Masoom'. The actor revealed the immersive acting process of veteran star Shabana Azmi, which significantly shaped their on-screen dynamic.
The Method Behind the Distance
Jugal Hansraj, who played the young Rahul in the Shekhar Kapur-directed classic, explained that Shabana Azmi consciously maintained a distance from him during the shoot. "We used to stay very distant from each other," Jugal recalled in his conversation with Pinkvilla. He noted that Azmi was notably closer to the actors playing her on-screen daughters, as her character was their biological mother in the film's narrative.
This behaviour, as Jugal later understood, was not personal but a deliberate artistic choice. "She is more of a method actor... She kept a little distance from me. Later, I learned that it was part of her process," he elaborated. Azmi's approach was designed to preserve the essential emotional tension and awkwardness between her character, the stepmother, and Jugal's character, the illegitimate son.
"She didn't want us to become too close, as she wanted that awkwardness to be visible on screen," Jugal added. He believes this calculated dynamic greatly enhanced the film's authenticity, making the familial conflict more palpable for audiences. "That did show, as people could sense there was a discomfort between our characters. She did that beautifully," he said, applauding her performance.
From Child Artist to Adult Roles: A Career of Peaks and Valleys
Beyond the 'Masoom' memories, Jugal Hansraj spoke openly about the challenges he faced while transitioning from a celebrated child artist to an adult lead actor. His adult debut came in 1994 with the film 'Aa Gale Lag Jaa'. However, finding consistent work afterwards proved difficult.
"This has been constant in my career," he admitted, referring to the unpredictability of projects. Several films he signed after his initial success unfortunately never made it to production or release. "When I was young, I was heartbroken due to it. But nobody was doing it on purpose," he reflected with maturity.
Despite these professional setbacks, Jugal credited his strong personal support system for helping him navigate the industry's ups and downs. Sharing a piece of wisdom gained from experience, he concluded, "Too much success and too many failures, both should be taken with a pinch of salt. That's part of life."
The Legacy of 'Masoom'
The film 'Masoom', released in 1983, remains a cherished classic in Hindi cinema. Directed by Shekhar Kapur, it featured powerhouse performances by Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi. Like Jugal, a young Urmila Matondkar also appeared as a child artist in the film. Its poignant soundtrack, composed by R.D. Burman with lyrics by Gulzar, continues to be beloved, with songs like 'Tujhse Naaraaz Nahi Zindagi' standing the test of time. The movie's sensitive portrayal of complex family dynamics and emotional conflict is what cemented its place in cinematic history.
