Hastinapur Ke Veer brings to life the untold early years of the Pandavas and Kauravas—the relationships, upbringing and ambitions that shaped the destiny of Hastinapur. The epic saga revolved around Kunti (Toral Rasputra) – a woman whose choices, sacrifices and strong will became the basis of the Pandavas’ legacy. Toral, a screen actress best known for playing strong and memorable women, now takes on perhaps her most layered role yet, bringing to life a character whose influence changed the course of history.In a candid chat, she shares the emotional and psychological journey of playing Kunti, what she learnt about the iconic character during her prep and what the audience can look forward to in the episodes ahead.How did you first react to the story and your character’s journey?First reaction was excitement, but also a feeling of responsibility. Kunti is one of the most celebrated and complicated characters in Indian mythology. “I knew it was going to be a challenging but rewarding role to play when I heard about her journey and the emotional depth of the storyline.Your characters have often been strong and memorable women, How is this role different to the ones you have done before?I have played strong characters before, but Kunti’s strength is very different. She is a mother, but also a symbol of wisdom, sacrifice, resilience. Her life is a reflection of the struggle between duty, emotion and morality and her character teaches the importance of courage. Her strength is not loud but it is there and it makes her very special.How did you prepare for this role? Did it require any special research or training?I keep reading about Kunti’s life and never stop trying to understand her emotional journey. It’s a very complex character—strong and wise but also very human, as I said. I’m trying to portray her strength, her dignity and her inner struggles honestly. I’m always talking to the director and the creative team about the character to be on the same page with their vision. It’s more mental and emotional preparation than physical.Did your preparation for this role reveal anything surprising about Kunti that changed your perception of her?What I find most striking is her humanity. Knowing her weaknesses helped me reach her on a much deeper level.What are the lesser-known qualities of Kunti that you feel the viewers will explore through this show?“I think people will get to see more of her wisdom, her emotional intelligence and her inner conflict.” She was the mother of the Pandavas, she was a strategist, a guide, someone who always put the well-being of the family before her own happiness.The bond between Kunti and the Pandavas is central to the story. How have you built that chemistry with the young actors?They’re all really talented, work hard and know their craft well. We also had some workshops before we started shooting the show, and we had many conversations about the relationships between our characters. That preparation has really made a difference.They can see the scale and seriousness of Hastinapur on screen. What’s the vibe like when the camera’s not rolling?It’s actually quite warm and lively! Lots of laughter, good-natured banter and support for each other on set even through the tough scenes. “We all work hard, but also make it a point to have fun and enjoy the process as a team.Without spoiling too much, what can the viewers expect from Kunti’s journey in the upcoming episodes?A touching and inspiring journey for the viewers. Kunti will be tested with stern trials to see how strong, wise and resilient she is. “I think people will get to see a side of Kunti that is more real and relatable, not just as a mythological character but as a woman, a mother and an individual whose decisions play a crucial role in shaping history.”
