Hina Khan on having a backstory for the posts she shared during her cancer journey; Chunky on his devil side

The thriller series Griha Laxmi premiered on Epic On on January 16. Created by the renowned Prahlad Kakkar, the show stars Hina Khan in the lead role, alongside Chunky Pandey, Rahul Dev, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya. Set in the fictional town of Betalgadh, Griha Laxmi tells the gripping story of Laxmi, a simple housewife who, driven by dire circumstances, delves into the dangerous underworld of drugs and crime to support her family. The transformation of Laxmi into Rani, a queen of an illicit empire, forms the crux of the story. India Forums had the opportunity to sit down with Hina Khan and Chunky Pandey to talk about their roles, the show’s impact, and their personal journeys. So here how it goes.

Q: Griha Laxmi has received a warm reception. How does that feel?

Hina Khan: It feels amazing! So far, people are appreciating the characters, the story, and the plot. We’ve put in a lot of hard work into this project, and it’s rewarding to see that being recognized. Fingers crossed that more viewers download the Epic On app and watch the series. The story has elements of the underworld and the drug scene, but as one reviewer aptly said, it’s more of a human story. It’s about the triumphs and struggles, which is exactly how we envisioned it.

Chunky Pandey: Yes, it’s heartening to see the audience’s reaction. Every member of the cast and crew worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. The characters, especially, have so much depth, and I think that’s resonating with viewers. It’s not just a thriller but a deeply emotional journey.

Q: Hina, your character Laxmi undergoes a remarkable transformation. How did you prepare for such a layered role?

Hina Khan: Laxmi’s journey from a housewife to the queen of an illicit empire is intense. She’s fighting for survival, not just for herself but for her family. There’s a pivotal moment where she takes a leap of faith, knowing what she’s doing isn’t right, but it’s necessary for her loved ones.

As she evolves into Rani, there’s a mix of embarrassment, guilt, and empowerment. She becomes aware of her power and even starts enjoying it. The layers of her character—from being a vulnerable woman to a confident, powerful figure—were a challenge to portray, but it was incredibly fulfilling. Working with Chunky and the rest of the cast added so much to the experience.

Q: Chunky, your role as Kareem Kazi is a departure from your usual light-hearted characters. What drew you to this role?

Chunky Pandey: Kazi is a fascinating character. For most of the show, he’s this mysterious, almost mythical figure whose power lies in fear and reputation. It’s only when Laxmi forces him to come out of hiding that his true persona is revealed.

I’ve always had a bit of a devilish side, and Kazi allowed me to explore that on-screen. Playing this dark, destructive, and intelligent businessman was a thrilling challenge. It’s a complete contrast to the comedic roles people associate me with, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Q: How did your characters’ dynamic evolve during the show?

Hina Khan: The relationship between Laxmi, later Rani, and Kazi is fascinating. Rani’s evolution makes her realize her own strengths, and Kazi sees her as an asset. Despite their differences, there’s mutual respect and an understanding of each other’s ambitions. Their alliance is crucial to the story.

Chunky Pandey: Exactly! Kazi recognizes Rani’s intelligence and potential. While he starts as someone shrouded in fear and power, meeting Rani changes him. Their dynamic is intense and forms a key part of the narrative.

Watch the full interview here:

Q: Hina, you’ve been inspiring fans with your personal journey. How has that influenced your approach to acting?

Hina Khan: My personal experiences have given me a new perspective on life and acting. What I’ve shared on social media is only a fraction of my story. Every post has a backstory, whether it’s cutting my hair or talking about making wigs from my own hair for people battling similar struggles.

These experiences have made me more empathetic and resilient, and I’ve channeled that into my performances. The love and support I’ve received have been overwhelming, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to inspire others.

Q: What’s been the most significant takeaway for you from working on Griha Laxmi?

Hina Khan: It reaffirmed my love for acting. Despite facing personal challenges during the shoot, I found strength in my craft. This show has been a reminder of why I love what I do and how it gives me purpose.

Chunky Pandey: For me, it’s been a learning experience. Hina is incredibly dedicated, and working with her taught me a lot. Griha Laxmi also made me appreciate the depth and complexity of storytelling in today’s OTT landscape.

Griha Laxmi is a gripping tale of transformation, power, and resilience, brought to life by stellar performances from Hina Khan, Chunky Pandey, and the rest of the cast.