Sony SAB’s mythological epic, Veer Hanuman, continues to captivate audiences with the untold chronicles of Lord Hanuman’s early years. The show traces the extraordinary journey of young Maruti as he discovers his divine strength and purpose, after receiving the blessings of all the Gods. Aan Tiwari portrays the young Hanuman and beautifully brings to life the emotional turmoil and spiritual battles shaping his destiny, while Arav Chowdharry plays his father, Kesari, Sayli Salunkhe essays the role of Maata Anjani, Mahir Pandhi has a dual role as Bali and Sugreev.
In a recent conversation with Aan Tiwari on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, he shares about his shoot, bond with his co-stars, and how he celebrates Hanuman Jayanti with his family.
Essaying Hanuman Ji at a young age must be very exciting! What was your first reaction when you found out you got this role?
The childhood story of Lord Hanuman is so full of excitement that everybody wishes to live that innocence. A child, unaware of his true powers, ends up performing miraculous feats that leave everyone amazed. So when my mom told me that I’d be playing the role of Hanuman ji, I felt truly happy. I realized that through this role, I could become a better son, a better brother, a better friend — and above all, a better human being.
How did you prepare to play the role of Hanuman Ji?
I joined gymnastics to prepare for the role. I watched a lot of videos related to Lord Hanuman, and learnt how Hanuman ji stands, how the position of the feet should be, how to always maintain a smile on the face, and so much more. There’s one incident I clearly remember — my father used to make me practice with a bat, just like a gada. He would make me lift and lower it every morning and evening. That practice helped me!
Hanuman Ji is known for his strength, bravery, and devotion. Is there a quality of Hanuman Ji that you admire the most or try to follow in your own life?
The quality I admire the most in Hanuman Ji is his devotion to his loved ones. He always stood by them and helped them without expecting anything in return. I try to follow that in my own life by being there for my family and friends whenever they need me.
While working on the show, did you learn anything new or interesting about Hanuman Ji that you didn’t know before?
I’ve learned a lot in a short time I feel, and I’m still learning every day. Recently, I found out something new — about who gave Hanuman Ji different blessings and why. Earlier, I only knew about the grown-up Hanuman Ji and how powerful he was. But now, while working on the show, I’ve come to know how playful and mischievous he was as a child too.
How is your experience on set? What’s your bond like with your co-stars and the team?
My experience on set has been amazing so far. Everyone is very kind and helpful. If I don’t understand any dialogue, our director sir patiently explains how to perform and deliver it. Mahir bhaiya and I also have a lot of fun on set. We don’t usually shoot at the same time, but whenever we’re on set together, we have a lot of masti!
Hanuman Jayanti is a very special day for many people. Do you celebrate it in any special way? What do you like the most about this festival?
Visiting the temple on Hanuman Jayanti is a must for us. We go to the temple, distribute prasad, and in the evening, my father and I do a long Hanuman Chalisa recital together. Last time, there was a program at the temple where I sang the Hanuman Chalisa on stage, and everyone appreciated it a lot.
Tune in to Veer Hanuman every Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, only on Sony SAB
