Raghubir Yadav says playing godman 'Hunkkaar' felt like 'fighting death'

Raghubir Yadav says playing godman Baapji accused of sexual abuse in Aneet Padda starrer ‘Hunkkaar’ felt like ‘fighting death every day because of pain’: ‘My heartbeat would rise’

Veteran actor Raghubir Yadav has opened up about the emotional and physical toll of playing a godman accused of sexual abuse in his latest series, 'Hunkkaar: The Roar'. The actor, who plays influential spiritual guru Sunil “Baapji” Chakosi, said immersing himself in such a dark and disturbing character was an agonising experience and left him feeling as though he was “fighting death” every day during the shoot.

Raghubir Yadav says playing Baapji took an emotional toll

In 'Hunkkaar: The Roar', Raghubir Yadav portrays Sunil “Baapji” Chakosi, an influential spiritual guru accused of sexually harassing a teenage girl, Meenu Rawat, played by Saiyaara actor Aneet Padda.Speaking to PTI about the challenge of playing such a dark character, Yadav said he had to immerse himself in the mindset of someone very different from himself while carrying the emotional weight of the character’s alleged actions.“I am telling the truth; I have fought death every single day because of the pain I have gone through with this character,” the 69-year-old actor said.Yadav explained that although he was portraying a fictional character and was not responsible for Baapji’s actions, the emotional weight of the role stayed with him during the shoot. The actor, known for performances in films including Salaam Bombay!, Bandit Queen, Lagaan, Peepli Live, Piku and Newton, said the experience was considerably more intense than his usual acting process.

Raghubir Yadav reveals the role also affected him physically

The actor also spoke about the physical strain he experienced while filming the series. Yadav revealed that he had previously undergone a cardiac stent procedure and said his tendency to become completely immersed in his characters affected his heart rate while playing Baapji.“I have this habit of getting completely immersed in a character, and in this process, my heartbeat would rise. But I was determined to do it and reach that character,” he said.For Yadav, completing the role became an exercise in pushing through the demands of the character while remaining committed to his performance.

Raghubir Yadav deliberately distanced himself from Baapji after the shoot

Once filming was over, Yadav said he consciously tried to move away from the mindset of Baapji. Taking on a completely different project afterward helped him regain some distance from the emotionally intense role.“I wanted to get out. Then I did another film, which was completely different from this one, and I felt a little reassured.

I felt that I was on the right path. Because if my mind started delving in that direction again, I might end up needing another stent in my heart,” he joked.

What is ‘Hunkkaar: The Roar’ about?

'Hunkkaar: The Roar' centres on Sunil “Baapji” Chakosi, a powerful spiritual figure whose public image comes under scrutiny following allegations involving Meenu Rawat, a teenage girl. The six-episode series also stars Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ram Kapoor, Zoya Hussain and Aneet Padda in key roles. Created by Karan D Kapadia and Nitya Mehra, the series is currently streaming on JioHotstar.