Exclusive: Hunar Hali Gandhi on her elaborate look as Queen Kaikeyi in Veer Hanuman; says ‘The styling wasn't just aesthetic, it was armour'
With her striking look, royal aura, and powerful expressions, Hunar has not only stepped into a character but fully transformed into a symbol of grace, pride, and power. In an exclusive chat with Times of India TV, the actress opened up about the experience of bringing Kaikeyi to life, starting with the moment she first saw herself in full costume.
'When I first saw myself as Kaikeyi — in that elaborate costume, the intricate jewellery, and the powerfully lined eyes — I didn't see myself anymore,' Hunar recalled.
'I saw a queen, a mother, a storm in stillness. It gave me goosebumps. I remember just standing there, quiet, because something inside me shifted. I knew I wasn't just playing Kaikeyi — I was about to become her.'
The transformation wasn't just physical. For Hunar, the styling became a bridge to Kaikeyi's layered inner world. 'Kaikeyi's styling wasn't just aesthetic — it was armour. The weight of the jewellery, the richness of the silks, the sharpness of the crown — all of it reminded me that she wasn't a gentle breeze, she was a calculated storm,' she said.
'Each layer I wore peeled away a part of me and layered in a part of her.'
To craft this majestic look, the makers invested deeply in research. 'The team studied ancient scriptures, paintings, and regional influences to ensure authenticity. From jewellery that hinted at royal dominance to hair styled for discipline and drama — they built a legacy, not just a look,' Hunar shared. 'You don't have to act royal, you feel royal.'
While every element contributed to the transformation, one detail stood out to Hunar the most. 'It was the eyes — the boldness, the upward strokes, that silent intensity,' she said. 'That gaze held pride, pain, power — and somewhere, poetry. I connected to that the most. It reminded me that strength doesn't always roar — sometimes it just looks back unapologetically.'
Of course, the grandeur comes with challenges. 'Kaikeyi's look is grand, and with that grandeur comes a certain weight,' she admitted. 'It demands extra care and balance during long shoots, but the crown itself feels like both a symbol and a shield — it keeps me rooted in Kaikeyi's strength and presence.'
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