Aarya Babbar: Being a part of telling such a powerful story is like a privilege for me

Aarya Babbar is making his return to the screen, playing the antagonist Kalikant Thakur in the television show Jagriti—Ek Nayi Subah.

Set in the fictional town of Mokshgarh, located in Jharkhand's Jamtara district, the show delves into the deep-rooted systemic injustice the 'Chitta' community faces. Branded as criminals from birth, the people of this community are denied access to education and are forced into professions such as hunting, all while being exploited by feudal lords. Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah sheds light on the harsh realities and struggles of the marginalized.

1. Tell us about the concept and storyline of the show

Jagriti - Ek Nayi Subah is a story which is set in the fictional town- Mokshgarh in Jharkhand’s Jamtara district and delves into the deep-rooted systemic injustice that has condemned the Chitta community to a life of perpetual marginalization. Here, children are branded as criminals from birth, denied access to education, forced into hunting, and exploited by feudal lords who control the region with an iron fist.

This story follows the courageous journey of 7-year-old Jagriti, a spirited young girl born into the Chitta community, who refuses to blindly accept the cruel fate imposed on her

2. Is this show inspired from any community? Does a community like this exist?

Our show – Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah throws light on the Chitta community (fictional) that are treated as criminals at birth and deprived of basic rights. In fact, our show represents the reality of several marginalised communities and unsettled tribes that exist across India.

3. You are making a comeback on television after 8 long years, what convinced you to essay the evil antagonistic role of Kalikant in this show?

I've always been drawn to characters that challenge me, and Kalikant is no exception. When I first read the script, I was immediately captivated by his complexity and the opportunity to explore a new side of my acting abilities. Kalikant is a multifaceted villain. He's not just a one-dimensional bad guy; he's a man driven by a twisted sense of justice, making him both intriguing and repulsive. I am thrilled to make a comeback on television after eight years with a show as compelling as Jagriti - Ek Nayi Subah.

4. Is it difficult to shoot with a child actor on the set?

I find it incredibly rewarding and refreshing to shoot with a child actor like our little Jagriti on set. Her boundless energy, unpredictable nature as well as expressions, inject spontaneity into scenes, which in turn uplifts our entire sequence. Having said that, shooting with a child also requires patience and flexibility from the entire crew, which I feel we have in abundance. Asmi is a very hard-working and adorable girl, who we absolutely adore. The whole crew makes sure that she is comfortable on and off-screen and helps her emote the scenes well. 

5. How has the transformation journey from Aarya to Kalikant been for you so far? Are there any preparations that you had to do for your character?

The transformation journey from Aarya to Kalikant has been very fulfilling for me so far. Since the first day of the shoot, I have been spending time with the creative team and my director, to get the nuances of Kalikant right. In fact, I have been doing a lot of prep work to get my characters' dialect and phonetics correct, because the way Kalikant speaks is very different and unique. 

To get into the tyrant side of Kalikant, I try to isolate myself before the take and hear some rap / EDM music, and that enables me to emote and keep the ruthlessness of the character intact on screen. Since this character is very different from what I am in real life, there is a lot to be worked upon. 

I’ve also pushed myself to work out, bulk up and look more muscular onscreen, making Kalikant look more devious and sinister.

6. Jagriti-Ek Nayi Subah follows the brave journey of a young girl fighting against the ingrained injustices to reclaim her dignity and freedom. What are your thoughts on this concept?

I believe the impact of our show’s narrative goes beyond entertainment — it has the power to inspire, provoke thought, and spark conversations about the vital issues of dignity and freedom. Being a part of telling such a powerful story is like a privilege for me, but it also feels like a responsibility. I must say that I believe we can leave a lasting impression on viewers as well as the society at large.