Shalini Pandey reveals how the 'charan seva' scene with Jaideep Ahlawat in 'Maharaj' affected her: 'I didn't want to be in a closed room...'

Shalini Pandey recently shared her thoughts on portraying Kishori in 'Maharaj,' a character subjected to sexual exploitation by a religious guru.

In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Shalini Pandey discussed how filming the harrowing 'charan seva' scene in the movie impacted her deeply. Shalini mentioned her sensitivity to current events and her tendency to avoid news and social media. Reflecting on her experience filming the scene with Maharaj, she revealed that she initially didn't grasp its emotional impact. However, after completing the shoot, she felt overwhelmed and needed time outdoors to ease her anxiety.



In the film, Shalini portrays Kishori, a woman who becomes a victim of sexual exploitation by the religious guru Maharaj, played by Jaideep. The scene highlights how leaders misuse 'charan seva' (service) to manipulate followers.




Shalini also noted that initially, she perceived Kishori as naive, but as she immersed herself in the role, she understood the depth of the character's conditioning. She emphasized that Kishori wasn't foolish; rather, she was deeply influenced and believed in what she was taught. Reflecting on this realization, Shalini expressed a hope that Kishori could have recognized the truth of her situation.



'Maharaj' explores the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case and features Sharvari. Produced by YRF Entertainment, the film stars Junaid as a writer who challenges Maharaj's exploitation in court. Speaking to ANI about the film's reception, Junaid expressed his profound emotions, describing 'Maharaj' as a challenging yet fulfilling journey.



Junaid also expressed gratitude for the positive reception of 'Maharaj,' highlighting that the film was made with love, respect, and passion. He acknowledged areas for personal growth and expressed hope for supportive collaborations in future endeavors.