Hemal Dev on playing the role of Kalyani

Hemal Dev plays the role of a warrior princess named Kalyani in the new show Vidrohi. Talking about the role, Hemal says, “Kalyani is a very strong character, and that’s what I love about her the most. She doesn’t believe in patriarchy and prefers breaking stereotypes. Kalyani does get emotional, but she works her way through her emotions. About how much I relate to Kalyani, then I must say that we are different but I’ve learnt a lot from her. She is an extremely fearless person in terms of physicality, while I’m a delicate darling.”

Talking about the look and costumes in the show, Hemal adds, “We’re talking about the early 19th century, so I am thankful to my make-up, hair and costume team. They are good and get me ready within 40 minutes. Dresses are fun but it’s a very tough job honestly to handle the kind of costumes that I wear. And it only makes me respect women of that century all the more. Heavy embroidery, jewellery etc is difficult to carry, forget the itching that happens! Costumes that Kalyani or Buxi Jagabandhu or Radhamani (Sulagna Panigrahi) wear are unique, but difficult to flaunt.”