Enrapturing hearts overnight with her performance as Bobby Deol’s on-screen wife in Animal, actress Shabana Haroon speaks to The Pioneer about getting onboard for the project, making a mark for herself with her character, and more.
Shabana Haroon-starrer Animal turned out to be one of the most controversial films of the year, as many tagged it as misogynistic and called it out for its extreme violence. In an exclusive interview with us—and in the vast realm of a mega movie like this, best known as character Abrar’s wife—she transcended into her own intended role to become so famous like this.
Really fascinated to know that she captured the hearts of the audiences overnight, as startled as us, she retracts the time: “So there was also a casting agency team set up in the United Kingdom looking for certain roles for Animal. That’s when they spot me! Coincidentally, I had done a movie called Spotlight, and it seems like they noticed me from over there. The director had sent the message that I was being cast because I have the looks! Now, what turned out to be an asset for me is that I am already bilingual. It was so easy for me to play a Muslim wife because I know how to speak Urdu and Hindi very fluently because of my heritage, which comes from Pakistan. Sandeep Reddy Vanga really liked my audition, leading to a meeting where he finalized me for the character.”
She was in raptures! And with the release, of course, she left an indelible mark in our collective memories. Talking about the film’s journey, she told The Pioneer, “I was drawn to co-star with a character like Abrar because his role demanded a range of emotions, not just conveyed through dialogues but also expressed silently. In particular, during the Jamu song, I aimed to communicate a significant message through my expressions when he made his grand entrance, adding depth to the scene. I wanted to leave it to the audience to have their own interpretation of what I was feeling during the entire scene.” On the other hand, “putting how memorable it was for me into words falls short of doing justice to the actual experience I had with the sets of Animal. I remember returning home and spending the entire night in tears, realizing that this extraordinary dream had become a reality. For me, it was the opportunity to be part of a project that would not only break the narrative in Indian cinema but also serve as the opportunity for me to announce my arrival as an actor.”
So as a cinematic gem, she possessed an uncanny ability to steal the show, commanding attention and igniting a fervor that rivals and even supersedes the leading actors. “I was encouraged for creative freedom within my role. A memorable instance was when Sandeep asked how I would react in a heated moment, and I suggested standing my ground and calling the person a psycho. So, my first interaction with Ranbir Kapoor involved calling him a ‘f**** psycho.’ Working with him was a pleasure, filled with laughter. He showed great dedication, always rehearsing lines with me multiple times to ensure our collaboration delivered scenes with perfection,” added the actress.
Wanting to elevate the film to new heights, she continued to: “Navigate the portrayal of troubled characters with a delicate balance, acknowledging the fine line between realism and potential glorification. It’s not about glorifying her co-actors but rather highlighting the boundaries of human emotions responsibly. While social responsibility is a priority, in this film, we receive scene scripts rather than the entire script, leaving the director’s vision to shape the narrative. Sandeep, as the director, provided assurance, considering both his vision and my role as an actress to maintain a socially responsible portrayal.”
The actress also admits that the film’s length was poetic, striking a balance that didn’t make it feel dragged out. The prospect of a sequel is exciting as it opens doors to address lingering questions and explore new dimensions, presenting the opportunity for even more captivating developments.
Talking further about the intricacies on the sets of Animal with a controversial director, she says, “Some directors are behind the scenes, but Sandeep is very much at the forefront of every take running the show, as they say. He is a deep thinker with a profound approach. I remember observing him quietly contemplating scenes, envisioning the nuances. What I loved about him is that he encouraged me to bring my interpretation to the character and how I could adapt it, fostering an open collaboration. There was always room for laughter on set. I would absolutely cherish the chance to work with him again, as I not only enjoyed moments of levity but also learned immensely from his unwavering commitment to delivering excellence.”
Days after the success of her stint, she found herself truly speechless. She still feels that way! The buzz around the film is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the movie. She is immensely proud. Reflecting on this journey, it has been an incredible one for all of them, and she is inspired to grow even more so from this.
