You won’t believe why Shabana Azmi was distant from Jugal Hansraj while shooting Masoom, ‘It was…’

Jugal Hansraj reveals why Shabana Azmi seemed distant and cold towards him during the shoot of the iconic film Masoom. Read the full story.

Published date india.com Published: December 28, 2025 1:48 PM IST
You won’t believe why Shabana Azmi was distant from Jugal Hansraj while shooting Masoom, 'It was...'

Actor Jugal Hansraj, who made his memorable debut as a child artist in Shekhar Kapur’s iconic film Masoom (1983), recently shared insights about his experience on the sets. The film, which also featured Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, and Saeed Jaffrey, is remembered as one of Bollywood’s finest family dramas. In a recent interview, Jugal revealed that Shabana Azmi kept her distance from him during the shoot, sparking curiosity among fans about the reasons behind her cold demeanor.

Why was Shabana Azmi distant?

Jugal explained that Shabana Azmi’s distance was intentional and part of her method acting process. “Woh dono bachchiyon ke saath bohot friendly thi, kyunki vo maa thi aur vo unke bachchey the film mein. Lekin mujhse thoda doori rakhti thi Shabana Ji,” he shared. As a seasoned actor, Shabana wanted to bring authenticity to the strained mother-son relationship portrayed in the film.

He further elaborated, “Baad mein pata laga that it was part of her process that she didn’t want us to become close because wo coldness jo hai wo screen pe dikhni chahiye. Sabko pata chala ke ek discomfort hai mujh mein aur maa mein bhi. Toh vo both khoobsurati se unhoney kiya tha.” Essentially, the distance helped create a realistic emotional tension between their characters, making the performances more impactful.

Jugal Hansraj about Masoom

Looking back, Jugal Hansraj described his time on Masoom as a learning experience. Despite the initial awkwardness, he appreciated Shabana Azmi’s dedication and the effort she put into perfecting her craft. Working alongside legends like Naseeruddin Shah and Saeed Jaffrey also offered him valuable lessons in acting, professionalism, and the nuances of film performance.

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More about Masoom

Masoom is a heartwrenching Indian drama directed by Shekhar Kapur, starring Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Urmila Matondkar, and Jugal Hansraj. The story revolves around Rahul, an illegitimate child of a married man, who disrupts his life. The film explores complex emotions, relationships, and societal norms. With its sensitive portrayal and powerful performances, Masoom remains a classic, questioning moral dilemmas and family dynamics.

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