Sohum Shah opens up about his role in 'Maharani'
What's the story
Actor-Producer Sohum Shah watched the videos of political leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar to prepare for his role in the upcoming political series Maharani, which is set in Bihar.
Sohum, 37, will be seen in the role of Bheema Bharti, a man who rises above oppression to become the Chief Minister of Bihar.
Show
The show is not based on Rabri Devi's life
Maharani revolves around Huma Qureshi's character Rani Bharti, an illiterate housewife, who finds herself in the top post.
The show is set in the '90s but it is not based on the life of Rabri Devi, former Bihar CM, and wife of Yadav, the RJD president, who also served as the CM of Bihar twice - from 1990 to 1995 and 1995 to 1997.
Character
Had a month's time to prepare for the character: Sohum
"He was the Chief Minister of Bihar but nothing of this, like it (series) is based on Lalu Prasad or Rabri Devi was conveyed to me. I don't think it is based on them," Sohum said.
The actor said he had about a month's time to prepare for the character and study its motivations and ideology.
Quote
Director and writer taught me the language: Sohum
"We didn't have any dialogue coach. I relied on director Subhash Kapoor, who helped me a lot as he fluently speaks Bihari. Also, our writer Nandan (Singh) is from Bihar. I took help from them," the actor said.
Relatability
Watched interviews of politicians to prep for the role: Sohum
"It was also important to get the body language and nuances correct. I saw interviews of politicians, including that of Bihari politicians like Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar. I got a lot of help from the videos," he said.
Sohum said, coming from a small town like Ganganagar in Rajasthan, he could relate to his character and the instances of inequality he faces.
Mindset
After arriving in Mumbai, my mindset changed: Sohum
"Certain things are inbuilt in the system and there is a need to change it," Sohum said.
"I remember when I came to Mumbai, my mindset changed. I come from a conservative family and I did believe the rules that were made (in reference to inequality) are correct. But when I came to Mumbai, I realized these things are incorrect," he said.
Information
'Maharani' will stream on SonyLIV from May 28
Maharani, also featuring Amit Sial, Kani Kusruti, and Vineet Kumar Singh will stream from May 28 on SonyLIV. The show is created by Subhash Kapoor and directed by Karan Sharma. Kapoor is also producing the show, with Naren Kumar serving as co-producer.