In a significant twist for the popular television drama, actor Apurva Agnihotri has officially joined the cast of 'Seher Hone Ko Hai' as the enigmatic Dr. Farid. The character brings a dignified yet deeply layered presence to the mother-daughter saga that has captivated audiences since its premiere. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Lucknow, the show features Mahhi Vij as Kausar and Rishita Kothari as her daughter Seher, weaving a tale of rebellion against generational patriarchy.
The Heart of the Story: A Mother's Fight for Freedom
The narrative centers on Kausar's relentless struggle to secure the education and autonomy for her sixteen-year-old daughter, Seher, that she herself was denied. Her husband, Parvez, an uncaring patriarch, stands in stark opposition, determined to force Seher into a marriage with Mahid (played by Parth Samthaan), the heir to the powerful Mufti family. Caught in this crossfire is Mahid himself, a young man burdened by the expectations of his legacy and his own unseen emotional wounds.
It is here that Dr. Farid enters the fray. As a healer sought out by Mahid for solace, Farid is a man grappling with his own need for healing. In an exclusive conversation, Apurva Agnihotri delved into the complexities of this pivotal role and the mystery that binds his character to Kausar, which he describes as one of the show's biggest twists.
Apurva Agnihotri on Embracing the Duality of Dr. Farid
What instantly attracted Agnihotri to the part was the inherent duality of Dr. Farid. "On the outside, he’s a respected doctor, a man everyone turns to for help. But inside, he’s a father still figuring out how to emotionally reach his adopted daughter, Amal," the actor revealed. The dynamic deepens when Mahid becomes his patient, forging an unexpected bond. Compounding this is the unexplored history Farid shares with Kausar, making him a character perpetually torn between clinical logic and long-buried emotions.
"As a father myself, I instantly connected to him. I’m a girl dad, so I understand what it means to want to protect, guide, and still learn every day. Bringing my experience as a father into this show has been incredibly special," Agnihotri shared, highlighting the personal resonance of the role.
Preparation and Immersion into the World of Lucknow
To authentically portray the neurologist, Agnihotri undertook meticulous preparation. He read up on basic neurology and psychiatric frameworks to understand his character's professional mindset. "I even went through a few real case studies to understand the emotional fatigue and discipline that come with this profession," he noted. A crucial part of his preparation was perfecting his Urdu diction to reflect Farid's calm and refined tehzeeb (etiquette).
The preparation transcended into his personal life in surprising ways. "I caught myself calling my mother 'Ammi', waking up to the sound of azaan without even setting an alarm, and even started calling my own daughter by my reel daughter's name, Amal, at home," he recounted, illustrating how deeply the character had seeped into his reality.
A Narrative Beyond Stereotypes
When asked how 'Seher Hone Ko Hai' differs from earlier shows with Muslim backdrops, Agnihotri emphasized that the cultural setting is secondary. "What truly stands out here is the core emotion, a mother and daughter fighting generations of patriarchy so one dream doesn’t have to die just because the previous one did," he stated. For him, the show is not about community labels but universal themes of freedom, choice, and rewriting destiny.
He assured that sensitivity was paramount for the creators. Every detail, from language to rituals, was approached with extensive research and consultation. "For me, the biggest rule was simple: treat every character as human first. When you work from empathy instead of assumptions, respect follows naturally," Agnihotri explained.
On embracing a narrative set in a cultural world different from his own, the actor focused on the universal core. "At its core, it’s about very universal things: a mother’s courage, a daughter’s hope, a young man’s inner conflict, and a doctor who tries to hold everyone’s broken pieces together."
A Message of Hope to the Audience
Concluding his thoughts, Apurva Agnihotri expressed gratitude to the viewers. "We’re genuinely excited about having entered your homes and hearts. Every person on this team has poured honesty and hope into this story," he said. His message to the audience is to watch with an open mind and let the characters grow on them. "I promise you; this world has a lot to say. Your love is what keeps us going, and we are counting on more of it coming our way."
With its powerful performances, emotional depth, and the intriguing mystery surrounding Dr. Farid and Kausar, 'Seher Hone Ko Hai' continues to engage viewers with its compelling saga of resilience and rebellion.
