Kanika Maheshwari is currently captivating audiences with her intense portrayal of Husna in Colors TV‘s show Seher Hone Ko Hai. While the character is known for her sharp mind, manipulative nature, and shocking twists, Kanika recently revealed that one of the most important aspects of playing Husna had nothing to do with dramatic scenes or powerful dialogues. Instead, it was a small yet significant detail that helped her stay true to the character’s beliefs and values.
Speaking about her approach to the role, Kanika shares, “When I started understanding Husna’s character, I realised that she isn’t just a villain. Like every real person, she has multiple layers. One very important aspect of her life is her faith. Husna believes in Allah, offers prayers, and follows her religious practices sincerely. Because of that, I made a conscious decision not to wear nail polish while portraying her.”
The actress explains that authenticity is built through details that often go unnoticed. “As actors, we don’t just wear costumes and deliver lines. We step into a character’s world completely. Since Husna is shown as a practising Muslim woman, I wanted every aspect of her appearance to reflect that reality. For me, it was important that her faith wasn’t treated as a superficial detail but as an integral part of who she is. Not wearing nail polish was a simple choice, but it helped me remain connected to the character’s beliefs. Husna may be feared for her actions, but her faith is an important part of her identity, and I wanted to portray that with honesty.”
Kanika further emphasises that portraying a negative character does not mean overlooking their humanity. “What makes Husna interesting is that she isn’t one-dimensional. Yes, she is dangerous, calculating, and often becomes the reason behind conflicts in the story. But that doesn’t erase the fact that she has her own values and spiritual connection. Real people are complex, and I believe audiences appreciate characters who feel authentic rather than stereotypical.”
The actress believes that respecting cultural and religious nuances is essential in storytelling. “Television reaches millions of homes, and viewers notice every little detail. I feel actors have a responsibility to portray characters with sincerity and respect. Whether a character is a hero or a villain shouldn’t matter. What matters is portraying them truthfully. Husna’s faith is a part of her identity, and I wanted viewers to see that even though she may be the antagonist of the story.”
Receiving immense appreciation for her performance, Kanika says the audience’s reaction has been overwhelming. “The fact that viewers are emotionally invested in Husna proves that the character is making an impact. If people love to hate her, it means I’ve done my job well. At the same time, I hope they also recognise the layers that make her who she is. That’s what makes playing Husna such a rewarding experience.”
