Shabana Azmi on her role in 'Next of Kin' alongside Archie Panjabi: 'You can't push conflicts of this kind under the carpet'

What starts as a distant tragedy gradually turns into a deeply personal and unsettling crisis in ‘Next of Kin’, the British thriller premiering April 3 on Lionsgate Play. The series slowly draws viewers into a tense narrative that explores how a single incident can ripple across lives, raising a pressing question: how far would someone go to protect their family when everything begins to fall apart?The narrative begins with the death of a young British Pakistani doctor stationed abroad. His family in London receives the devastating news in fragments, through hushed conversations and lingering disbelief. For a while, life attempts to regain normalcy, though grief quietly persists. However, in ‘Next of Kin’, distance proves deceptive, as the tragedy soon unfolds into a far more complicated and disturbing reality. Created by Paul Rutman and Natasha Narayan, ‘Next of Kin’ features a strong ensemble cast including Shabana Azmi, Archie Panjabi, Jack Davenport, Viveik Kalra, and Navin Chowdhry. The story revolves around Mona Harcourt, played by Archie Panjabi, whose life is upended when her brother is abducted and killed overseas on the same day a bomb blast rocks London.The tension escalates when Mona’s nephew Danny disappears and is soon connected to both incidents. What follows is a gripping exploration of suspicion, conspiracy, and emotional strain. Bonds are tested, trust begins to erode, and the family’s unity starts to crumble. ‘Next of Kin’ delves not only into the chaos of external events but also the emotional fractures within a family facing unimaginable pressure.Reflecting on her involvement in ‘Next of Kin’, Shabana Azmi shares, “I just happened to be in London when my agent informed me about the role. I met director Justin Chadwick, and before I realised it, I was part of the project.” With her longstanding association with British productions, the decision came naturally. “I took an immediate liking to Justin. Knowing the subject, it was an easy yes for me,” she adds.Beyond its suspenseful plot, ‘Next of Kin’ strikes a chord due to its social and emotional relevance. Azmi emphasises this, stating, “This story is so close to home. It’s important for all forms of art to reflect such realities. You can’t push conflicts of this kind under the carpet. This drama shows what happens to people in such situations.”Archie Panjabi reveals that the writing drew her in. “My first reaction was, ‘I want to read episode two. I’m completely hooked by this script,’” she says. Describing it as “intelligently written” and “timely,” she highlights her deep connection to Mona’s emotional journey. In an entertainment space often driven by spectacle, ‘Next of Kin’ distinguishes itself with its understated intensity and psychological depth. It goes beyond being just a thriller, offering a nuanced look at family dynamics, identity, and the difficult choices people make when pushed to their limits.