Chandan Anand Nails Shakuni’s Clever, Complicated Vibes in Hastinapur Ke Veer

Hastinapur Ke Veer is a fresh take on the Mahabharata that dives into the early days of the Pandavas and Kauravas. This is where friendships form, loyalties get tested, and those epic destinies start brewing. And bringing a sneaky, magnetic edge to it all? Chandan Anand as Shakuni—the guy who pulls strings from the shadows long before the big battles erupt.


Chandan, who's got a knack for switching up roles like a pro, slips perfectly into Shakuni's shoes. This isn't your straightforward villain; he's whip-smart, always watching, always reading the room. He knows real power isn't about brute force rather it's about seeing what's brewing in people's heads and nudging it along. He plays into Duryodhana's ego, amps up the "us vs. them" vibes, but never dives headfirst into fights. Instead, he whispers ideas, fans the flames of what's already there, and twists the narrative so the story itself becomes his weapon. It's that subtle danger that makes him so addictive to watch—adding real tension, heart, and "what's he up to next?" suspense to the whole saga.


Speaking about his role, Chandan Anand shares, “When I first read Shakuni’s scenes, what stood out was not what he says, but what he doesn’t. His power is quiet — he relies on observation and perfect timing rather than raising his voice. What makes the role exciting is how he appears around the children—like a fun, indulgent elder who encourages them to think differently. But beneath that, there’s always a deeper intent. Balancing these layers has been both challenging and fascinating. This is actually what makes Shakuni such an intriguing character to play.”
With Hastinapur Ke Veer, audiences can look forward to a fresh and engaging take on the Mahabharat.