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Hai Junoon has premiered on JioHotstar, featuring Bollywood stars like Jacqueline Fernandez, Neil Nitin Mukesh, and veteran actor Boman Irani in leading roles. Alongside them, fresh talents like Sumedh Mudgalkar, Siddharth Nigam, and Priyank Sharma play key characters in the show. Directed by Abhishek Sharma, this inspiring musical drama dives into the hopes, struggles, and passion of today’s youth.
Recently, Sumedh, Siddharth, and Priyank spoke exclusively to the media, sharing insights about their roles, their career journeys, and what it was like working with such a dynamic cast. Here's what they had to say.
Priyank Sharma
Did you always dream of becoming a performer? What came first – dance or acting?
Absolutely! Dance was actually my first love – I started dancing when I was just 4 years old. I come from a family where art is in our blood. All three of my maternal aunts are accomplished Bharatanatyam dancers, and they’ve performed internationally. They spotted my love for dance very early on. Interestingly, I never really imagined myself pursuing acting – it just wasn’t part of the plan. But now, I’d say dance is my first passion, and acting has become my second.
What was it like sharing the screen with stars like Jacqueline Fernandez and Neil Nitin Mukesh?
Neil sir is incredibly humble and down-to-earth. He made sure everyone around him felt at ease – working with him was a learning experience. And Jacqueline is such a positive, high-energy person. Her smile and vibe uplifted the entire set – she really knows how to keep spirits high.
Looking back at your career so far, how do you feel?
I started working when I was 17 – I’m 32 now. It’s been a journey full of ups and downs. I’ve faced plenty of rejections, but I never let them bring me down. I always found ways to stay motivated. When you truly love what you do, hard work doesn't feel like a burden. The industry is evolving rapidly – to survive here, you have to constantly reinvent yourself and keep learning.
Sumedh Mudgalkar
Between dance and acting, which came first for you? Or did they grow together?
I think that really depends on the individual. For me, I’ve always gravitated towards any form of art. Acting, in particular, is a deep exploration of human emotion and psychology. I observe, I feel, and then I express – that’s my approach to performance.
What sets “Hai Junoon” apart from other musical dramas?
We didn’t set out to show something the audience has never seen before, but we were clear that our performances had to be rooted in authenticity and expression. Our choreographer Ruel sir, along with the entire creative team, worked hard to make sure the dance sequences told stories, not just showcased moves. You’ll also see that we’ve performed ourselves in several parts. Of course, dance is a big component, but we’ve poured just as much effort into the acting and emotional depth. We've deliberately moved away from the typical Bollywood-style execution – especially with our hip-hop sequences. We’ve tried to understand the form, respect it, and do it justice.
Do you personally relate to your character, Sebi?
Absolutely. Sebi is very close to my heart. He follows his instincts, just like I do. There’s no fixed path to acting – all you need is passion. I’ve been in the industry for 13 years, and honestly, it doesn’t feel that long. Every day still feels like a new beginning. This world never stops evolving, and if you want to stay relevant, you have to keep pushing yourself with the same fire.
Siddharth Nigam
How did your journey in the performing arts begin? Was acting always the goal?
My journey actually started with gymnastics, and that gradually opened the doors to dance and acting. I never consciously aimed for a career in entertainment, but I’m deeply grateful to God for how things have unfolded. Over time, acting and dancing have become an inseparable part of my life.
Do you feel personally connected to your character, Bikram, in “Hai Junoon”?
Very much so. Bikram comes from a small town, carrying big dreams. He stumbles, makes mistakes, faces rejection – but he never gives up. That, to me, is the real essence of life: hard work and loyalty. His journey mirrors mine in many ways. We’ve both had our share of struggles, but the fire to keep going never dies.
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