Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur’s Masoom: The Next Generation has been creating anticipation ever since it was announced, and the upcoming spiritual sequel has now added another significant name to its cast. Jugal Hansraj, who made his acting debut as Rahul in the original Masoom, is set to return to the world of the iconic 1983 film.
Jugal Hansraj returning to Masoom
Jugal played the innocent Rahul, whose arrival in a seemingly happy family sets off a chain of emotional upheavals and changes its dynamics. His performance as the young boy earned him widespread appreciation and marked the beginning of his acting career. More than four decades later, Hansraj will reunite with his first director, Shekhar Kapur, as well as Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi, who are reprising their roles from the original.
Speaking about Jugal’s return, Kapur said there was something deeply emotional about bringing the actor back to a story that has remained close to audiences for decades. He recalled that Jugal was only a young boy when they made Masoom and said welcoming him back as an accomplished actor was both fulfilling and moving. Kapur added that reuniting Hansraj with Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi was a reminder of relationships that extend beyond cinema.
Jugal, meanwhile, expressed his excitement about returning to the franchise, saying Masoom has remained an integral part of his identity. He recalled how people continue to recognise him as “that Masoom boy” even after more than 40 years. Sharing an anecdote, he said he is often approached by people in New York who tell him that their children or grandchildren grew up listening to the much-loved song Lakdi Ki Kathi. For Hansraj, the affection surrounding the film makes his return feel like life coming full circle.
All about the film
Masoom: The Next Generation is described as a spiritual sequel to Kapur’s acclaimed drama. The film will continue to explore themes of family, identity, relationships and changing dynamics across generations.
The project features an ensemble cast comprising Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Jugal Hansraj, Manoj Bajpayee, Nithya Menen, Vivaan Shah and Kaveri Kapur, among others. Academy Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman has also joined the project as the music composer and co-producer.
Kapur, whose celebrated filmography includes Masoom, Mr India, Bandit Queen and Elizabeth, returns to the intimate, emotionally driven storytelling that made the original a timeless classic.