04 August,2026 04:15 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti Sampat
Kanika Maheshwari and Seher Hone Ko Hai cast (Pictures via Instagram)
Television actress Kanika Maheshwari is stepping into uncharted territory with her latest role as Husn Ara in Seher Hone Ko Hai. Known for playing memorable grey-shaded characters over the years, Kanika says this role is unlike anything she has attempted before.
"I have done negative characters, basically grey shades I have done, but Husn Ara's role is not grey. It's completely black. It's completely dark," she says. "I have never done this kind of a negative role in my life, in my entire career, where I have to kill people and kill your own father."
The actress admits portraying such an unapologetically evil character comes with its own set of challenges. "People definitely stereotype you and resonate with you with the same kind of negative image only," she says. "People start hating me. So yes, definitely it's a very vulnerable kind of a situation. And I have never done such a negative role till date."
While many viewers feel Husn Ara has only one defining trait, Kanika disagrees. "I differ here. I do not have layers in this character. I have a lot many layers in it that I have to pretend," she explains. "I have to be manipulative. Husn Ara is a power-hungry woman. She won't even leave her son. That's her situation. So, it takes a lot to do this kind of a role."
The emotional impact of playing the character doesn't end when the director calls 'cut'. Kanika reveals she often has to disconnect from the negativity after intense scenes. Also talks about Mahhi Vij's exit.
"I was so fond of Rishu. Me and Mahi were such good friends. Nidhi is such a sweet girl," she says. "These people, I have to behave in such a way that when I get cut, I need to take a little time to go back to myself. It's just a character. I have to say sorry to them for giving such expressions and looks during the scenes. I get goosebumps while doing such roles, and it indeed takes a toll."
The actress also had words of appreciation for her co-star Bhavika Sharma as the new Seher, saying, "I think Bhavika is able to play that character very beautifully. She is doing a great job."
Beyond television, Kanika has ventured into the podcasting space with a unique concept. "I have started my podcast a few months back. It's called The Auto Affairs," she shares with a smile. "A lot of people think that who all had an affair in an auto. But it is about automobile affairs."
Explaining the idea behind the show, she says every person shares a unique emotional bond with their vehicle. "Everybody has their automobile love, relationship. You must have seen that when people get hit by a car, they go out on the road and start fighting. Because that thing checks our personality as well as our patience. That's how I stitched one thought that the show was all about your love and your passion towards your own vehicle."
The podcast goes beyond automobiles to uncover deeply personal stories from celebrities. "It tells you about your feelings, about your nostalgic feelings," she says. "Nobody asks a celebrity, 'Did you cry in the car?' I asked all my male celebrities that, and they all said this is the place where we boys feel comfortable to cry."
Reflecting on those heartfelt conversations, Kanika adds, "Because we are being brought up in a way that men don't cry. But we do. And the space where we actually feel comfortable is our car."
Whether it's embracing one of the darkest characters of her career or creating meaningful conversations through her podcast, Kanika Maheshwari continues to push herself beyond familiar territory, proving that growth often lies in taking on roles and stories that challenge both the performer and the person behind them.
