10 June,2026 01:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti Sampat
Toral Rasputra (Picture curated by PR)
In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, television actress Toral Rasputra opened up about stepping into the role of Kunti in Hastinapur Ke Veer, her love for mythological dramas, and how Indian television has evolved over the years. The actress revealed that while portraying such an iconic figure came with responsibility, she never felt pressured by the legacy of the character.
Speaking about taking on the role, Toral said she was filled with excitement rather than anxiety. "There was no pressure. I was excited and I would say there were mixed emotions, with a sense of responsibility as well," she shared. Acknowledging that many actors have portrayed Kunti before, she added, "Kunti is one of the most respected and complex characters in Indian mythology. When I heard about her journey and the emotional depth of the storyline, I felt it would be a challenging but rewarding role to portray."
The actress also spoke about her preparation process, revealing that she constantly revisits stories and discussions surrounding Kunti to better understand the character. "I keep reading about Kunti and there's always the director and creative team on set. To align with their vision, I keep talking about the character on set," she said. Since the show explores the younger years of the Mahabharata characters, Toral believes it offers a fresh perspective. "We know the characters and how they were. We imagine how the Pandavas and Kauravas could have been when they were young. It is nice to be a part of a show like this," she explained.
Describing what makes Kunti such a compelling figure, Toral highlighted the character's inner strength and resilience. "She is known for her strength, and it comes from a very different place. She is not only a mother but also a symbol of wisdom, sacrifice and resilience," she said. According to the actress, Kunti's life reflects the constant struggle between duty, emotion and morality. "Her character teaches the importance of courage, and I feel that her resilience is quiet yet powerful. That is what makes her unique."
Having previously worked in mythological dramas, Toral admitted that the genre now excites her more than conventional fiction shows. "I enjoy being a part of mythological shows more than fiction shows because fiction storylines keep changing according to ratings," she remarked. "Here, at least, they have to stick to the basic content of the show, and that is what excites me."
Reflecting on the changing landscape of television, Toral noted that the industry has transformed significantly since she began her career. "When I started in 2007-2008, things were different, and today things are different," she said. She credited the evolving vision of television creators for this shift, adding, "They want to try different content. It's not necessary that everything works on TV, but people keep trying new things."
