Jugal Hansraj, who made his acting debut as a child artist in Shekhar Kapur’s 1983 classic Masoom, is returning for its sequel, Masoom: The Next Generation, writes the Indian Express.
The sequel will see Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi reprise their roles from the original film.
Hansraj, who played Shah’s son Rahul as a child, will now join the cast as an adult.
Confirming Hansraj’s return, Kapur said the reunion was deeply emotional for him.
“There is something profoundly beautiful about coming home, not to a place, but to a story that has stayed alive in people’s hearts for decades,” the filmmaker said.
“Jugal was just a young boy when we made Masoom, and today, welcoming him back as an accomplished actor is both emotional and deeply fulfilling. Reuniting him with Naseer and Shabana is a reminder that some relationships transcend cinema,” he added.
Hansraj made his acting debut in Masoom as Rahul, an innocent young boy whose arrival changes the dynamics of a family.
More than four decades after the film’s release, he is now reuniting with Kapur for the sequel.
Speaking about his return, Hansraj said Kapur’s call made him extremely happy.
“Masoom has been a part of my life, my identity, for as long as I can remember. Even after all these years, I’m still that ‘Masoom boy’,” he said.
The actor recalled how audiences continue to remember the film with affection, saying people still approach him in New York and tell him that their children and grandchildren listen to the iconic song “Lakdi Ki Kathi”.
“They meet me like I’m a member of their own family. I’m glad that I can be a part of this special family again. It’s like life coming full circle,” Hansraj said.
Masoom: The Next Generation is described as a spiritual sequel to Kapur’s original film.
It will explore contemporary family dynamics, identity and relationships across generations.
Alongside Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi and Jugal Hansraj, the film stars Manoj Bajpayee, Nithya Menen and Kapur’s daughter Kaveri Kapur.
Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman is attached to the project as co-producer and music composer.
The makers have not yet announced a release date.
