The Actor on Playing a Telugu Character in Her Bollywood Debut
Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane opened up about her experience portraying Saru, a Telugu girl, in her Bollywood debut Sanam Teri Kasam. Speaking to Filmfare, Mawra credited her directors, Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, for guiding her through the transformation.
“I owe it all to my directors,” Mawra shared. “Radhika [Rao] ji was deeply connected to the cultural roots of my character. Both Vinay [Sapru] sir and Radhika ma’am taught me everything I needed to embody Saru. I was like a sponge, absorbing every detail they shared, striving to become her completely.”
However, the role had a profound impact on Mawra’s personal life. “Over time, I realized I had internalized Saru so deeply that I struggled to separate myself from the character,” she admitted. “Even after filming ended, I felt more like Saru than Mawra. It took me nearly a year to rediscover my true self.”
Letting go of Saru proved to be even harder than stepping into the role. “Sometimes, actors immerse themselves in a character without realizing its emotional toll,” she explained. “I had adopted so many of Saru’s traits that it took me a long time to shed them. But I had given my all to the character, and I have no regrets.”
Sanam Teri Kasam’s Remarkable Comeback
Originally released in 2016, Sanam Teri Kasam had a modest box office run but gained a cult following on OTT platforms. This led to its theatrical re-release in early 2024, where it defied expectations to become India’s highest-grossing re-released film.
The film’s resurgence received praise from Bollywood legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, and Vidya Balan. Directors Vinay Sapru and Radhika Rao revealed that the audience’s unwavering love over the years inspired them to bring the movie back to theaters.
“For nine years, fans kept urging us on social media to re-release Sanam Teri Kasam,” Vinay shared. “Since we create love stories for the youth, Valentine’s season was the perfect time to bring it back.”
Why Mawra Hocane Was Cast as Saru?
Reflecting on the casting process, Radhika Rao revealed why Mawra stood out among 200 hopefuls. “Mawra had the most heartfelt way of expressing emotions on screen. She could cry beautifully and authentically,” Radhika said. “Beyond that, she’s one of the kindest human beings we’ve ever met. She wears her heart on her sleeve, and we needed someone with that pure, natural energy.”
Her emotional depth and vibrant personality made Mawra an irreplaceable part of the film. “Mawra was not just a great actress—she was an amazing person,” Radhika added. “We adored her so much that we nicknamed her Mavu, the Marvellous.”
Sanam Teri Kasam 2: Will Mawra Hocane Return?
Following the film’s renewed success, a sequel to Sanam Teri Kasam was announced for 2026. However, it remains uncertain whether Mawra will reprise her iconic role as Saru. Fans eagerly await updates on the much-anticipated continuation of this beloved love story.
