With Khauf, her forthcoming series that will debut on Amazon Prime on April 18, Priyanka Setia is set to take the lead in the sinister and twisted realm of psychological horror. With a talented creative team behind her, including directors Pankaj Kumar and Surya Balakrishnan, as well as creator and writer Smita Singh, this series is looking to be a must-see. Priyanka, who received training from the renowned Pankaj Kapur, has a lot of theatrical expertise and has wowed audiences in shows like The Vagina Monologues. With notable roles in Sacred Games, Rudra, Guilty Minds, Aranyak and The Office, in addition to movies like Begum Jaan, Khufiya and Haseena Parker, her filmography is as strong. As if that weren’t enough, Priyanka is also a talented writer and creator, best showcased in her innovative music series Khalbali Records on JioCinema. By delving into the depths of psychological horror with Khauf, Priyanka takes on a new challenge that is sure to keep people eagerly watching. And now, Shikha Duggal from Downtown Mirror India sits down with her to discuss this and much more.
Shikha Duggal: Could you describe the emotional development of your character?
Priyanka Setia: Playing Reema in this psychological horror series was no easy feat, let me tell you! It was quite difficult to draw those connections between psychological and physical fear. The character is somewhat gloomy and it wasn’t easy to adopt that perspective. However, the physical nature of the shot was what truly affected me. In addition to having to wear a fake tummy, we were filming in this intense heat. To put it mildly, it was gruelling. Naturally, there was also the mental preparation required to enter the zone where I could accurately depict Reema’s feelings of fear and anxiety. Although it was a completely different assignment, I’m happy that I was able to bring her to life.
Shikha Duggal: A women’s hostel, which is typically associated with safety, serves as the setting for the series. In what ways does the experience of your character support or contradict this idea?
Priyanka Setia: Personally, I’ve been a hosteller. Since I was living at a hostel in Nainital, I was fully aware of the basic idea of what a women’s hostel might be. It is true that jealousy and internal politics exist! As an insider, however, I can assure you that you will always be protected from the outside world. You can see how the group of girls in my series band together despite their differences in order to resist the outside forces. That’s the safety we need to discuss! The first thing that comes to mind when I think back on my hostel days is how I was ragged. After that, I remember our hostel dog being taken by a wild animal and seeing Nandita Das’ films in the common area.
The Actress Goes On To Say…
I also want to share a strange memory! There was a time when I couldn’t find any of my undergarments and we later learned that a burglar used to enter our wing every night. (She lets out a big laugh.) I also recall that half of the girls wanted to talk to their boyfriends back then, and yes, cell phones weren’t available. So that phone booth used to be packed like a fish market. In the hostel, I was also a girl who made acquaintances with folks from the mess area! I used to eat dinner with them and they served me interesting food every day. I will always treasure the wonderful recollections I have of my hostel time.
Shikha Duggal: What kind of vibe existed on the Khauf sets?
Priyanka Setia: I have never worked in a better environment than this one. I could have simply said, “Yes, everything and everyone was nice,” but instead I was genuinely thrilled to be working on the Khauf sets. Normally, we aren’t allowed to simply pick up the phone and call our directors, but with Surya Balakrishnan, things are completely different. Chum! Chum Darang and I became close friends, almost like sisters! Chum and Priyanka will have their vanities together so they may hang around together; even the vanity dadas knew. Even the ADs used to make me smile so much and it was always a pleasure to return to the Khauf sets and work every day.
Shikha Duggal: When working with the filmmakers, was there ever a point at which something ethereal but crucial to the creative process melded with your intuition and their vision?
Priyanka Setia: ‘Abhi Priyanka wapis ayegi aur kahegi ek aur take karen?’ said my other director, Smita, in jest every day. Thus, a completely collaborative environment! Furthermore, no one has ever refused an actor’s request to improvise, even when there are several directors on the set. That gave the entire cast a lot of encouragement. All of the actors’ suggestions were acknowledged.
Shikha Duggal: Horror in the modern day has changed, drawing on deeper themes such as repressed memory, societal estrangement and generational pain. Which type of fear, out of all of these, would you most like to see portrayed on screen and why?
Priyanka Setia: A deeper exploration of genres related to suppressed trauma would be my dream in the future. I have developed my own play based on my thinking because I find it so intriguing and thought-provoking! Greetings, readers. I do write, too. I’ll give you a personal story to illustrate this. Yes, I do become really frightened when I hear loud noises. Loud noises make me upset. I have that trauma that does occasionally get triggered! Growing up in Delhi, I experienced a lot of harassment from males both in my hostel and on the streets. It’s terribly regrettable. I feel my body jerk when I hear an unexpected sound. In addition, there are problems with body image and a host of other challenges that we all carry from our early years. (That’s when Priyanka starts to get emotional…)
Shikha Duggal: What changes do you think women’s roles will undergo in Indian horror films?
Priyanka Setia: People can say something like, “Oh, she’s not that woke” or “she’s ignorant.” I don’t think there are any differences between the sexes, though. These distinctions get hazy for me when it comes to art, even though I am aware that women have had a difficult time and that men have ruled the globe. Aapka kaam bolna chaiye hai… Whether it’s starring Akshay Kumar or an actress, a horror fan will not hesitate to watch the film, regardless of who plays the lead role. Gender isn’t explicitly stated in the content. The merit will be carried by the script!
Shikha Duggal: What are you most interested—or maybe a little nervous—to see how audiences react to Khauf?
Priyanka Setia: Mujhe hi khauf ho raha hai (she starts to laugh). Logon ko bhooth ka khauf hoga, mujhe toh mere career ka hai, as the series draws closer to its premiere. Good heavens, I can’t wait to watch myself on screen and I hope the series does well in the OTT charts. This isn’t your typical horror series. Guys, it’s a cleverly executed horror! I needed to constantly remind myself to step up my game because I was surrounded by such talented performers on the sets. I want Khauf to go as far as one of the top horror web shows in India! After this, I hope we all receive more work.
