Dia Mirza, acclaimed actress and environmental activist, is set to bring depth and nuance to her role as a newspaper editor in Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. In a recent interview, Mirza shared her thoughts on playing the character of Shalini, emphasizing the integrity and complexity she brings to the role.
“What mattered the most to me was Shalini's integrity,” Mirza said. “That is evident in the way she responds to the situation. The way it unfolds is a dilemma that many of my journalist friends are dealing with to this day. Many who were part of broadcast and newspaper channels now run their independent YouTube channels.” This reflection highlights the ongoing challenges and transformations within the journalism industry, which Mirza has explored through her character.
Mirza’s portrayal delves into the historical context of a woman in power in the press, offering viewers a glimpse into what it might have been like for women in the field during that time. She expressed her intrigue about the era and the dynamics of being a woman in a position of influence. “I was intrigued about what that time must have been for a woman in the press and for a woman in power in the press,” she explained.
The show also features a compelling dynamic between Mirza’s character, Shalini, and Nandini, portrayed by another actress. Mirza described their relationship as a “jugalbandi,” a musical term meaning a duet, and praised the nuanced interactions between the two characters. “What was also exciting was the relationship, the jugalbandi between Nandini and Shalini, their rapport, their exchanges, and the very gentle but important insights that their exchanges bring to the story as it unfolds,” she said.
Helmed by Anubhav Sinha, the upcoming series "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack" recounts the harrowing ordeal of an Indian plane hijacked on its journey from Nepal to Delhi. The series delves into the intense struggles of passengers and crew as they face seven days of captivity and resistance against their hijackers before the flight is diverted to Kandahar.
It features Vijay Varma, DIa Mirza, Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Arvind Swamy , Patralekhaa Paul, Anupam Tripathi, Pooja Gaur, Amrita Puri, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa.
The series is currently streaming on Netflix.