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Updated Jun 5, 2025 · 12:57
Bollywood News Updated Jun 5, 2025

Abhishek Banerjee reveals how he tapped into the mindspace for his 'Rana Naidu' character

Abhishek Banerjee delivers a compelling performance in Netflix's 'Rana Naidu' as Jaffa, a character navigating raw emotions in a high-stakes family drama. His portrayal captures the vulnerability of young love against a backdrop of intense sibling rivalries and criminal dynamics. The actor tapped into his own teenage memories to bring authenticity to the role, creating a unique emotional counterpoint to the show's gritty narrative. With the second season premiering on June 13, audiences can expect a multilayered exploration of relationships and personal transformations.

Mumbai, June 5

Actor-casting director Abhishek Banerjee, has revealed how he pitched his character in the upcoming season of the streaming show ‘Rana Naidu’.

The show, which stars Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh Daggubati in the lead, is packed with gang wars, power plays, and emotional landmines. Abhishek essays the character of Jaffa, who is the son of Venkatesh Daggubati’s character.

Jaffa is emotional. He’s awkward. And he’s falling in love for what feels like the first time in his life. “His love is very pure”, Abhishek Banerjee said. “It’s the most important thing in his life”.

While everyone else is breaking bones and burning bridges, Jafa’s just trying to figure out how to say what he feels.

Talking about how he tapped into the mindspace of the character, Abhishek said, “It was like going back to school. You know that teenage phase where emotions are raw and everything feels so intense? That’s the space I tapped into for Jafa”.

However, the character isn’t as linear or morally white as it seems, and can hit hard in a different way. With his emotional vulnerability and quiet sincerity, Jafa brings a much-needed heartbeat to Rana Naidu’s gritty world.

The actor added, “That kind of love is missing in our world these days. It’s rare to see something so honest, especially in the middle of all this madness”.

Between the simmering sibling tension of Rana and Tej, Naga’s unpredictable firecracker energy, and now Jafa’s love story, ‘Rana Naidu’ season 2 is a full-blown emotional ride. With action, family drama, romance, and a whole lot of heart, this season throws in all the feels to serve up the ultimate binge-watch.

The streaming show is set to premiere on June 13 on streaming giant Netflix.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Priya K.

Abhishek Banerjee is such an underrated actor! Loved him in Stree and now excited to see his emotional range in Rana Naidu. The way he describes Jafa's love as "pure" reminds me of old Bollywood romances ❤️

Rahul S.

Not sure how I feel about adding a love story angle to such a gritty show. The first season was all about raw power struggles - hope this doesn't turn into typical masala content. But will give it a chance!

Ananya M.

"Going back to school" phase - what a beautiful way to describe teenage emotions! As a psychology student, I find this character study fascinating. Can't wait to see how Jafa's innocence contrasts with the dark world around him.

Vikram J.

The Daggubati duo + Abhishek Banerjee? That's some solid casting! Hope Netflix doesn't disappoint like some other Indian web series. Fingers crossed 🤞

Shreya P.

Finally some good content coming to OTT! After so many crime thrillers, a character like Jafa who brings emotional depth is refreshing. Abhishek always chooses interesting roles - respect for that!

Karan D.

The show sounds interesting but I hope they don't overdo the "emotional landmines" part. Sometimes less is more when it comes to drama. Still, June 13 is marked on my calendar!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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