Exclusive - Jaaved Jaaferi on playing magician in The Magic of Shiri: Was thrilled to play an old magician's role for the first time

The Magic of Shiri, which released on November 14, starring popular actors Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya, Jaaved Jaaferi, and Namit Das, is an inspiring tale of self-discovery and second chances.At its heart is the story of a homemaker, Shiri, whose life takes an unexpected turn, reigniting her passion and helping her rediscover dreams she had long set aside.

This heartwarming drama brings together an impressive cast and crew to deliver a mix of family dynamics, humor, and emotional depth. One of the standout elements of the show is Jaaved Jaaferi’s portrayal of Jaadugar Saleem, a magician whose character brings both magic and charm to the story.

Jaaved Jaaferi on Playing a Magician for the First Time

Jaaved Jaaferi, a versatile performer with a legacy of memorable roles across film, television, and comedy, expressed his excitement about venturing into uncharted territory with this role. “I remember Atul training us with magic tricks during late-night sessions,” said Jaaved, reflecting on the preparation process. “As an actor, this was my first time playing a magician, and it was such a unique and exciting experience. Learning the tricks and bringing my character to life on screen was a lot of fun. The entire journey of working on this series has been fantastic, and I truly enjoyed every moment of it. It was an unforgettable experience!”

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Jaaved’s character, Jaadugar Saleem, is a pivotal part of The Magic of Shiri, adding a layer of intrigue and wonder to the narrative. While the role marks a departure from his previous work, Jaaved brought his signature charm and commitment to the character, ensuring that Saleem resonates with audiences.

He elaborated further on the role, saying, “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to play different roles as an actor. My character, Jaadugar Saleem, in Shiri is completely different from anything I’ve done before. The show is a mix of family drama, comedy, and a real roller coaster of emotions for the audience.” For an actor known for his versatility, taking on the role of a magician provided a chance to explore new creative avenues while staying true to his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.

The Magic of Collaboration

Behind the scenes, The Magic of Shiri was brought to life through the dedication of a talented team, including a unique approach to training actors for their roles. Jaaved's mention of late-night sessions with Atul, presumably the series’ director or a consultant specializing in magic tricks, highlights the immersive process the cast underwent to bring authenticity to their performances.

Working with Divyanka

"Divyanka has worked  Divyanka has worked a lot. She is a fabulous actor. I enjoyed working with her. It was a great collaboration, and I am thankful to the team. The magic of Siri was a great experience."

Experiment with the role

"Actor should always try something new in their career. I am playing such an old character and magician for the first time in my life. I had to modify my voice and do some voice modification for my role because it was a requirement because it was an old character. I had to work on my voice and change it accordingly, the dialogue, I think an actor always needs to do experiment with their characters. That's why I accepted the role."