Actor Naveen Kasturia, known for his rooted performances in shows like TVF Pitchers and Aspirants, has stepped into unfamiliar territory — a full-blown spy thriller. His latest outing, Salakaar on JioHotstar, marks his debut as a spy, and the series has already stirred buzz with its mix of action, politics, and suspense.
The Many Firsts for Naveen Kasturia
In an exclusive conversation, Naveen admitted that Salakaar was a bundle of new beginnings for him:
- First time playing a spy on screen.
- First time portraying a father.
- First time performing hardcore action scenes.
“The tone, the pace, the style — everything was different. As an actor, it’s exciting to try things that scare you a little. This role gave me that chance,” he said.
Action, Blood, and Rugged Terrain
What makes Naveen’s role stand out is the physical and emotional demand. From knife combat to high-octane bike chases, Salakaar tested him thoroughly.
- The Kahuta sequence, where he kills a Pakistani operative with a knife, was one of the most intense experiences for him.
- Shooting on Ladakh’s treacherous roads while riding a bike was another challenge. “You’re not just riding; you have to stop at the exact mark, deliver reactions, and stay in character. It’s not easy,” Naveen revealed.
Bonding with Mukesh Rishi
Naveen had high praise for Mukesh Rishi, who plays Pakistan’s General Zia. “He has a towering screen presence but is calm and grounded in real life. Honestly, my best scenes are with him. He gave me space and made me feel like I was working with an elder brother,” Naveen shared.
The Buzz: Mixed Reviews, Strong Audience Connection
Salakaar has divided critics — some calling it “wannabe Argo” while others enjoy its quick pace. But the audience’s response is keeping the series alive. “Fans are texting me good things. Reviews are mixed, but I’m happy people are connecting,” Naveen admitted.
What’s Next for Naveen?
- Another show is set to release by November 2025.
- He has already shot one more project awaiting release by year-end.
- On TVF Pitchers 3, he says, “I’m hopeful, but no updates yet.”
The finale of Salakaar leaves room for a second season, and Naveen is all in: “This is one of the coolest characters I’ve played. I’d love to return for more missions.”
Final Word
With Salakaar, Naveen Kasturia breaks his comfort zone and plants himself into India’s growing espionage-thriller space. Love it or criticize it, the series proves one thing — Naveen isn’t afraid to take risks. And in a cluttered OTT world, that daring move might just be his sharpest weapon.
By – Nikita