The recently released web series, Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web, has been loved for its subject, treatment, humorous and dramatic moments and the casting. Zoya Afroz left a mark as Priya Khubchandani, the mole in the smuggler’s (Sharad Kelkar) core team. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Zoya spoke about the response to the Netflix web series and a lot more.
EXCLUSIVE: Zoya Afroz on cloud nine with response to Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web: “Trying to respond to every message from viewers”; opens up on romancing Emraan Hashmi: “There was NEVER a kiss written…restraint says more than consummation”
How has been the response to Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web?
The response has been reassuring in the best way. People are discussing the characters, not just the twists, which tells me the writing and performances have truly landed. I’ve also been receiving a lot of thoughtful messages from viewers who’ve reached out specifically about my performance, and I’ve been trying to respond to each one as personally as I can. That kind of engagement is deeply encouraging.
How did you bag the role? Did the role in Sikandar Ka Muqaddar (2024) help you?
I’ve often heard people say that if Neeraj Pandey sir believes in your talent and your intent as an actor, he tends to collaborate with you again. I never took that as something to assume or expect, but when Taskaree came my way, I did feel quietly reassured that something in my approach had worked for him earlier.
My role in Sikandar Ka Muqaddar was brief, but it gave us a chance to work together and understand each other’s process. Taskaree wasn’t about familiarity or past work alone; it was very much about whether I suited this world and this character. If those earlier days helped in building that understanding, I’m grateful for it. For me, it’s been a reminder that in this industry, consistency and sincerity matter more than the length of a role. You show up, do the work honestly, and hope that the right people see value in that over time.
How was it working with Neeraj Pandey and the other 2 directors (Raghav M Jairath and B A Fida)? Was it a challenge to be directed by 3 directors?
It was a really fulfilling experience. Neeraj sir has an incredible clarity of thought. He builds his worlds with such precision that, as an actor, you always know the emotional and narrative space you’re operating in. That kind of vision gives you a lot of confidence. Meanwhile, Raghav M Jairath and B A Fida complemented that beautifully. Each of them brought their own sensitivity and attention to detail, whether it was in shaping a scene or refining a moment. What stood out was how well everyone was aligned to the same larger vision. So rather than feeling like three different directing styles, it felt like a seamless extension of the same thought process.
For me, it became less about adapting to multiple directors and more about growing through each interaction. Every conversation on set added something valuable to the performance.
How was it working with Emraan Hashmi and what surprised you about him?
Working with Emraan was a great experience. He brings a certain ease and instinct to his performances that makes scenes flow naturally. What surprised me was how quietly observant he is. He listens closely, reacts in the moment, and keeps things very real. That grounded approach makes working with him both effortless and enriching.
Both of you had a few romantic moments and it seemed there would be a kiss in the scene where Priya tightly hugs Arjun in the safe house. Was the kiss there in the script or was it never planned in the first place?
There was never a kiss written. The intimacy in that scene was meant to come from vulnerability, not physicality. Sometimes restraint communicates far more than consummation, especially in a narrative where trust itself is fragile.
Are there any plans for Season 2 of Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web?
That’s entirely in the creators’ hands. If the story expands organically and Priya’s journey has somewhere honest to go, I’d be excited to explore that, and raring to go (smiles).
Tags : Bollywood, Bollywood Features, Dark, Emraan Hashmi, Features, Neeraj Pandey, Netflix, Netflix India, OTT, OTT Platform, Sharad Kelkar, Taskaree, Web Series, Zoya Afroz
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