Netflix is embarking on an exciting journey into uncharted waters with “Maamla Legal Hai,” a one-of-a-kind courtroom comedy. The recently launched show offers audiences a peek into the uproariously chaotic universe of the fictional Patparganj District Court. Here, a group of eccentric lawyers tackles an array of bizarre cases with a refreshing dose of humor. Produced by Posham Pa Pictures, renowned for their hits like “Jaadugar” and “Kaala Paani,” and led by showrunner Sameer Saxena, under the direction of Rahul Pandey, the series has already made its debut on March 1st.

In this exclusive interview, we have the pleasure of hearing from two key figures of the series. Nidhi Bisht, who brings the character of Sujata Didi to life, and Naila Grewal, whose portrayal of Annaya Shroff captivates audiences. They share their experiences and insights into the show’s creation and their roles within it.

Portraying the life of a lawyer in the web space is so much challenging because it involves capturing the complexity of legal cases or emotional and mental strain of the profession. How difficult was it for you to portray the demanding life of a lawyer in the web?

Nidhi – Portraying Sujata’s character was challenging, especially in capturing her appearance. The director described her as the “Salman Khan of the foyer area,” a strong presence in her community. Despite being called “Didi” by senior male lawyers, she’s not easily defined. Ensuring I looked the part was crucial, from her attire to her demeanor. Collaborating with the director, we settled on a distinct look that captured Sujata’s essence authentically. It was a fascinating journey to translate such a dynamic character onto the screen.

What were some of the challenges you encountered while portraying your character “Sujata Didi” in “Maamla Legal Hai” on Netflix?

Nidhi :  As I delved into the script, I realized Sujata’s character could be easily misconstrued. She might seem manipulative or indifferent to justice, but her motivations are rooted in providing for her household’s basic needs. It’s not about greed, but necessity. This complexity added depth to her character, making her portrayal even more intriguing.

My first challenge was to embody Sujata’s appearance accurately. During the look test, we explored various options, starting with traditional salwar kameez. It was a collaborative process, and I suggested trying dhoti sarees with long-sleeved blouses, adorned with a big bindi and a distinctive hairstyle. Rahul, our director, supported my vision and encouraged me to take ownership of the character’s look.

As I researched, I observed real-life counterparts at Karkarduma and Bombay courts, picking up subtle nuances to enrich Sujata’s portrayal. Despite her complexities, it was crucial to ensure she remained likable and relatable.

Overall, I relished the opportunity to delve into Sujata’s layers and thoroughly enjoyed bringing her to life on screen. Working alongside talented co-actors like Naila, Ravi sir, and Anant was a learning experience, and I’m grateful for the audience’s love and support for Sujata’s character.

How has your experience working on “Maamla Legal Hai” influenced you personally, and what has your overall experience been like on the show?

Naila– The show has been an emotional journey for me. While it’s filled with humor and situational comedy, it also addresses important societal issues in each episode. The show’s multifaceted and multidimensional impact has been profound, providing both entertainment and valuable insights. I’m grateful to have been a part of it and thoroughly enjoyed watching it unfold.

Can you share a particularly memorable scene from “Maamla Legal Hai” that holds a special place in your heart?

Naila: Episode 8 particularly resonated with me as it beautifully highlighted the sometimes conflicting relationship between law and justice. This dilemma is something many of us face as citizens, where the law on paper may not always align with our personal sense of justice. As both an actor and audience member, I’ve learned a great deal about our legal system and our rights as citizens.

Nidhi – The seventh episode with the child marriage sequence, Naila’s portrayal keeps viewers engaged. The episode’s well-crafted writing and subtle nuances make it both hilarious and thought-provoking. Kudos to Naila for bringing Annaya to life so convincingly. That scene resonates deeply in my heart.

Could you walk us through your initial thoughts and reactions when you first received the script for “Maamla Legal Hai”?

Naila – When I was approached for ‘Maamla Legal Hai’, I was amidst another project, feeling quite conflicted about taking it on. However, what ultimately drew me in was the exceptionally well-written script. Each character, including Annaya Shroff, felt remarkably real and relatable, with comedy seamlessly woven into the narrative. It presented a new and unfamiliar world for me as an actor, one I hadn’t explored before. The setting of the Patparganj district court was entirely foreign to me, offering a fresh challenge and the opportunity to expand my skills in a different environment. With such an engaging script, I knew I had to dive into this project wholeheartedly and explore the character and the world it presented with enthusiasm.

Did you discover any similarities between yourself and the character Annanya while portraying her in “Maamla Legal Hai”?

Naila – Yes, for Annaya Shroff’s character, I drew heavily from my own experiences and journey. Similar to Annaya, I underwent a significant cultural shift—from studying in an international school to attending Delhi University for my college and master’s degrees. It felt like transitioning from one world to another, and I often felt like a fish out of water. I infused these personal experiences into Annaya’s character, adjusting them to fit her background and personality. While she comes from Harvard and has completed her LLM there, her journey of adapting to a new environment resonated with my own. This allowed me to connect with Annaya on a deeper level and bring authenticity to her portrayal.

Did portraying Sujata in “Maamla Legal Hai” resonate with aspects of your own life?

Nidhi– As actors, we inevitably infuse parts of ourselves into the characters we portray, don’t we? It’s this personal connection that brings truth and honesty to our performances. However, it’s intriguing how sometimes our characters can be the polar opposite of who we are in real life. Take me, for example—I tend to play confident, flamboyant characters akin to the best batsman on the field. Yet, in reality, I’m quite shy and introverted. It’s a fascinating dynamic, watching myself do things on screen that I’d never dream of doing in real life. Ultimately, it’s not about how an actor sheds their character, but rather the willingness to embrace the challenge and deliver a compelling performance.

What are three commendable traits exhibited by the character Sujata in “Maamla Legal Hai”?

Nidhi – Sujata‘s character embodies numerous positive qualities. She’s the epitome of a loyal friend, always there when you need her, with a heart in the right place. Plus, her skill as a Scotty rider adds an extra layer of charm to her persona.

By Ayan Mukherjee

The post Nidhi Bisht and Naila Grewal Unveil the Magic Behind ‘Maamla Legal Hai’! first appeared on Expresso Magazine.

The post Nidhi Bisht and Naila Grewal Unveil the Magic Behind ‘Maamla Legal Hai’! appeared first on Expresso Magazine.