Surveen Chawla has indeed stated that her character, Anju, in “Criminal Justice: A Family Matter” possesses a remarkable clarity of purpose. She remarked, “There’s nobody clearer than Anju as to what she’s doing and what her aim is.”
In the series, Anju Nagpal (played by Surveen Chawla) is the estranged wife of Dr. Raj Nagpal (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), who becomes the prime suspect in the murder of Roshni Saluja, his lover and the caretaker of their daughter, Ira (who has Asperger’s syndrome). Anju herself is later implicated as a potential suspect.
Surveen Chawla elaborates on Anju’s complexity and unwavering focus:
Emotional Core and Depth: Chawla describes Anju as “the emotional core, the epicenter of the show.” She is portrayed as calm and composed even amidst the chaos, yet she suppresses a lot of emotion internally. This depth attracted Chawla to the role.
Clear Aim Amidst Complexity: Despite the intricate and layered plot, and the emotional turmoil she faces, Anju’s objectives remain remarkably clear. While Chawla couldn’t divulge specific plot details due to spoilers, she emphasized that Anju is not contradictory in her actions or motivations. Her actions are driven by a very distinct aim, which unfolds as the series progresses.
Grappling with Guilt and Justice: Anju is shown grappling with the guilt of having entrusted her daughter to someone who ultimately becomes a murder victim. Her core desire seems to be to see justice served and to protect her family, particularly her daughter. This moral compass guides her decisions and interactions throughout the investigation and courtroom drama.
Surveen Chawla’s performance as Anju has been noted by critics for bringing “emotional fidelity” and “gravitas” to the character, making her a standout in the series. Her portrayal emphasizes the quiet strength and determination of a woman navigating a deeply personal and public crisis with a clear vision of what she needs to achieve.
