In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Surveen Chawla discussed her role in Criminal Justice: A Family Matter, a gripping family drama, and her experience working alongside Pankaj Tripathi. She revealed what drew her to the character and provided a glimpse into the fun and energy that permeated the intense courtroom scenes.

Criminal Justice: A Family Matter has been receiving positive reviews. Tell us something about it.

Surveen shared, “I believe it upholds the legacy of the franchise established over the past three seasons. This time, the narrative takes a more personal turn, focusing on a family dynamic. The plot centers around an estranged wife, a doctor husband, and a girlfriend who ultimately becomes a murder victim. It’s a thrilling watch that will keep you guessing. I understand many viewers are frustrated about not being able to binge-watch the series, but that’s the model the platform has chosen, and it’s performing exceptionally well.”

How did you prepare for this role, and what drew you to this complex character?

Surveen explained, “For me, Anju Nagpal is the emotional heart of the show. She remains calm and composed even amidst chaos, suppressing her feelings inside. The depth of her character is what attracted me, along with the incredible team—fantastic actors like Pankaj ji, Zeeshan, Shweta, Meeta ji, Barkha, and even Ira, who plays my daughter. The cast and director are crucial to me. I had long wanted to work with Rohan, and when the opportunity arose, I knew I had to seize it. A project may look great on paper, but without a strong team, execution can falter. This project had all the right elements to create a remarkable ‘dish’, and it truly delivered.”

Working alongside Pankaj Tripathi and other talented actors must be enriching. Can you share an experience from the set that stood out to you?

Surveen remarked, “I can’t pinpoint a single experience because every scene we shared was memorable. There’s a subtle chemistry between Zeeshan and me, reflecting our characters’ past. Pankaj ji is like a living encyclopedia of cinema. Working with him was a fantastic experience; his presence adds so much energy to every scene. The collaboration on set is constant yet understated—not overwhelming. He arrives without the burden of his fame, which is a remarkable trait. His simplicity and straightforwardness are truly inspiring.”

Overall, it was a pleasure working with every cast member. Even if some of us didn’t share many scenes, the days we did shoot together were delightful. With Rohan’s calm direction, every courtroom scene felt almost like a celebration—we enjoyed food and snacks together. So, while the show appears serious on screen, behind the scenes, it was filled with fun and laughter.