Wamiqa Gabbi on Prahaar: ‘I Am Honored to Have Portrayed Jyoti Nikam’

The trailer of Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam has created considerable interest, with Rajkummar Rao stepping into the shoes of the celebrated prosecutor and Wamiqa Gabbi portraying his wife, Jyoti Nikam. The trailer was unveiled at Mumbai’s iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Ujjwal Nikam and his wife Jyoti Nikam. For Wamiqa, however, the project was about much more than playing a character—it was an opportunity to bring an important and deeply personal story to the screen.

Speaking about why she agreed to be part of Prahaar, Wamiqa said, “There was such an important message to convey through this film—especially regarding Ujjwal Sir's story following Kasab's capture. I felt it was crucial for everyone to understand the reality of what happened and why the process took so long. Given the context of India's democracy, telling this story was vital, and I am so glad to be a part of it. Initially, I was quite apprehensive about how I would portray this character. But when I met Jyoti Ma'am and realized how strong she is and the significant role she played in Ujjwal-ji's battle, I was overjoyed to get the opportunity to play this part.”

Wamiqa also spoke warmly about meeting the real Jyoti Nikam and the impression she left on her. The actor added, “And Jyoti Ma'am, I love you; you are such a strong person. I am honored to have portrayed you. I am so happy to have known you and to have been able to depict moments of your life in this film. I truly admire the way you have held the family and everyone's lives together—I love you.” Her words underline the emotional connection she developed with the woman whose life she was tasked with portraying, particularly as the film explores the personal side of Ujjwal Nikam’s demanding professional journey.

Taking on a real-life personality also meant paying attention to details that might not necessarily be visible at first glance. When asked about the challenge of moulding herself into the role, Wamiqa explained, “It was quite a task—I won't go into too much detail, but I had to work on Ma'am's body language and nuances. Plus, working with him—any actor would feel a bit of pressure because he is so brilliant—I prepared like a dedicated student, determined to do a good job. I wanted to give my absolute best in the role I was given. Whether my preparation translated well onto the screen is something you can only judge after watching the film. I hope people will like it.” Her comments reflect the preparation that went into creating a portrayal that would feel respectful and authentic.

Directed by Avinash Arun and produced by Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner, Prahaar stars Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher in prominent roles. The film is based on the life of Ujjwal Nikam, who represented the prosecution during the trial connected to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the case involving Ajmal Kasab. While the courtroom proceedings form an important part of the story, the film also explores the people and personal experiences surrounding Nikam’s professional life.

Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam is scheduled to release in theatres on October 16, 2026. With Rajkummar Rao portraying Ujjwal Nikam and Wamiqa Gabbi stepping into the role of Jyoti Nikam, the film brings together a story of law, family and the personal pressures behind a nationally watched case. After the trailer launch at CST and the actors’ insights into their preparation, audiences now have another reason to look forward to the film’s theatrical release.