Naqiyah Haji is swapping a hospital ward for a party scene. After playing Dr Nats in Heartbeats Season 2, she has been cast as Sakshi in Party Animals, opposite Viraj Ghelani.
The actress gave the film a one-line pitch, calling it a “desi version of The Hangover meets 21 Jump Street.”
From emotional drama to carefree comedy
That description signals a sharp change of register for the actor. In Heartbeats Season 2, which streams on Prime Video and MX Player, Naqiyah played a doctor dealing with childhood abuse, its impact on her mental health and a struggle with alcohol addiction. Sakshi, by contrast, is a young woman who likes living in the moment.
“Playing Sakshi has been a lot of fun because I’ve jumped directly from playing a doctor to playing this completely different party girl,” she said. “It’s been a fun, challenging, and exciting experience as an actor, and I’m really looking forward to people seeing this side of me on screen.”
What the film is aiming for
Party Animals brings together youthful characters, humour and unpredictable situations. Naqiyah described the film as fun and chaotic, and said she hopes Gen Z connects with the characters and enjoys the madness.
The trailer is already out ahead of the film’s November 20 release, with Viraj Ghelani and Arjun Tanwar also in the cast. Here is what fans need to know right now:
- The film: Party Animals, an upcoming Hindi comedy.
- Naqiyah’s role: Sakshi, a carefree party girl.
- Pitch: A desi The Hangover meets 21 Jump Street.
- Release date: November 20, with the trailer already live.
Why the switch matters
For audiences who first saw Naqiyah in Heartbeats, this is a chance to see her in a lighter, more spontaneous register. The contrast between the two roles is part of the story: one character carried trauma, while the other is built for comedy and chaos.
The film’s focus on the experiences and energy of young people places it in a growing lane of Hindi comedies aimed at younger viewers. If the film lands its tone, it could give Hindi cinema audiences a homegrown take on the wild night-out comedy, with local characters and a Gen Z-friendly rhythm.
Source: Bollywood Hungama