Actor Jaideep Ahlawat, known for his powerful and layered performances, is gearing up for one of the most intense roles of his career — Rukma in the much-anticipated ‘The Family Man 3’. As excitement builds around the new season of the blockbuster Amazon Prime series, Jaideep has now opened up about stepping into the shoes of a cold-blooded, fearless antagonist, revealing that the role allowed him to “let loose without worrying about conscience.”
Jaideep, who has previously stunned audiences with his gripping performances in Paatal Lok, Raazi, and Gangs of Wasseypur, said that playing Rukma felt like breaking free from emotional restraint. He explained that most of his characters so far have had internal conflicts — men torn between right and wrong — but Rukma is the complete opposite: someone who doesn’t think twice before pulling the trigger, someone who operates with zero moral hesitation.
Speaking about the experience, Jaideep shared,
“This character pushed me into a space I have never explored. Rukma doesn’t have any conflict within him. There’s no guilt, no conscience stopping him. For the first time, I let loose fully as a performer.”
According to insiders from the sets, Rukma is one of the most dangerous enemies Srikant Tiwari (played by Manoj Bajpayee) will face in the franchise so far. Ruthless, unpredictable, and sharp-minded, Rukma’s presence adds a new level of threat to the narrative, making Season 3 darker and more intense. Jaideep said that he had to dive deep into the psychology of a man who believes violence is simply a tool — not something to question, but something to use whenever necessary.
The actor revealed that the show’s creators, Raj & DK, encouraged him to abandon all filters and embrace the brutally honest energy of the character. “Raj & DK told me, ‘Don’t soften him. Don’t make him humane. Just let the madness flow.’ That was both scary and liberating,” Jaideep added with a laugh.
He also mentioned that creating Rukma’s body language and presence required a lot of preparation. Instead of playing him loud or exaggerated, Jaideep wanted Rukma to feel quietly dangerous — the kind of villain who scares you not by shouting, but by staying silent and striking without warning.
Fans who have followed his journey know that Jaideep excels at subtlety, and Rukma offered the perfect canvas for his minimalist yet powerful acting style. He hinted that many of Rukma’s scenes involve unpredictability, shocking decisions, and moments that will keep viewers at the edge of their seats. “It’s a role that demands you leave behind empathy completely,” he said.
Working with Manoj Bajpayee once again was another highlight for Jaideep. The two actors share immense respect for each other’s craft, and their rivalry in the show is expected to be one of the biggest talking points of the new season. “Manoj sir makes every scene better just by being present,” Jaideep said. “Opposing him on screen is thrilling because he raises the bar.”
The third season of The Family Man focuses on geopolitical tension, covert terrorism strategies, and a larger threat that pushes Srikant Tiwari into new territory as an intelligence officer. With Jaideep entering the story as the season’s central antagonist, the stakes are higher than ever.
Jaideep also reflected on how emotionally draining yet creatively fulfilling it is to play such a cold character. “When you play someone who has no regrets, you have to shut off your natural instinct to empathize. That’s the toughest part,” he admitted. However, once the camera stopped rolling, the team ensured they kept the environment lighthearted. “After a heavy scene, we’d joke around. Otherwise you carry too much darkness home,” he added.
Fans have already started celebrating Jaideep’s casting, predicting that his performance will be one of the biggest highlights of the season. Many believe that his portrayal of Rukma will redefine the antagonist arc in Indian web series.
As The Family Man 3 inches closer to release, Jaideep Ahlawat’s revelations only increase the anticipation. If his words are anything to go by, audiences are set to witness a spine-chilling villain who operates without fear, remorse, or hesitation — a character unlike anything he has done before.
