Actor Jaideep Ahlawat, one of the most compelling talents in contemporary Indian web and film entertainment, recently shared his excitement about ending the year with a bang, featuring in the highly anticipated third season of Prime Video’s hit espionage thriller The Family Man. Speaking at the trailer launch event in Mumbai, Ahlawat described his journey in 2025 as nothing short of fulfilling, highlighting the significance of starting the year with Paatal Lok 2 and concluding it with The Family Man 3.

Ahlawat, who is set to play one of the main antagonists in The Family Man 3, expressed deep gratitude toward creators Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, and referred to Prime Video as a “home” that has played a central role in shaping his recent career trajectory. “I’m really grateful to Raj and DK. My home, Prime Video — what more can anybody ask for? Starting this year with Paatal Lok, and ending with The Family Man, also working with the one and only Manoj bhai, I can’t ask for more,” the 45-year-old actor said. His remarks reflect not just excitement about the projects themselves, but also appreciation for the collaborative environment of digital platforms like Prime Video, which have become pivotal in delivering complex, character-driven narratives in India.

In The Family Man season three, Ahlawat takes on the role of Rukma, a ruthless and unpredictable villain who stands in opposition to Manoj Bajpayee’s Srikant Tiwari. Sharing the screen with Bajpayee, whom he describes as a daily source of inspiration, Ahlawat emphasized the challenges of carving out a distinct identity for Rukma, especially after the critical acclaim he earned for portraying Hathiram Chaudhary in Paatal Lok. “It’s their responsibility to separate Hathiram from me. The character is designed by Raj and DK…. Rukma is ruthless and carefree towards life while Hathiram is not even close. It was an exciting thing in Rukma. And the entire team who knows the show, arc and style of the character helped a lot to play Rukma,” Ahlawat said.

The actor’s careful approach to differentiating his characters highlights the nuance required to navigate roles across high-profile web series, where audiences have become adept at spotting similarities between actors’ portrayals. For Ahlawat, who has steadily built a reputation for immersing himself in complex and often morally ambiguous roles, Rukma represents both a challenge and an opportunity to explore a new shade of villainy.

Complementing Ahlawat’s intensity is the performance of Nimrat Kaur, who plays Meera, another antagonist in the series. Known for her work in films such as The Lunchbox and Airlift, Kaur relished the opportunity to explore the freedom and audacity that comes with playing a villain. “There’s nothing more fun than playing a villain and you won’t get to go to jail for it. That’s the best part. You can do whatever you want in their universe. You can really do what you want and get away with murder, plotting and have a great wardrobe while you do it in high heels with flamboyance and sex appeal. Meera is all about that. I find her to be evil but in couture. It’s a girl’s dream,” Kaur said. Her remarks capture the unique creative thrill actors experience when stepping into morally unbound roles within well-established narrative universes, where style and performance are as integral as the plot itself.

For both Ahlawat and Kaur, participating in The Family Man is more than just another acting opportunity; it represents a milestone in their careers. For Ahlawat, the show has allowed him to reunite with Prime Video, a platform that has already offered him a transformative experience with Paatal Lok, where he played the critically acclaimed police officer Hathiram Chaudhary. For Kaur, joining the cast fulfills a long-standing professional aspiration. “Sometimes when you see certain actors and certain characters on screen, it feels like what will happen next and then to be a part of that story, it’s really the biggest, most thrilling experience as an actor. So, it feels great,” she said.

Season three of The Family Man continues to build on the narrative established in the previous installments. The story follows Srikant Tiwari, played by Manoj Bajpayee, as he turns fugitive, going on the run with his family while being hunted by formidable new enemies as well as his own intelligence agency. The stakes are higher than ever, with a looming national crisis serving as the backdrop to the thrilling espionage drama. The season promises a mix of action, suspense, and the emotional resonance that has made the series a critical and audience favorite since its debut.

Returning cast members include Sharib Hashmi, Priyamani, Ashlesha Thakur, Vedant Sinha, Shreya Dhanwanthary, and Gul Panag, ensuring continuity while enriching the narrative with familiar faces. The ensemble approach allows the series to balance personal drama with national-level stakes, creating a layered storytelling experience that appeals to both binge-watchers and critics.

Produced under Raj & DK’s banner D2R Films, The Family Man 3 is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video on November 21, 2025. With Raj & DK at the helm, known for their ability to blend thriller elements with sharp social commentary and engaging character arcs, the series is expected to maintain the high standards of storytelling that audiences have come to anticipate.

Ahlawat’s reflections on the year highlight the unique trajectory of actors navigating India’s burgeoning digital entertainment space. Starting the year with Paatal Lok 2, a show that earned him widespread critical acclaim, and ending it with a major role in The Family Man 3, Ahlawat encapsulates the dual satisfaction of creative fulfillment and professional growth. His experiences underscore the opportunities that web platforms provide for actors to explore nuanced, layered roles that might be less prevalent in mainstream cinema.

Moreover, his gratitude toward his co-stars and collaborators demonstrates the collaborative spirit that drives the success of high-quality web series. Praising Manoj Bajpayee, Ahlawat shared, “It was a wonderful experience to observe him prepare on set. I’m sure many filmmakers and actors know this… It was the biggest inspiration.” Such mentorship and shared professional ethos contribute to the quality and authenticity of performances, ensuring that audience engagement remains high.

In conclusion, 2025 has been a landmark year for Jaideep Ahlawat, bookended by two significant projects on Prime Video. Starting with Paatal Lok 2, which solidified his standing as one of India’s most versatile actors, and culminating with his role as Rukma in The Family Man 3, Ahlawat has experienced a career high that few actors achieve in a single year. With stellar co-stars, accomplished directors, and complex characters, his journey reflects the evolution of Indian digital content, where narrative depth, character development, and performance excellence converge to create compelling entertainment.

As audiences prepare for the premiere of The Family Man 3 on November 21, anticipation is high for Jaideep Ahlawat’s portrayal of Rukma and the thrilling continuation of Srikant Tiwari’s saga. With seasoned actors, a talented ensemble, and the creative vision of Raj & DK guiding the narrative, the third season promises to be both an exciting and emotionally resonant addition to one of India’s most celebrated web series. For Jaideep Ahlawat, after a year of artistic fulfillment, he says it best: “Can’t ask for more.”