New Season Features Khushi Bharadwaj in a Pivotal Role as a Neurodivergent Teen in a High-Stakes Murder Mystery

The much-awaited fourth season of Applause Entertainment and Disney+ Hotstar’s critically acclaimed legal drama “Criminal Justice: A Family Matter” has captivated audiences since its premiere — and one performance stands out in particular: Khushi Bharadwaj as Ira.

In a bold and sensitive move, the series introduces Ira — a teenager with Asperger’s Syndrome — as a central character entangled in a gripping murder mystery. Ira is the daughter of characters portrayed by Surveen Chawla and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and her complex behavior and emotional world add layers of intrigue to the narrative.

Speaking about her experience preparing for the role, Khushi shared: “Honestly, playing this character felt like a dream! Being part of such a successful franchise was incredible. It was an honor to work alongside some of the most talented actors in the industry. And portraying such a significant character with special needs — especially during my 10th-grade boards — was definitely a challenge. But we went for it!”

To prepare for the part, Khushi immersed herself in research: “I watched tons of videos about Asperger’s Syndrome and tried my best to portray Ira authentically. I also had the chance to observe and interact with differently-abled students in my own school, including one in my class. It gave me a real-life perspective on their interactions, how they process the world, and the subtle things that set them apart.”

While she couldn’t reveal plot details, Khushi hinted at what’s to come: “There’s a lot of courtroom drama and emotional intensity ahead! It wasn’t easy to play Ira, but it wasn’t too difficult either — because I really connected with her.”

The inclusion of a neurodivergent character in a mainstream series like Criminal Justice marks a powerful step toward better representation and awareness. As the season unfolds, Ira’s unique perspective — shaped by her condition — may be the key to unlocking the mystery at the heart of the show.

With her layered and sincere performance, Khushi Bharadwaj is earning accolades and attention, cementing her place as a young actor to watch.