‘IT IS A BATTLE OF LIFE AND DEATH’
Puneet Issar, who played the role of Duryodhan in Mahabharat, says back then the fight was against the Kauravas, today we are fighting corona
Known for his portrayal of Duryodhan in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, actor Puneet Issar feels proud to be part of a mega successful show that has stayed with the audiences even after 33 years. He says, “It is a huge deal that the show’s impact lasted all these years. Back in ’88, when it was on air, the streets would be empty and now, history is repeating itself as they are empty even today. I hope the shows — Ramayan and Mahabharat — bring people together and keep them off the streets.”
The actor points out that the new generation can learn so much from these stories. “I believe the Ramayan teaches one what to do while Mahabharat teaches what not to do in life. Every dialogue has a meaning, every house has a stubborn kid, a lenient parent, an ideal kid, a schemer like Shakuni, and people will identify with it. The Mahabharat was fought 5,000 years ago, and Pandavas fought against the Kauravas. Back then, in the dwapar yug, the enemy were the Kauravas but today, in kalyug, we are fighting against corona. Look at the connection. We have to fight the virus and stay at home. It is a battle of life and death,” he says.
Reminiscing about the show, the actor reveals that he was initially offered the role of Bheem but as he had read many books on Mahabharat, he knew that the role of Duryodhan would be better. “I am 6’3” and the makers wanted someone who was taller and had a better body than mine to play Bheem but they couldn’t find anyone.
That’s when I suggested the name of Praveen Kumar, who had won gold medals in discus throw in the Asian Games. He is 6’7” so he’d look formidable on screen,” he says.
Issar was 28 years old when he signed on for the show and had two years to build his body. “No one had a body back then. Kavach pehen ke thik lagte the onscreen but I was the only one with a good body, biceps and six pack abs. Through my performance, I managed to create a love-hate relationship with the audiences. Woh character amar ho gaya. Dharam ka importance nahin hai agar adharam na ho. You need a strong villain to know what is the right thing,” says the 62-year-old actor, who also produced and acted in a play called Mahabharat — The Epic Tale, which was written from Duryodhan’s point of view.