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{{short description|1988 TV Series by B.R. Chopra based on epic Mahabharata}}
{{short description|1988 TV Series by B.R. Chopra based on Mahabharata}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| name                     = Mahabharat
| name                 = Mahabharat
| image                   =  
| image               = Mahabharat (1988) title logo screenshot.jpg
| caption                 =  
| caption             =  
| genre                   = Epic
| genre               = Epic
| creator                 = [[B.R. Chopra]] and [[Ravi Chopra]]
| creator             = [[B. R. Chopra]]
| based_on                 = ''[[Mahabharata]]'' by [[Vyasa]]
| based_on             = ''[[Mahabharata]]'' by [[Vyasa]]
| developer               =  
| developer           =  
| writer                   = [[Pandit Narendra Sharma]] <br>[[Rahi Masoom Raza]]
| writer               = [[Pandit Narendra Sharma]] <br>[[Rahi Masoom Raza]]
| director                 = B. R. Chopra<br>[[Ravi Chopra]]
| director             = B. R. Chopra<br>[[Ravi Chopra]]
| creative_director       = Yashwant Mahilwar
| creative_director   = Yashwant Mahilwar
| starring                 = [[Nitish Bharadwaj]]<br>[[Firoz Khan]]<br>[[Puneet Issar]]<br>[[Pankaj Dheer]]<br>[[Gufi Paintal]]<br>[[Roopa Ganguly]]<br>[[Praveen Kumar Sobti|Praveen Kumar]]<br>[[Virendra Razdan]]<br>[[Surendra Pal]] <br>[[Mukesh Khanna]]<br>[[Gajendra Chauhan]]
| starring             = [[Nitish Bharadwaj]]<br>[[Mukesh Khanna]]<br>[[Arjun (Firoz Khan)|Arjun]]<br>[[Puneet Issar]]<br>[[Gufi Paintal]]<br>[[Roopa Ganguly]]<br>[[Pankaj Dheer]]<br> [[Praveen Kumar Sobti|Praveen Kumar]]<br>[[Gajendra Chauhan]]
| narrated                 = [[Harish Bhimani]]
| narrated             = [[Harish Bhimani]]
| country                 = India
| country             = India
| language                 = Hindi
| language             = Hindi
| num_seasons             = 2
| num_seasons         = 1
| num_episodes             = 94 + 45 = 139
| num_episodes         = 94
| executive_producer       = D.H. Vengurlekar
| executive_producer   = D.H. Vengurlekar
| producer                 = B. R. Chopra
| producer             = B. R. Chopra
| cinematography           = Dharam Chopra
| cinematography       = Dharam Chopra
| editor                   = Shailendra Doke<br>Birpal Singh
| editor               = Shailendra Doke<br>Birpal Singh
| screenplay               = [[Rahi Masoom Raza]]
| screenplay           = [[Rahi Masoom Raza]]
| runtime                 = 40-45 minutes
| runtime             = 40-45 minutes
| first_aired             = {{start date|df=y|1988|10|2}}
| first_aired         = {{start date|df=y|1988|10|2}}
| last_aired               = {{end date|df=y|1990|7|15}}
| last_aired           = {{end date|df=y|1990|6|24}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=31 years of Mahabharat on Doordarshan: Interesting facts about one of most popular TV shows ever |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/31-years-of-mahabharat-on-doordarshan-know-interesting-facts-about-one-of-most-popular-tv-shows-ever/1724556/ |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=The Financial Express |language=en}}</ref>
| followed_by             = [[Mahabharat Katha]]
| followed_by         = [[Mahabharat Katha]]
| network                 = [[DD National]]<br>
| network             = [[DD National]]
[[DD Bharati]]
| picture_format       = [[576i]]
| picture_format           = [[576i]]
| composer             = [[Raj Kamal]]
| composer                 = [[Raj Kamal]]
| company             = B.R. Films
| company                 = B.R. Films
}}
}}


'''''Mahabharat''''' is an Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[Epic film|epic]] television series based on the ancient [[Sanskrit epic]] [[Mahabharata|of the same name]]. The original airing consisted of a total of ninety-four episodes<ref name=":0">{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1488935/BR-Chopra |title=B.R. Chopra (Indian filmmaker) – Britannica Online Encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=2012-08-10}}</ref> and were broadcast from 2 October 1988 to 24 June 1990 on [[Doordarshan]].<ref>{{cite book |last=McLain |first=Karline |title=India's immortal comic books: gods, kings, and other heroes |year=2009 |publisher=Indiana University Press |isbn=978-0-253-22052-3 |page=46 }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/iconic-mythological-series-mahabharat-to-be-re-telecast-beginning-saturday-at-12-and-7-pm/articleshow/74852492.cms|title=Iconic mythological series 'Mahabharat' to be re-telecast beginning Saturday at 12 and 7 PM|website=The Times of India}}</ref> It was produced by [[B. R. Chopra]] and directed by his son, [[Ravi Chopra]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/tv/on-br-chopras-birth-anniversary-heres-looking-back-at-how-his-greatest-creation-mahabharat-came-into-being|title=Remembering BR Chopra: The Story Behind His Iconic 'Mahabharat'|website=The Quint}}</ref> The music was composed by [[Raj Kamal]]. The script was written by [[Pandit Narendra Sharma]] and the Hindi/Urdu poet [[Rahi Masoom Raza]], based on the original story by [[Vyasa]]. Costumes for the series were provided by [[Maganlal Dresswala]].<ref name="tri">{{cite news |title=Behind the scenes: Dress designers to actors & deities |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030420/spectrum/main5.htm |newspaper=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |date= 20 April 2003 |access-date=2 June 2013}}</ref> The serial claims to have used the Critical Edition of [[Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute]] as its basic source with [[Vishnu Sitaram Sukthankar]] and Shripad Krishna Belwalkar as its primary editor.
'''''Mahabharat''''' is an Indian Hindi-language epic television series based on the ancient [[Sanskrit epic]] [[Mahabharata|of the same name]]. The original airing consisted of a total of 94 episodes<ref name=":0">{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1488935/BR-Chopra |title=B.R. Chopra (Indian filmmaker) – Britannica Online Encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=2012-08-10}}</ref> and were broadcast from 2 October 1988 to 24 June 1990 on [[Doordarshan]].<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{cite book |last=McLain |first=Karline |title=India's immortal comic books: gods, kings, and other heroes |year=2009 |publisher=Indiana University Press |isbn=978-0-253-22052-3 |page=46 }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/iconic-mythological-series-mahabharat-to-be-re-telecast-beginning-saturday-at-12-and-7-pm/articleshow/74852492.cms|title=Iconic mythological series 'Mahabharat' to be re-telecast beginning Saturday at 12 and 7 PM|website=The Times of India}}</ref> It was produced by [[B. R. Chopra]] and directed by his son, [[Ravi Chopra]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/tv/on-br-chopras-birth-anniversary-heres-looking-back-at-how-his-greatest-creation-mahabharat-came-into-being|title=Remembering BR Chopra: The Story Behind His Iconic 'Mahabharat'|website=The Quint|date=22 April 2016}}</ref> The music was composed by [[Raj Kamal]]. The script was written by [[Pandit Narendra Sharma]] and the Hindi/Urdu poet [[Rahi Masoom Raza]], based on the epic by Maharishi[[Vyasa]]. Costumes for the series were provided by [[Maganlal Dresswala]].<ref name="tri">{{cite news |title=Behind the scenes: Dress designers to actors & deities |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030420/spectrum/main5.htm |newspaper=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |date= 20 April 2003 |access-date=2 June 2013}}</ref> The serial claims to have used the Critical Edition of [[Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute]] as its basic source with [[Vishnu Sitaram Sukthankar]] and Shripad Krishna Belwalkar as its primary editor.


Each episode is 40–46 minutes long and begins with a title song that consisted of lyrical content and two verses from the [[Bhagavad Gita]].<ref name=titlesong>{{citation |title=Title Song Lyrics from the TV Series Mahabharat |url=http://www.talkativeman.com/title-song-from-the-tv-series-mahabharat-hindu-epic/ |date=21 September 2013 |access-date=1 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318094225/http://www.talkativeman.com/title-song-from-the-tv-series-mahabharat-hindu-epic/ |archive-date=18 March 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The title song was sung and the verses rendered by singer [[Mahendra Kapoor]]. The title song is followed by a narration by Indian voice-artist [[Harish Bhimani]] as a personification of Time, detailing the current circumstances and highlighting the spiritual significance of the content of the episode. It is the most successful Mahabharata series ever produced for television.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/31-years-of-mahabharat-on-doordarshan-know-interesting-facts-about-one-of-most-popular-tv-shows-ever/1724556/|title=31 years of Mahabharat on Doordarshan: Interesting facts about one of most popular TV shows ever|website=The Financial Express}}</ref>
Each episode is 40–46 minutes long and begins with a title song that consisted of lyrical content and two verses from the [[Bhagavad Gita]].<ref name=titlesong>{{citation |title=Title Song Lyrics from the TV Series Mahabharat |url=http://www.talkativeman.com/title-song-from-the-tv-series-mahabharat-hindu-epic/ |date=21 September 2013 |access-date=1 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318094225/http://www.talkativeman.com/title-song-from-the-tv-series-mahabharat-hindu-epic/ |archive-date=18 March 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The title song was sung and the verses rendered by singer [[Mahendra Kapoor]]. The title song is followed by a narration by Indian voice-artist [[Harish Bhimani]] as a personification of Time, detailing the current circumstances and highlighting the spiritual significance of the content of the episode. It is the most successful Mahabharata series ever produced for television.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/31-years-of-mahabharat-on-doordarshan-know-interesting-facts-about-one-of-most-popular-tv-shows-ever/1724556/|title=31 years of Mahabharat on Doordarshan: Interesting facts about one of most popular TV shows ever|website=The Financial Express}}</ref>


''[[Mahabharat Katha]]'', another part of the serial was aired on 1997 which covers all the untold stories about Karna's marriage with Padmavati, Arjuna's marriage with [[Chitrāngadā]] and [[Ulupi]], and stories about [[Ghatotkacha]], [[Khatushyam|Barbarika]], [[Vrishaketu|Virshaketu]], [[Babruvahana]], Conspiracies of Viprachitti, [[Ashvamedha|Ashwamedha Yajna]] and aftermath of the [[Kurukshetra War|War]], which are not covered in the original series.
''[[Mahabharat Katha]]'', another part of the serial was aired on 1997 which covers all the untold stories about Karna's marriage with Padmavati, Arjuna's marriage with [[Chitrāngadā]] and [[Ulupi]], and stories about [[Ghatotkacha]], [[Barbarika]], [[Vrishaketu|Virshaketu]], [[Babruvahana]], conspiracies of Viprachitti, [[Ashvamedha|Ashwamedha Yajna]], Dushala's story and aftermath of the [[Kurukshetra War]], which are not covered in the original series.


==Premise==
==Premise==


The series covers the incidents of epic [[Mahabharata]] revolving around [[Lord Krishna]], [[Pandavas]], [[Kauravas]], [[Karna]], [[Draupadi]] etc.
The series covers the incidents of epic [[Mahabharata]] revolving around [[Krishna]], [[Pandavas]], [[Kauravas]] among other characters.


The show begins with Emperor [[Bharata (Mahabharata)|Bharata]] giving more importance to 'Capacity' over 'Birth'. The latter shows the birth of [[Bheeshma]] and his oath, birth of Pandu, [[Dhritarashtra]] and Vidur and birth of Pandavas and Kauravas. The story then focuses on the childhood of Lord Krishna.
The show begins with Emperor [[Bharata (Mahabharata)|Bharata]] giving more importance to 'Capacity' than to 'Birth'. He shows the birth of [[Bhishma]] and his oath, birth of Pandu, [[Dhritarashtra]] and Vidur and birth of Pandavas and Kauravas. The story then focuses on the childhood of Lord Krishna.


Elsewhere, [[Dronacharya]] teaches Pandavas and Kauravas and asks to defeat Drupad as ''Guru Dakshina''. Pandavas do so and give half of his kingdom to Drona. For revenge, Drupad obtains Dhrishthadhyumna and [[Draupadi]]. Dhritarashtra makes Yudhishthir the crown prince of Hastinapur. Shakuni (the maternal uncle of the Kauravas) and Duryodhan hatch a plan to burn Pandavas and Kunti alive, but they survive and go into incognito. Duryodhan is made crown prince of Hastinapur.
Elsewhere, [[Dronacharya]] teaches Pandavas and Kauravas and asks to defeat Drupad as ''Guru Dakshina''. Pandavas do so and give half of his kingdom to Drona. For revenge, [[Drupada]] obtains [[Dhrishtadyumna]] and [[Draupadi]]. Dhritarashtra makes Yudhishthir the crown prince of Hastinapur. Shakuni (the maternal uncle of the Kauravas) and Duryodhan hatch a plan to burn Pandavas and Kunti alive, but they survive and go into incognito. Duryodhan is made crown prince of Hastinapur.


Arjuna wins Draupadi in her [[swayamvara]] but later shows her marriage with all five Pandavas. Later, [[Yudhishthir]] is made the king of Indraprastha and Pandavas conduct ''Rajsuya Yagna'' where Draupadi insults [[Duryodhana]]. Latter shows Duryodhana's revenge by trying to disrobe her and sending Pandavas along with Draupadi for an exile of 12 years and 1 year of anonymity. Duryodhana argues that the Pandavas violated the condition of anonymity in their last year of exile, therefore they must spend another 12 years in exile followed by another year of exile in anonymity. This conflict begins to sows the seed for the Mahabharata War.
Arjuna wins Draupadi in her [[swayamvara]] but later shows her marriage with all five Pandavas. Later, [[Yudhishthir]] is made the king of Indraprastha and Pandavas conduct ''Rajsuya Yagna'' where Draupadi insults [[Duryodhana]]. Latter shows Duryodhana's revenge by trying to disrobe her and sending Pandavas along with Draupadi for an exile of 12 years and 1 year of anonymity. Duryodhana argues that the Pandavas violated the condition of anonymity in their last year of exile, therefore they must spend another 12 years in exile followed by another year of exile in anonymity. This conflict begins to sows the seed for the Mahabharata War.
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===Main===
===Main===
{{Div col}}
{{Div col}}
* [[Nitish Bharadwaj]] as Purna Purushottam Vasudev Bhagwan [[Shri Krishna]], Eighth Avatar of [[Lord Vishnu]] / Devaki-Vasudev's eighth son/ Foster son of Nand and Yashoda / Balaram and Subhadra's brother / Pandavas' cousin / Radha's Consort; husband of Rukmini, Satyabhama and other 6 rani/Lord Rama in the song sabso Uchi prem sagaai.
* [[Nitish Bharadwaj]] as [[Krishna]], eighth avatar of [[Vishnu]], Devaki-Vasudev's eighth son, foster son of Nand and Yashoda, Balaram and Subhadra's brother, Pandavas' cousin, Radha's consort, husband of Rukmini, Satyabhama and other 6 rani, [[Rama]] in the song sabso Uchi prem sagaai
** Kewal Shah as Adolescent [[Krishna]].
** Kewal Shah as adolescent [[Krishna]]
* [[Mukesh Khanna]] as Gangaputra Devavrata [[Bhishma]], Shantanu-Ganga's eighth son / eighth [[Vasu]] / [[Satyavati]]'s step-son/ Elder Half-Brother of [[Chitrāngada|Chitrangada]] and [[Vichitravirya]]/ Paternal Uncle of [[Dhritrashtra]], [[Pandu]], and [[Vidur]] / Paternal Grand-Uncle of the [[Kauravas]] and the [[Pandavas]].
* [[Mukesh Khanna]] as [[Bhishma]], Shantanu-Ganga's eighth son, eighth [[Vasu]], [[Satyavati]]'s step-son, elder half-brother of [[Chitrāngada|Chitrangada]] and [[Vichitravirya]], paternal uncle of [[Dhritrashtra]], [[Pandu]], and [[Vidur]], paternal grand-uncle of the [[Kauravas]] and the [[Pandavas]]
** [[Daboo Malik]] as Adolescent [[Bhishma]].
** Krish Malik as adolescent [[Bhishma]]
* [[Gajendra Chauhan]] as Chakravarti Samrat Daharmraj [[Yudhishthir]], first Pandav / son of Kunti and Yama / eldest son of Kuru Clan / King of [[Indraprastha]] and later [[Hastinapura]] / husband of Draupadi and Devika / father of Prativindhya and Yaudheya.
* [[Gajendra Chauhan]] as [[Yudhishthir]], first Pandava, son of Kunti and Yama, eldest son of Kuru Clan, King of [[Indraprastha]] and later [[Hastinapura]], husband of Draupadi, father of Prativindhya
** Sonu as Young [[Yudhishthir]].
** Sonu as young [[Yudhishthir]]
* [[Praveen Kumar Sobti|Praveen Kumar]] as Kuntiputra Vakodar [[Bhim]], second Pandav / son of Kunti and Vayu / [[Yuvraaj]](crown Prince) of [[Indraprastha]] / husband of Draupadi, Walandhara and Hidimba / father of [[Ghatotkacha]], Sutasoma and Sarvaga.
* [[Praveen Kumar Sobti|Praveen Kumar]] as [[Bhim]], second Pandava, son of Kunti and Vayu, [[Yuvraaj]] (crown prince) of [[Indraprastha]], husband of Draupadi and Hidimba, father of [[Ghatotkacha]], Sutasoma
** Mallik as Young [[Bhim]].
** Mallik as young [[Bhim]]
* [[Arjun (Firoz Khan)|Arjun aka Firoz Khan]] as Gandhivdhari Kaunteya [[Arjuna]], third Pandava / son of Kunti and Indra/ husband of [[Draupadi]], [[Uloopi]], Chitrangada and [[Subhadra]] / brother-in-law of [[Balaram]]-[[Krishna]] / father of [[Abhimanyu]], [[Babruvahana]], [[Iravan]] and Shrutakarna.
* [[Arjun (Firoz Khan)|Arjun aka Firoz Khan]] as [[Arjuna]], third Pandava, son of Kunti and Indra, husband of [[Draupadi]], [[Uloopi]], [[Chitrāngadā|Chitrangada]] and [[Subhadra]], brother-in-law of [[Balaram]] and [[Krishna]], father of [[Abhimanyu]], [[Babruvahana]], [[Iravan]] and [[Shrutakarma]]
** Ankur Javeri as Young [[Arjuna|Arjun]].
** Ankur Javeri as young [[Arjuna]]
* [[Sameer Chitre]] as  Madreya [[Nakul]], fourth Pandav, son of Madri and Ashwini Kumara / husband of Draupadi and Karenumati / father of Shatanika and Niramitra.
* [[Roopa Ganguly]] as [[Draupadi]], wife of Pandavas, also called as Panchali and Yagyaseni, younger daughter of [[Drupad]], Princess of [[Panchala]], sister of Dhrishtadhyumna and Shikhandi, mother of [[Upapandavas]]
* [[Sanjeev Chitre]] as Madreya [[Sahadeva]], fifth Pandav, son of Madri and Ashwini Kumara /husband of Draupadi and Vijaya /father of Shrutasena and Suhotra.
* [[Puneet Issar]] as [[Duryodhan]], eldest son of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra, elder brother of 99 Kauravas, husband of Bhanumati  
* [[Roopa Ganguly]] as Chakravativartin Samagni Yagyaseni [[Draupadi]], wife of Pandavas / also called as Panchali / Yagyaseni / younger daughter of [[Drupad]]/ Princess of [[Panchala]] / sister of Dhrishtadhyumna and Shikhandi / mother of [[Upapandavas]].
**Amit Shukla as young [[Duryodhan]]
* [[Puneet Issar]] as [[Duryodhan]], eldest son of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra / elder brother of 99 Kauravas / husband of Bhanumati / father of Lakshmankumara and Lakshmanaa.
* [[Pankaj Dheer]] as [[Karna]], son of Kunti and Surya, Adhiratha-Radha's foster son, King of [[Anga]]
**Amit Shukla as young [[Duryodhan]].
** Harendra Paintal as young [[Karna]]
* [[Pankaj Dheer]] as [[Karna]], son of Kunti and Surya / Adhiratha-Radha's foster son / King of [[Anga]] / Husband of Vrushali and Supriya / father of Vrishasena, Chitrasena, Satyasena, Sushena, Shatrunjaya, Dvipata, Banasena, Prasena and Vrishaketu.
* [[Sameer Chitre]] as [[Nakul]], fourth Pandava, son of Madri and Ashwini Kumara, husband of Draupadi, father of Shatanika
** Harendra Paintal as Young [[Karna]].
* [[Sanjeev Chitre]] as [[Sahadeva]], fifth Pandav, son of Madri and Ashwini Kumara, husband of Draupadi and father of Shrutasena
* [[Vinod Kapoor]] as [[Dushasan]], the Second son of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra / Duryodhan's younger brother.
* [[Vinod Kapoor]] as [[Dushasan]], second son of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra, Duryodhan's younger brother
** Kaushal Shah as Young [[Dushasan]].
** Kaushal Shah as young [[Dushasan]]
* [[Gufi Paintal]] as [[Shakuni]], Gandhari's brother / later King of [[Gandhara]] / maternal uncle of Duryodhan and his 99 brothers.
* [[Gufi Paintal]] as [[Shakuni]], Gandhari's brother, later King of [[Gandhara]], maternal uncle of Duryodhan and his 99 brothers
* [[Girija Shankar]] as [[Dhritrashtra]], [[Vichitravirya]]'s son from Ambika(eldest) / later king of [[Hastinapur]] / father of Kauravas
* [[Girija Shankar]] as [[Dhritrashtra]], [[Vichitravirya]]'s son from Ambika (eldest), later king of [[Hastinapur]], father of Kauravas
* [[Renuka Israni]] as [[Gandhari (character)|Gandhari]], wife of Dhritrashtra / Queen of [[Hastinapur]] / mother of Kauravas / princess of [[Gandhara]] / sister of Shakuni
* [[Renuka Israni]] as [[Gandhari (Mahabharata)|Gandhari]], wife of Dhritrashtra, Queen of [[Hastinapur]], mother of Kauravas, princess of [[Gandhara]], sister of Shakuni
* [[Nazneen]] as [[Kunti]], Pandu's first wife/mother of Karna, Yudhisthira, Bhim and Arjun / daughter of Shoorsen / Vasudev's sister / Yadava princess / foster daughter of Kuntibhoj
* [[Nazneen]] as [[Kunti]], Pandu's first wife, mother of Karna, Yudhisthira, Bhim and Arjuna, daughter of Shoorsen, Vasudev's sister, Yadava princess, foster daughter of Kuntibhoj
* [[Virendra Razdan]] as [[Vidur]], the [[prime minister|Mahaa Mantri]] of Hastinapur / son of Ambika's head maid, Parishrami / Fathered by [[Vyasa]] /half-brother to the kings [[Dhritarashtra]] and [[Pandu]] of [[Hastinapura]] and also the uncle of [[Pandavas]] and [[Kauravas]]
* [[Virendra Razdan]] as [[Vidur]], the [[prime minister|Mahaa Mantri]] of Hastinapur, son of Ambika's head maid Parishrami, fathered by [[Vyasa]], half-brother to the kings [[Dhritarashtra]] and [[Pandu]] of [[Hastinapura]], uncle of [[Pandavas]] and [[Kauravas]]
* [[Surendra Pal]] as [[Dronacharya]], [[Kauravas]] and [[Pandavas]]' guru / Ashwatthama's father
* [[Surendra Pal]] as [[Dronacharya]], [[Kauravas]] and [[Pandavas]]' guru, Ashwatthama's father
* [[Dharmesh Tiwari]] as [[Kripacharya]], family teacher, brother of [[Kripi]], [[Ashwatthama]]'s maternal uncle
* [[Pradeep Rawat (actor)|Pradeep Rawat]] as [[Ashwatthama]], son of [[Dronacharya]]
* [[Pradeep Rawat (actor)|Pradeep Rawat]] as [[Ashwatthama]], son of [[Dronacharya]]
**Ayush Shah as Young [[Ashwatthama]]
**Ayush Shah as young [[Ashwatthama]]
* [[Harish Bhimani]] as Samay / narrator
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


===Recurring===
===Recurring===
* Sagar Salunke as [[Balram]], Krishna's elder brother
* [[Harish Bhimani]] as Samay / narrator
* Sagar Salunke as [[Balarama]], Krishna's elder half brother
** [[Chetan Hansraj]] as adolescent Balram
** [[Chetan Hansraj]] as adolescent Balram
* Aloka Mukherjee as [[Subhadra]], Arjuna's fourth wife/ Abhimanyu's mother / Vasudev's and Rohini's daughter / Krishna-Balaram's younger sister / Yadava Princess
* Aloka Mukherjee as [[Subhadra]], Arjuna's fourth wife, Abhimanyu's mother, Vasudev's and Rohini's daughter, Krishna-Balaram's younger sister, Yadava princess
* [[Raj Babbar]] as [[Bharata (Mahabharata)|Bharat]], Paternal Ancestor of the [[Kauravas]] and [[Pandavas]] / son of King [[Dushyanta]] and [[Shakuntala]]
* [[Raj Babbar]] as [[Bharata (Mahabharata)|Bharata]], paternal ancestor of the [[Kauravas]] and [[Pandavas]], son of King [[Dushyanta]] and [[Shakuntala]]
* [[Ashalata Wabgaonkar]] as [[Shakuntala]], Bharata's mother / King [[Dushyanta]]'s wife
* [[Ashalata Wabgaonkar]] as [[Shakuntala]], Bharata's mother, King [[Dushyanta]]'s wife
* [[Rishabh Shukla]] as [[Shantanu]], descendant of King Bharata/ Husband of [[Ganga]] and [[Satyavati]]/ Father of [[Bhishma]], [[Chitrāngada|Chitrangada]], and [[Vichitravirya]]/ Paternal Grandfather of [[Dhritarashtra]] and [[Pandu]]/ Paternal Great-Grandfather of the [[Kauravas]] and the [[Pandavas]]
* [[Rishabh Shukla]] as [[Shantanu]], descendant of King Bharata, husband of [[Ganga (goddess)|Ganga]] and [[Satyavati]], father of [[Bhishma]], [[Chitrāngada|Chitrangada]] and [[Vichitravirya]], paternal grandfather of [[Dhritarashtra]] and [[Pandu]], paternal great-grandfather of the [[Kauravas]] and the [[Pandavas]]
* [[Kiran Juneja]] as [[Ganga (goddess)|Ganga]], Shantanu's first wife / [[Bhishma]]'s mother / the holy river of [[Hindus]].
* [[Kiran Juneja]] as [[Ganga (goddess)|Ganga]], Shantanu's first wife, [[Bhishma]]'s mother, the holy river of [[Hindus]]
* [[Debashree Roy]] as [[Satyavati]], King Shantanu's second wife / [[Vyasa]], [[Chitrāngada|Chitrangada]], and [[Vichitravirya]]'s mother / [[Bhishma]]'s step-mother/ Paternal Grandmother of [[Dhritarashtra]], [[Pandu]], and [[Vidur]]/ Paternal Great-Grandmother of the [[Kauravas]] and the [[Pandavas]]
* [[Debashree Roy]] as [[Satyavati]], King Shantanu's second wife; [[Vyasa]], [[Chitrāngada|Chitrangada]], and [[Vichitravirya]]'s mother, [[Bhishma]]'s step-mother, paternal grandmother of [[Dhritarashtra]], [[Pandu]], and [[Vidur]], paternal great-grandmother of the [[Kauravas]] and the [[Pandavas]]
* [[Rajesh Vivek]] as [[Maharishi]] [[Ved Vyas]], son of sage [[Parashara]] and [[Satyavati]]/ father of [[Dhritarashtra]], [[Pandu]] and [[Vidura]]/ partial incarnation of Lord [[Vishnu]]/ author of [[Mahabharata]]
* [[Rajesh Vivek]] as [[Maharishi]] [[Ved Vyas]], son of sage [[Parashara]] and [[Satyavati]], father of [[Dhritarashtra]], [[Pandu]] and [[Vidura]], partial incarnation of [[Vishnu]], author of [[Mahabharata]]
* [[Sudesh Berry]] as [[Vichitravirya]], Shantanu-Satyavati's second son after [[Chitrāngada|Chitrangada]], Bhisma's step brother / husband of [[Ambika (Mahabharata)|Ambika]] and [[Ambalika]] / father of [[Dhritarashtra]] and [[Pandu]]/ Paternal Grandfather of the [[Kauravas]] and the [[Pandavas]]
* [[Sudesh Berry]] as [[Vichitravirya]], Shantanu-Satyavati's second son after [[Chitrāngada|Chitrangada]], Bhisma's step brother, husband of [[Ambika (Mahabharata)|Ambika]] and [[Ambalika]], father of [[Dhritarashtra]] and [[Pandu]], paternal grandfather of the [[Kauravas]] and the [[Pandavas]]
* Jahnavi as [[Amba (Mahabharata)|Amba]], the first princess of [[Kingdom of Kashi|Kashi]]/ will be [[Shikhandi]] in the next life
* Jahnavi as [[Amba (Mahabharata)|Amba]], the first princess of [[Kingdom of Kashi|Kashi]], [[Shikhandi]] in the next life
* Meena Chakrabarty as [[Ambika (Mahabharata)|Ambika]], second princess of [[Kingdom of Kashi|Kashi]] / [[Vichitravirya]]'s first queen/ Mother of [[Dhritarashtra]]/ Paternal Grandmother of the [[Kauravas]]
* Meena Chakrabarty as [[Ambika (Mahabharata)|Ambika]], second princess of [[Kingdom of Kashi|Kashi]], [[Vichitravirya]]'s first queen, mother of [[Dhritarashtra]], paternal grandmother of the [[Kauravas]]
* Menaka Babbar as [[Ambalika]], third princess of [[Kingdom of Kashi|Kashi]] / [[Vichitravirya]]'s second queen/ Mother of [[Pandu]]/ Paternal Grandmother of the [[Pandavas]]
* Menaka Babbar as [[Ambalika]], third princess of [[Kingdom of Kashi|Kashi]], [[Vichitravirya]]'s second queen, mother of [[Pandu]], paternal grandmother of the [[Pandavas]]
* Tarakesh Chauhan as [[Pandu]], [[Vichitravirya]]'s son from Ambalika (the youngest wife) / King of [[Hastinapur]] / Husband of [[Kunti]] and [[Madri]]/ Father of [[Pandavas]]
* Tarakesh Chauhan as [[Pandu]], [[Vichitravirya]]'s son from Ambalika (the youngest wife), King of [[Hastinapur]], husband of [[Kunti]] and [[Madri]], father of [[Pandavas]]
* [[Roma Manek]] as [[Madri]], Pandu's second wife / [[Madra]] princess / mother of Nakul and Sahadev
* [[Roma Manek]] as [[Madri]], Pandu's second wife, [[Madra]] princess, mother of Nakul and Sahadev
* [[Dharmesh Tiwari]] as [[Kripacharya]], family Teacher / brother of [[Kripi]]/ [[Ashwatthama]]'s maternal uncle
* Asha Singh as [[Characters in the Mahabharata#Kripi|Kripi]], sister of Kripacharya, wife of Dronacharya and mother of Ashwathama
* Asha Singh as [[Characters in the Mahabharata#Kripi|Kripi]], sister of Kripacharya, wife of Dronacharya and mother of Ashwathama
* Kamlesh Maan as [[Characters in the Mahabharata#Sulabha|Devi Sulabha]], [[Vidur]]'s wife
* Kamlesh Maan as [[Characters in the Mahabharata#Sulabha|Devi Sulabha]], [[Vidur]]'s wife
* [[Lalit Mohan Tiwari]] as [[Sanjaya]], Dhritarashtra's advisor and also his [[chariot]]eer
* [[Lalit Mohan Tiwari]] as [[Sanjaya]], Dhritarashtra's advisor and also his [[chariot]]eer
* Kapil Kumar as [[Shalya]], Madri's elder brother/ King of [[Madra]]
* Kapil Kumar as [[Shalya]], Madri's elder brother, King of [[Madra]]
* Shahla Khan as [[Hidimbi|Hidimbā]], Hidimb's sister, Bheem's wife, Kunti's daughter-in-law and Ghatotkach's mother
* Shahla Khan as [[Hidimbi|Hidimbā]], Hidimb's sister, Bheem's wife, Kunti's daughter-in-law and Ghatotkacha's mother
* Razak Khan as [[Ghatotkach]], Son of [[Bheem]] and [[Hidimbi]]
* Razak Khan as [[Ghatotkacha]], son of [[Bhima]] and [[Hidimbi]]
* Mayur Verma (Master Mayur) as [[Abhimanyu]], Son of [[Arjuna|Arjun]] and [[Subhadra]]/ Husband of [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Uttara]]/ Father of [[Parikshit]]
* Mayur Verma (Master Mayur) as [[Abhimanyu]], son of [[Arjuna|Arjun]] and [[Subhadra]], husband of [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Uttara]], father of [[Parikshit]]
* [[Varsha Usgaonkar]] as [[Uttarā (Mahabharata)|Uttara]], Abhimanyu's wife / [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya]] princess/ Mother of [[Parikshit]]
* [[Varsha Usgaonkar]] as [[Uttarā (Mahabharata)|Uttara]], Abhimanyu's wife, [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya]] princess, mother of [[Parikshit]]
* Dinesh Anand as [[Vikarna]], Son of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra / Duyodhan's younger brother
* Dinesh Anand as [[Vikarna]], son of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra, Duyodhan's younger brother
* Paramjeet Chima as Dashraj, [[Satyavati]]'s father
* Paramjeet Chima as Dashraj, [[Satyavati]]'s father
* [[Om Katare]] as [[Adhiratha]], Charioteer / [[Karna]]'s foster father
* [[Om Katare]] as [[Adhiratha]], charioteer, [[Karna]]'s foster father
* Saroj Sharma as [[Radha (Mahābhārata)|Radha]], [[Adhiratha]]'s wife / [[Karna]]'s foster mother
* Saroj Sharma as [[Radha (Mahābhārata)|Radha]], [[Adhiratha]]'s wife, [[Karna]]'s foster mother
* Ramlal Gupta as [[Ugrasen]], King of [[Mathura]], [[Surasena]] / father of Kansa and Devaki
* Ramlal Gupta as [[Ugrasena]], King of [[Mathura]], [[Surasena]], father of Kansa and Devaki
* [[Goga Kapoor]] as [[Kamsa|Kansa]], son of Ugrasen / elder brother of Devaki/ Maternal uncle of [[Lord Krishna]] and [[Balaram]]
* [[Goga Kapoor]] as [[Kamsa|Kansa]], son of Ugrasena, elder brother of Devaki, maternal uncle of [[Krishna]] and [[Balarama]]
* [[Vishnu Sharma]] as [[Vasudeva|Vasudev]], son of [[Shoorsen]] / brother of [[Kunti]] / prince of [[Vrishni]] tribe / father of Balaram, Krishna, and Subhadra/ Maternal Uncle of the [[Pandavas]]
* [[Vishnu Sharma]] as [[Vasudeva|Vasudev]], son of [[Shurasena]], brother of [[Kunti]], prince of [[Vrishni]] tribe, father of Balarama, Krishna, and Subhadra, maternal uncle of the [[Pandavas]]
* Kshama Raj as [[Rohini Devi|Rohini]], Vasudev's elder wife/mother of Balaram
* Kshama Raj as [[Rohini (wife of Vasudeva)|Rohini]], Vasudeva's elder wife, mother of Balarama
* [[Sheela Sharma]] as [[Devaki]], Vasudev's younger wife / younger sister of Kansa / daughter of Ugrasena / mother of Krishna and Subhadra
* [[Sheela Sharma]] as [[Devaki]], Vasudev's younger wife, younger sister of Kansa, daughter of Ugrasena, mother of Krishna and Subhadra
* [[Rasik Dave]] as [[Nanda Baba|Nand Raj]], Chief of [[Gokul]] / foster father of Krishna
* [[Rasik Dave]] as [[Nanda (Hinduism)|Nanda]], chief of [[Gokul]], foster father of Krishna
* Manju Vyas as [[Yashoda]], Nand's wife / foster mother of Krishna
* Manju Vyas as [[Yashoda]], Nand's wife, foster mother of Krishna
* Channa Ruparel as Maharani [[Rukmini]], [[Krishna]]'s chief wife  
* Channa Ruparel as Maharani [[Rukmini]], [[Krishna]]'s chief wife  
* Parijat as Devi [[Radha]], [[Krishna]]'s consort
* Parijat as Devi [[Radha]], [[Krishna]]'s consort
*[[Sumeet Raghavan]] as adolescent [[Sudama]]
*[[Sumeet Raghavan]] as adolescent [[Sudama]]
* Ajay Sinha as [[Akrura|Akroor]], [[Vrishni]] Chief
* Ajay Sinha as [[Akrura|Akroor]], [[Vrishni]] chief
* Bashir Khan as [[Satyaki]], General
* Bashir Khan as [[Satyaki]], General
* [[Ashok Banthia]] as Senapati [[Kritvarma]]
* [[Ashok Banthia]] as Senapati [[Kritavarma]]
* Pradeep Sharma as Panchalaraj [[Drupad]], Draupadi's father / King of [[Panchala]]
* Pradeep Sharma as Panchalaraj [[Drupada]], Draupadi's father, King of [[Panchala]]
* [[Arun Bakshi]] as Yuvraaj [[Dhrishtadyumna]], Draupadi's elder brother / Prince of [[Panchala]]
* [[Arun Bakshi]] as Yuvraaj [[Dhrishtadyumna]], Draupadi's elder brother, Prince of [[Panchala]]
* [[Paintal (comedian)|Paintal]] as [[Shikhandi]], Drupad's elder son / Adult [[Sudama]]
* [[Paintal (comedian)|Paintal]] as [[Shikhandi]], Drupad's elder son, adult [[Sudama]]
* Ashok Sharma as [[Virata]], King of [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya]]
* Ashok Sharma as [[Virata]], King of [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya]]
* Chandni Sharma as [[Sudeshna]], Queen of [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya]]  
* Chandni Sharma as [[Sudeshna]], Queen of [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya]]  
* [[Sameer Rajda]] as [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Uttar]], crown prince of [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya]]
* [[Sameer Rajda]] as [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Uttar]], crown prince of [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya]]
* [[Sharat Saxena]] as [[Kichak]], Army General of [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya]]
* [[Sharat Saxena]] as [[Kichaka]], Army General of [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya]]
* [[Deep Dhillon]] as [[Jayadratha]], [[Dussala]]'s husband, Kauravas' brother-in-law, King of [[Sindhu Kingdom|Sindhu]]
* [[Deep Dhillon]] as [[Jayadratha]], [[Duhsala]]'s husband, Kauravas' brother-in-law, King of [[Sindhu Kingdom|Sindhu]]
* Vikrant Mathur as Subala, [[Shakuni]]'s and [[Gandhari (character)|Gandhari]]'s Father, King of [[Gandhara]]
* Vikrant Mathur as Subala, [[Shakuni]]'s and [[Gandhari (Mahabharata)|Gandhari]]'s father, King of [[Gandhara]]
* [[Shivendra Mahal]] as Bhagwan [[Parashurama|Parshuram]] / Lord [[Shiva]]  
* [[Shivendra Mahal]] as [[Parashurama]] and [[Shiva]]  
* [[Satish Kaul]] as Devraj [[Indra]]
* [[Satish Kaul]] as Devraj [[Indra]]
* [[Gopi Krishna (dancer)|Gopi Krishna]] as [[Chitrasena (Mahabharata)|Chitrasena]]
* [[Gopi Krishna (dancer)|Gopi Krishna]] as [[Chitrasena (Mahabharata)|Chitrasena]]
* Rakesh Bidua as Kashya, King Of [[Kingdom of Kashi|Kashi]]
* Rakesh Bidua as Kashya, King of [[Kingdom of Kashi|Kashi]]
* Rana Jung Bahadur as [[Jarasandh]], King of [[Magadha Kingdom|Magadha]], father-in-law of [[Kans]]
* Rana Jung Bahadur as [[Jarasandha]], King of [[Magadha]], father-in-law of [[Kamsa]]
* Karunakar Pathak as [[Shishupala]], King of [[Chedi Kingdom|Chedi]], a maternal cousin of [[Krishna]] and [[Balaram]]
* Karunakar Pathak as [[Shishupala]], King of [[Chedi Kingdom|Chedi]], a maternal cousin of [[Krishna]] and [[Balarama]]
* Pawan Shukla as Shalva Kumar, Prince of [[Salwa Kingdom|Salwa]]/ Princess [[Amba (Mahabharata)|Amba]]'s lover  
* Pawan Shukla as Shalva Kumar, Prince of [[Salwa Kingdom|Salwa]], Princess [[Amba (Mahabharata)|Amba]]'s lover  
* [[Prem Sagar]] as Rishi [[Kanva]]
* [[Prem Sagar]] as Rishi [[Kanva]]
* [[Pankaj Berry]] as Rishi [[Kindama]], a sage who cursed [[Pandu]]
* [[Pankaj Berry]] as Rishi [[Kindama]], a sage who cursed [[Pandu]]
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===Episodic appearance===
===Episodic appearance===
* Vikas Prasad as [[Ekalavya]]  
* Vikas Prasad as [[Ekalavya]]  
* Randhir Singh as [[Hidimba|Hidimb]] / [[Putana]]
* Randhir Singh as [[Hidimba|Hidimb]] and [[Putana]]
* Sabrina as [[Putana]] (cameo)
* Sabrina as [[Putana]] (cameo)
* [[Dara Singh]] as [[Hanuman]] (cameo)
* [[Dara Singh]] as [[Hanuman]] (cameo)
* [[Raj Kishore]] as Rajpurohit of Panchal Kingdom (cameo)
* [[Raj Kishore]] as Rajpurohit of Panchal Kingdom (cameo)
* [[Dinesh Kaushik]] as [[Rukmi]]
* [[Dinesh Kaushik]] as [[Rukmi]]
* Bashir Khan as Rishi Parashar (father of Maharishi Vyas)/Senapati of Hastinapura
* Bashir Khan as Rishi Parashar, father of Vyasa, Senapati of Hastinapura


==Episodes==
==Episodes==
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Episode 6 – Birth of Pandu, Dhritarashtra and Vidur
Episode 6 – Birth of Pandu, Dhritarashtra and Vidur


Episode 7 – Karna's Birth-story, Dhritarashtra-Gandhari and Pandu-Kunti Get married
Episode 7 – Introduction of Kunti, Karna's Birth-story, Dhritarashtra-Gandhari get married; Gandhari blindfolded herself; Kunti swayamvar


Episode 8 – Madri is gifted to Pandu, Pandu is resting and Sage Kindama's curse on Pandu
Episode 8 – Madri is gifted to Pandu, Pandu is resting and Sage Kindama's curse on Pandu
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Episode 9 – Dhritarashtra is king, Pandu's sanyas and Pandavas are born.
Episode 9 – Dhritarashtra is king, Pandu's sanyas and Pandavas are born.


Episode 10 – Kansa is king and Akashwani about Krishna
Episode 10 – Kansa is king at Mathura and Akashwani about Krishna


Episode 11 – Birth of Balarama and Krishna
Episode 11 – Birth of Balarama and Krishna
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Episode 16 – Kansa invites Krishna to Mathura
Episode 16 – Kansa invites Krishna to Mathura


Episode 17 – Kansa Vadh
Episode 17 – Kansa Vadh; Krishna meets his parents and grandfather


Episode 18 – Pandu's Death
Episode 18 – Pandu and Madri's Death


Episode 19 – Satyavati, Ambika and Ambalika take sanyas with Rishi Vyas
Episode 19 – Satyavati, Ambika and Ambalika take sanyas with Rishi Vyas
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Episode 25 – Drona's guru Dakshina to capture Dhrupad
Episode 25 – Drona's guru Dakshina to capture Dhrupad


Episode 26 – Krishna gets Sudarshana chakra from Parshuram, defeats Jarasandh and orders building Dwaraka
Episode 26 – Krishna gets Sudarshana chakra from Parshuram, defeats Jarasandh and orders building Dwaraka  


Episode 27 – Yudhishthira is crowned as Prince. Rukmini is Being Forced to Marry Shishupal
Episode 27 – Yudhishthira is crowned as Prince. Rukmini of Vidarbha is Being Forced to Marry Shishupal


Episode 28 – Krishna Rescues Rukmini
Episode 28 – Krishna Rescues Rukmini and marry her


Episode 29 – Lakshagraha is built-in Varnavata by Purochan
Episode 29 – Lakshagraha is built-in Varnavata by Purochan
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Episode 33 – Bheema kills Bakasura  
Episode 33 – Bheema kills Bakasura  


Episode 34 – Dristadhyumna & Draupadi Birth and Draupadi Swayamvar
Episode 34 – Drishtadhyumna & Draupadi Birth and Draupadi Swayamvar


Episode 35 – Arjuna wins Draupadi and later she became the wife of the 5 Pandavas
Episode 35 – Arjuna wins Draupadi and later she became the wife of the 5 Pandavas
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Episode 43 – Rajsuya Yagya, Shishupala Vadh
Episode 43 – Rajsuya Yagya, Shishupala Vadh


Episode 44 – Vyas predicts war, Draupadi laughs at Duryodhan
Episode 44 – Vyas predicts war


Episode 45 – Pandavas go to Hastinapur to gamble
Episode 45 – Pandavas go to Hastinapur to gamble
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Episode 59 – Kaurav Attack Matsya Desh
Episode 59 – Kaurav Attack Matsya Desh


Episode 60 – Viraat war and clothes for Uttara's dolls
Episode 60 – Viraat war and clothes for Uttaraa's dolls


Episode 61 – Abhimanyu's marriage and Pandavs decide to send a Doot to Hastinapur
Episode 61 – Abhimanyu and Uttaraa's marriage and Pandavs decide to send a Doot to Hastinapur


Episode 62 – Dhritarashtra does not agree and sends Sanjay
Episode 62 – Dhritarashtra does not agree and sends Sanjay
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Episode 69 – Duryodhana tricks Shalya to join Kauravas
Episode 69 – Duryodhana tricks Shalya to join Kauravas


Episode 70 – Shikhandi's Story
Episode 70 – Shikhandi's Story of rebirth


Episode 71 – Arjuna Worships Goddess Durga, rules of war laid
Episode 71 – Arjuna Worships Goddess Durga, rules of war laid
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Episode 81 – Chakra Vyuh Planned, Duryodhan Promises Susharma
Episode 81 – Chakra Vyuh Planned, Duryodhan Promises Susharma


Episode 82 – Abhimanyu Vadh
Episode 82 – Abhimanyu Vadh; Uttaraa is pregnant


Episode 83 – Arjuna Vows to Kill Jayadrath and Story About Jayadratha's Curse
Episode 83 – Arjuna Vows to Kill Jayadrath and Story About Jayadratha's Curse
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Episode 91 – Balaram arrives, Bhim-Duryodhan Gada Yudh, Duryodhan fatally wounded, Balaram decides to kill Bhim
Episode 91 – Balaram arrives, Bhim-Duryodhan Gada Yudh, Duryodhan fatally wounded, Balaram decides to kill Bhim


Episode 92 – Duryodhan Dies, Ashwatthama, Kripa and Kritvarma remain, Ashwathamas kill the sons of Pandavas (Uppandavas) and Drishtadyumna, Ashwathama tries to kill Uttara's unborn son, Krishna curses Ashwatthama, Parikshit is Born
Episode 92 – Duryodhan Dies, Ashwatthama, Kripa and Kritvarma remain, Ashwathamas kill the sons of Pandavas (Uppandavas) and Drishtadyumna, Ashwathama tries to kill Uttaraa's unborn son, Krishna curses Ashwatthama, Parikshit is Born


Episode 93 – Dhritarashtra-Vidur discussion about ''dharma'', Pandavas arrive at Hastinapur, Dhritarashtra Tries to kill Bhim
Episode 93 – Dhritarashtra-Vidur discussion about ''dharma'', Pandavas arrive at Hastinapur, Dhritarashtra Tries to kill Bhim


Episode 94 – Dhritarashtra and Gandhari ready for Vanaprastha. Yudhisthir Becomes King of Hastinapur, Bhishma leaves his body.
Episode 94 – Dhritarashtra and Gandhari ready for Vanaprasthan. Yudhisthir Becomes King of Hastinapur, Bhishma leaves his body.


==Production==
==Production==
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===Casting===
===Casting===
15,000 people applied to play different roles in the Mahabharat TV series. The casting team led by [[Gufi Paintal]] shortlisted them and called around 1,500 for video screen tests<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-02|title=31 years of Mahabharat on Doordarshan: Interesting facts about one of most popular TV shows ever|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/31-years-of-mahabharat-on-doordarshan-know-interesting-facts-about-one-of-most-popular-tv-shows-ever/1724556/|access-date=2020-07-24|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref> Almost all actors in the series were newcomers, barring [[Raj Babbar]] who played King Bharat and [[Debashree Roy]] who played Satyavati.<ref>{{Cite web|title=B.R. Chopra's serial 'Mahabharat' promises to be another bonanza 31101988|url=http://m.indiatoday.in/story/b.r.-chopras-serial-mahabharat-promises-to-be-another-bonanza/1/329897.html|access-date=2017-04-08|website=m.indiatoday.in}}</ref> [[Nitish Bharadwaj]] was chosen by B.R. Chopra, Ravi Chopra, Pandit Narendra Sharma and Rahi Masoom Raza, to play the central role of [[Krishna]], at the age of 23.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/mahabharat-nitish-bharadwaj-refused-to-play-krishna-dodged-br-chopra-to-avoid-screen-test/story-m4vUm8SeWSe1gAIbb0v1oL.html|title=Nitish Bharadwaj refused to play Krishna in Mahabharat}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/janmashtami-2017-actor-nitish-bharadwaj-recollects-his-days-from-the-mahabharat/story-4QN6MWDOS51wUeMVvjKRjP.html|title=Janmashtami 2017: Actor Nitish Bharadwaj recollects his days from the Mahabharat}}</ref> Initially, he was chosen for playing [[Vidura|Vidur]]. But [[Virendra Razdan]] was cast for it as B.R. Chopra considered Bharadwaj young to play the role.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/mahabharat-nitish-bharadwaj-refused-to-play-krishna-dodged-br-chopra-to-avoid-screen-test/story-m4vUm8SeWSe1gAIbb0v1oL.html|title=Mahabharat: Nitish Bharadwaj refused to play Krishna, dodged BR Chopra to avoid screen test|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Then Bharadwaj was offered to play [[Nakula|Nakul]] and [[Sahadeva|Sahadev]], but he rejected and wanted to play [[Abhimanyu]]. Days later, he was called and finalized to play Krishna.<ref name=":2" /> Firoz Khan was chosen to portray the character of [[Arjuna]] (which he later adopted as his screen name, to not become confused with [[Feroz Khan (actor)|a more popular actor of the same name]]) despite being rejected in auditions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/mahabharats-arjun-gets-blacklisted/article3834854.ece|title=Mahabharat's Arjun gets blacklisted!|first=Madhur|last=Tankha|date=29 August 2012|access-date=6 October 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref> Asian games gold medalist [[Praveen Kumar Sobti|Praveen Kumar]] was selected to portray [[Bhima]] after Chopra was looking for someone "who could look the robust historical character".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/lsquoBheemrsquo-waiting-for-a-special-role/article16350038.ece|title='Bheem' waiting for a special role|date=12 January 2009|access-date=6 October 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref> Around six actors were shortlisted for the role of [[Draupadi]], including [[Juhi Chawla]], who opted out of the show as she had bagged a film. [[Ramya Krishnan]] and [[Roopa Ganguly]] were the final names, and at last [[Roopa Ganguly]] was chosen, as her Hindi was good.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Juhi Chawla turned down Draupadi in Mahabharat. Then Roopa Ganguly got the role|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/soaps/story/tuesday-trivia-not-roopa-ganguly-but-juhi-chawla-was-the-first-choice-to-play-draupadi-in-mahabharat-1671956-2020-04-28|website=India Today}}</ref> [[Govinda (actor)|Govinda]] and [[Chunky Pandey]] were signed for the role of [[Abhimanyu]], but they opted out when they bagged films. Later, Master Mayur played the role.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/actors-talk-about-what-went-into-making-mahabharat-in-1988/story-W5i1GX9wqpY25Pijoa1NaI.html|title=Actors talk about what went into making Mahabharat in 1988|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref> [[Mukesh Khanna]] who wished to play Arjun was initially offered the role of Duryodhan. But he was signed for Dhronacharya.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Puneet Issar on playing Duryodhan in Mahabharat: 'My body turned black and blue after climax fight scene with Bheem'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/puneet-issar-on-playing-duryodhan-in-mahabharat-my-body-turned-black-and-blue-after-climax-fight-scene-with-bheem/story-clVOooyjbmBmQV6mDxaz9K.html|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> When Vijayendra Ghadge dropped his role of Bhisma, Khanna got the role of [[Bhishma]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/tv/news/hindi/exclusive-mukesh-khanna-the-reruns-of-ramayan-and-mahabharat-will-help-people-like-sonakshi-sinha-who-dont-know-anything-about-mythology/photostory/74977826.cms?picid=74977940|title=Exclusive – Mukesh Khanna: The reruns of Ramayan and Mahabharat will help people like Sonakshi Sinha, who don't know anything about mythology|website=The Times of India}}</ref> [[Puneet Issar]] was offered to play the role of Bheem but was cast as Duryodhan on his wish.<ref name=":3" /> The casting director of the show, Gufi Paintal had cast himself in the role of Shakuni.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-06|title=Mahabharat's Shakuni Mama aka Gufi Paintal remembers the show: 'Golden age of television'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/mahabharat-s-shakuni-mama-aka-gufi-paintal-remembers-the-show-golden-age-of-television/story-mMO8sCCmwsihwyDAZrkWSN.html|access-date=2020-07-29|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
15,000 people applied to play different roles in the Mahabharat TV series. The casting team led by [[Gufi Paintal]] shortlisted them and called around 1,500 for video screen tests<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|date=2019-10-02|title=31 years of Mahabharat on Doordarshan: Interesting facts about one of most popular TV shows ever|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/31-years-of-mahabharat-on-doordarshan-know-interesting-facts-about-one-of-most-popular-tv-shows-ever/1724556/|access-date=2020-07-24|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref> Almost all actors in the series were newcomers, barring [[Raj Babbar]] who played King Bharat, [[Debashree Roy]] who played Satyavati.<ref>{{Cite web|title=B.R. Chopra's serial 'Mahabharat' promises to be another bonanza 31101988|url=http://m.indiatoday.in/story/b.r.-chopras-serial-mahabharat-promises-to-be-another-bonanza/1/329897.html|access-date=2017-04-08|website=m.indiatoday.in}}</ref> [[Nitish Bharadwaj]] was chosen by B.R. Chopra, Ravi Chopra, Pandit Narendra Sharma and Rahi Masoom Raza, to play the central role of [[Krishna]], at the age of 23.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/mahabharat-nitish-bharadwaj-refused-to-play-krishna-dodged-br-chopra-to-avoid-screen-test/story-m4vUm8SeWSe1gAIbb0v1oL.html|title=Nitish Bharadwaj refused to play Krishna in Mahabharat|date=29 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/janmashtami-2017-actor-nitish-bharadwaj-recollects-his-days-from-the-mahabharat/story-4QN6MWDOS51wUeMVvjKRjP.html|title=Janmashtami 2017: Actor Nitish Bharadwaj recollects his days from the Mahabharat|date=14 August 2017}}</ref> Initially, he was chosen for playing [[Vidura|Vidur]]. But [[Virendra Razdan]] was cast for it as B.R. Chopra considered Bharadwaj young to play the role.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/mahabharat-nitish-bharadwaj-refused-to-play-krishna-dodged-br-chopra-to-avoid-screen-test/story-m4vUm8SeWSe1gAIbb0v1oL.html|title=Mahabharat: Nitish Bharadwaj refused to play Krishna, dodged BR Chopra to avoid screen test|website=Hindustan Times|date=29 March 2020}}</ref> Then Bharadwaj was offered to play [[Nakula|Nakul]] and [[Sahadeva|Sahadev]], but he rejected and wanted to play [[Abhimanyu]]. Days later, he was called and finalized to play Krishna.<ref name=":2" /> Firoz Khan was chosen to portray the character of [[Arjuna]] (which he later adopted as his screen name, to not become confused with [[Feroz Khan (actor)|a more popular actor of the same name]]) despite being rejected in auditions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/mahabharats-arjun-gets-blacklisted/article3834854.ece|title=Mahabharat's Arjun gets blacklisted!|first=Madhur|last=Tankha|date=29 August 2012|access-date=6 October 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref> Asian games gold medalist [[Praveen Kumar Sobti|Praveen Kumar]] was selected to portray [[Bhima]] after Chopra was looking for someone "who could look the robust historical character".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/lsquoBheemrsquo-waiting-for-a-special-role/article16350038.ece|title='Bheem' waiting for a special role|date=12 January 2009|access-date=6 October 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref> Around six actresses were shortlisted for the role of [[Draupadi]], including [[Juhi Chawla]], who opted out of the show as she had bagged a film. [[Ramya Krishnan]] and [[Roopa Ganguly]] were the final names, and at last [[Roopa Ganguly]] was chosen, as her Hindi was good.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Juhi Chawla turned down Draupadi in Mahabharat. Then Roopa Ganguly got the role|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/soaps/story/tuesday-trivia-not-roopa-ganguly-but-juhi-chawla-was-the-first-choice-to-play-draupadi-in-mahabharat-1671956-2020-04-28|website=India Today}}</ref> [[Govinda (actor)|Govinda]] and [[Chunky Pandey]] were signed for the role of [[Abhimanyu]], but they opted out when they bagged films. Later, Master Mayur played the role.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/actors-talk-about-what-went-into-making-mahabharat-in-1988/story-W5i1GX9wqpY25Pijoa1NaI.html|title=Actors talk about what went into making Mahabharat in 1988|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref> [[Mukesh Khanna]] who wished to play role of Arjun was initially offered the role of Duryodhan. But later he was signed for Dhronacharya.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Puneet Issar on playing Duryodhan in Mahabharat: 'My body turned black and blue after climax fight scene with Bheem'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/puneet-issar-on-playing-duryodhan-in-mahabharat-my-body-turned-black-and-blue-after-climax-fight-scene-with-bheem/story-clVOooyjbmBmQV6mDxaz9K.html|website=Hindustan Times|date=7 May 2020}}</ref> When Vijayendra Ghadge dropped his role of Bhisma, Khanna got the role of [[Bhishma]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/tv/news/hindi/exclusive-mukesh-khanna-the-reruns-of-ramayan-and-mahabharat-will-help-people-like-sonakshi-sinha-who-dont-know-anything-about-mythology/photostory/74977826.cms?picid=74977940|title=Exclusive – Mukesh Khanna: The reruns of Ramayan and Mahabharat will help people like Sonakshi Sinha, who don't know anything about mythology|website=The Times of India|date=4 April 2020}}</ref> [[Puneet Issar]] was offered to play the role of Bheem but was cast as Duryodhan on his wish.<ref name=":3" /> The casting director of the show, Gufi Paintal had cast himself in the role of Shakuni.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-06|title=Mahabharat's Shakuni Mama aka Gufi Paintal remembers the show: 'Golden age of television'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/mahabharat-s-shakuni-mama-aka-gufi-paintal-remembers-the-show-golden-age-of-television/story-mMO8sCCmwsihwyDAZrkWSN.html|access-date=2020-07-29|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>


== Music ==
== Music ==
Mahabharat's music was composed by [[Raj Kamal]] and lyrics were penned by [[Pandit Narendra Sharma]]. Some songs were taken from works of devotional writers like [[Surdas]], [[Raskhan]] etc. Apart from main songs there are also several short verses decoding summary of each episode. All those verse were sung by [[Mahendra Kapoor]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-31|title=These singers gives their voice for Mahabharata|url=https://english.newstracklive.com/news/mahabharat-br-chopra-legendary-singers-worked-in-epic-tv-show-doordarshan-sc90-nu904-ta294-1096454-1.html|access-date=2020-07-22|website=News Track|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-02|title=जानिए, महाभारत के प्रसिद्ध गीतों को किन-किन गायकों ने दी थी आवाज|url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zee-hindustan/glamour-gadgets/know-which-singers-gave-voice-to-famous-songs-of-mahabharata/690035|access-date=2020-07-22|website=Zee Hindustan}}</ref>{{Track listing
Mahabharat's music was composed by [[Raj Kamal]] and lyrics were penned by [[Pandit Narendra Sharma]]. Some songs were taken from works of devotional writers like [[Surdas]], [[Raskhan]] etc. Apart from main songs there are also several short verses decoding summary of each episode. All those verse were sung by [[Mahendra Kapoor]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-31|title=These singers gives their voice for Mahabharata|url=https://english.newstracklive.com/news/mahabharat-br-chopra-legendary-singers-worked-in-epic-tv-show-doordarshan-sc90-nu904-ta294-1096454-1.html|access-date=2020-07-22|website=News Track|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-02|title=जानिए, महाभारत के प्रसिद्ध गीतों को किन-किन गायकों ने दी थी आवाज|url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zee-hindustan/glamour-gadgets/know-which-singers-gave-voice-to-famous-songs-of-mahabharata/690035|access-date=2020-07-22|website=Zee Hindustan}}</ref>
 
{{Track listing
| headline =  
| headline =  
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
Line 375: Line 376:
| length4 = 04:49
| length4 = 04:49
| title5 = Jagiye Brijraj Kunwar
| title5 = Jagiye Brijraj Kunwar
| extra5 = [[Anuradha Paudwal]]
| extra5 = [[Kavita Krishnamurthy]]
| length5 = 04:10
| length5 = 04:10
| title6 = [[Main Naahin Maakhan Khaayo]]
| title6 = [[Main Naahin Maakhan Khaayo]]
Line 395: Line 396:
| extra11 = [[Sadhana Sargam]]
| extra11 = [[Sadhana Sargam]]
| length11 = 04:51
| length11 = 04:51
| title12 = Kripa Krishna Ki
| title12 = Beti Chali Paraye Desh
| extra12 = [[Raj Kamal]]
| extra12 = [[Raj Kamal]]
| length12 = 07:01
| length12 = 07:05
| title13 = Main Boondan Bheeji Saari
| title13 = Kripa Krishna Ki
| extra13 = [[Sadhana Sargam]]
| extra13 = [[Raj Kamal]]
| length13 = 04:30
| length13 = 07:01
| title14 = Pranay ke Pratham Prahar Ki Baat
| title14 = Main Boondan Bheeji Saari
| extra14 = [[Anuradha Paudwal]]
| extra14 = [[Sadhana Sargam]]
| length14 = 05:20
| length14 = 04:30
| title15 = Samay Bada Balwaan
| title15 = Pranay Ke Pratham Prahar Ki Baat
| extra15 = [[Raj Kamal]]
| extra15 = [[Anuradha Paudwal]]
| length15 = 05:17
| length15 = 05:20
| title16 = Jhanak Jhanak Baaje Payaliya
| title16 = Samay Bada Balwaan
| extra16 = [[Sadhana Sargam]]
| extra16 = [[Raj Kamal]]
| length16 = 04:51
| length16 = 05:17
| title17 = Manwa Madhur Madhur Kachu Bol
| title17 = Jhanak Jhanak Baaje Payaliya
| extra17 = [[Sadhana Sargam]]
| extra17 = [[Sadhana Sargam]]
| length17 = 04:04
| length17 = 04:51
| title18 = Naino Ke Darpan mein
| title18 = Manwa Madhur Madhur Kachu Bol
| extra18 = [[Roopa Ganguly]]
| extra18 = [[Sadhana Sargam]]
| length18 = 03:27
| length18 = 04:04
| title19 = Sabso oonchi prem sagai
| title19 = Naino Ke Darpan mein
| extra19 = [[Raj Kamal]]
| extra19 = [[Roopa Ganguly]]
| length19 = 05:44
| length19 = 03:27
| title20 = Yeh Dharma Yudh Hain
| title20 = Sabso Onchi Prem Sagai
| extra20 = [[Raj Kamal]]
| extra20 = [[Raj Kamal]]
| length20 = 10:30
| length20 = 05:44
| title21 = Hey Priyatame
| title21 = Yeh Dharma Yudh Hain
| extra21 = [[Raj Kamal]]
| extra21 = [[Raj Kamal]]
| length21 = 06:16
| length21 = 10:30
| title22 = Hey Priyatame
| extra22 = [[Raj Kamal]]
| length22 = 06:16
| all_writing =  
| all_writing =  
| all_music = [[Raj Kamal]]
| all_music = [[Raj Kamal]]
Line 431: Line 435:


==Broadcast==
==Broadcast==
In India the series was originally broadcast on [[DD National]]. It was shown in the United Kingdom by the [[BBC]],<ref>{{cite web |title=BBC Genome:Mahabarat – transmission times |url=http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/search/0/20?adv=0&q=Mahabharat&media=all&yf=1923&yt=2009&mf=1&mt=12&tf=00%3A00&tt=00%3A00#search |access-date=2015-10-01}}</ref> where it achieved audience figures of 5.1 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.omnimb.ca/info/press/p_20050809.shtml|title=Epic Hindi Language Series Mahabharat Launches Exclusively on Rogers OMNI Television Channels in Ontario and British Columbia|date=29 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429193553/http://www.omnimb.ca/info/press/p_20050809.shtml|access-date=6 October 2018|archive-date=29 April 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/jun/07/british-television-subititles|title=The Returned: how British TV viewers came to lose their fear of subtitles|first=Mark|last=Jones|date=7 June 2013|website=The Guardian|access-date=6 October 2018}}</ref> It was also the first programme broadcast on [[BBC2]] after its 1991 revamp,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gkhindinews.com/ |title=Rochak kahani mahabharat ki |publisher=Gkhindinews |date=10 February 2020 |access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref> but it had also been shown late at night on [[BBC1]] the previous year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gkhindinews/ |title=Watch Rochak kahani mahabharat ki |publisher=Gkhindinews |access-date=2020-02-11 }}</ref> It has also been shown on [[FBC TV]] in Fiji and [[STAR Utsav]]. It also aired on [[EPIC (TV channel)|Epic]] in [[Hong Kong]] and [[TVB Jade]]. Dubbed versions were aired in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and also in Indonesia in the early 1990s on TPI (now [[MNCTV]]) and in the early 2000s on ANteve (now [[antv]]).
In India the series was originally broadcast on [[DD National]]. It was shown in the United Kingdom by the [[BBC]],<ref>{{cite web |title=BBC Genome:Mahabarat – transmission times |url=http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/search/0/20?adv=0&q=Mahabharat&media=all&yf=1923&yt=2009&mf=1&mt=12&tf=00%3A00&tt=00%3A00#search |access-date=2015-10-01}}</ref> where it achieved audience figures of 5 million.<ref>{{cite web |date=29 April 2008 |title=Epic Hindi Language Series Mahabharat Launches Exclusively on Rogers OMNI Television Channels in Ontario and British Columbia |url=http://www.omnimb.ca/info/press/p_20050809.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429193553/http://www.omnimb.ca/info/press/p_20050809.shtml |archive-date=29 April 2008 |access-date=10 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Mark |date=7 June 2013 |title=The Returned: how British TV viewers came to lose their fear of subtitles |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/jun/07/british-television-subititles |access-date=10 March 2022 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> It was also the first programme broadcast on [[BBC2]] after its 1991 revamp,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gkhindinews.com/ |title=Rochak kahani mahabharat ki |publisher=Gkhindinews |date=10 February 2020 |access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref> but it had also been shown late at night on [[BBC1]] the previous year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gkhindinews/ |title=Watch Rochak kahani mahabharat ki |publisher=Gkhindinews |access-date=2020-02-11 }}</ref>  


The show was again telecast on [[DD Bharati]] from 28 March 2020, on [[DD Retro]] from 13 April 2020, on [[Colors TV]] from 4 May 2020 as well as Star Bharat during the [[COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India|lockdown due to coronavirus]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/on-public-demand-ramayan--mahabharat-makes-comeback-during-lockdown/1782399|title=On public demand, ''Ramayan'' & ''Mahabharat'' makes comeback during lockdown|website=Outlook India|access-date=2020-03-27}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Mahabharat to air on Colors|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/lifestyle/mahabharat-to-air-on-colors-80194|last=Service|first=Tribune News|website=Tribuneindia News Service|language=en|access-date=2020-05-04}}</ref> The show is currently being broadcast on [[Big Magic]] from 17 May 2021 and on [[Bflix Movies]] from 22 May 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=√ Big Magic Starting Serial Mahabharat on 17th May 2021 - dthhelp|url=https://www.dthhelp.online/2021/05/Mahabharat-bigmagic.html?m=1|access-date=2021-05-21|website=www.dthhelp.online}}</ref>
The show was again telecast on [[DD Bharati]] from 28 March 2020, on [[DD Retro]] from 13 April 2020, on [[Colors TV]] from 4 May 2020 as well as [[Star Bharat]] during the [[COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India|lockdown due to coronavirus]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/on-public-demand-ramayan--mahabharat-makes-comeback-during-lockdown/1782399|title=On public demand, ''Ramayan'' & ''Mahabharat'' makes comeback during lockdown|website=Outlook India|access-date=2020-03-27}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Mahabharat to air on Colors|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/lifestyle/mahabharat-to-air-on-colors-80194|last=Service|first=Tribune News|website=Tribuneindia News Service|language=en|access-date=2020-05-04}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
Ganguly was applauded for her performance in the sequence.<ref name="TNH">{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnowhindi.com/entertainment/television/article/roopa-ganguly-cried-half-an-hour-after-draupadi-cheer-haran-scene-in-mahabharata/288479|title=Mahabharat: चीर हरण सीन के बाद आधे घंटे तक रोई थीं 'द्रौपदी' रूपा गांगुली, पहनी थीं 250 मीटर लंबी साड़ी|date=11 April 2020|website=timesnowhindi.com|language=hi|access-date=20 April 2020}}</ref> [[Ravi Chopra]] later disclosed that she was originally weeping while enacting in the sequence and the crew members had to console her later to make her stop.<ref name="TNH" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livehindustan.com/entertainment/story-mahabharat-roopa-ganguly-cried-for-half-an-hour-after-draupadi-cheer-haran-scene-3156116.html|title=Mahabharat: चीर हरण सीन के बाद द्रौपदी का किरदार निभाने वालीं रूपा गांगुली आधे घंटे तक रोती रही थीं|date=17 April 2020|website=livehindustan.com|language=hi|access-date=20 April 2020}}</ref>|The sequence is often claimed to be the most climactic one of the series.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/actors-talk-about-what-went-into-making-mahabharat-in-1988/story-W5i1GX9wqpY25Pijoa1NaI.html|title=Actors talk about what went into making Mahabharat in 1988|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=2019-05-07}}</ref> For the sequence [[Ravi Chopra|Chopra]] recreated the visual effect of the Vastraharan sequence of [[Babubhai Mistry]]'s ''[[Mahabharat (1965 film)|Mahabharat]]'' (1965) starring [[Padmini (actress)|Padmini]] as [[Draupadi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/mahabharat-3272|title=Mahabharat (1965) – Review, Star Cast, News, Photos|website=Cinestaan|access-date=2019-05-09}}</ref> His visual effects won more favour than that of the 1965 film and has still been considered by a part of critics to be the most brilliant in line.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/why-the-new-mahabharat-is-an-epic-fail-1114011.html|title=Why the new Mahabharat is an epic fail- Entertainment News, Firstpost|date=2013-09-17|website=Firstpost|language=en|access-date=2019-05-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/2016/04/22/on-br-chopras-birth-anniversary-heres-looking-back-at-how-his-greatest-creation-mahabharat-came-into-being|title=Happy B’day BR Chopra: The Story Behind His Iconic 'Mahabharat'|date=2016-04-22|website=The Quint|language=en|access-date=2019-05-06}}</ref> of the most successful television series in Indian television history.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 20, 2020|first=Shweta|last=Keshri|title=Monday Masala: BR Chopra's Mahabharat is the baap of all masala entertainers|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/soaps/story/monday-masala-br-chopra-s-mahabharat-is-the-baap-of-masala-entertainers-1668902-2020-04-20|access-date=2020-08-05|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> In common with the "[[Ramayan (1986 TV series)|Ramayana]]" serial, the broadcasting of a Mahabharat episode was associated with the simultaneous emptying of streets in the cities and people leaving work early to watch it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/radio-and-tv/retelling-of-mahabharata-on-television-over-the-years-epic-television/article7770181.ece|title=Epic television|first=Lavanya|last=Mohan|date=16 October 2015|access-date=6 October 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref> Along with general audience many big names from Hindi film industry like [[Rajesh Khanna]], [[Dharmendra]], [[Hema Malini]] and [[Jeetendra]] also praised the show.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Watch: Yesteryear superstars Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, Hema Malini talk about BR Chopra's Mahabharat in this old video |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/watch-yesteryear-superstars-rajesh-khanna-dharmendra-hema-malini-talk-about-br-chopras-mahabharat-in-this-old-video/articleshow/75700630.cms|access-date=2020-07-29|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
Ganguly was applauded for her performance in the sequence.<ref name="TNH">{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnowhindi.com/entertainment/television/article/roopa-ganguly-cried-half-an-hour-after-draupadi-cheer-haran-scene-in-mahabharata/288479|title=Mahabharat: चीर हरण सीन के बाद आधे घंटे तक रोई थीं 'द्रौपदी' रूपा गांगुली, पहनी थीं 250 मीटर लंबी साड़ी|date=11 April 2020|website=timesnowhindi.com|language=hi|access-date=20 April 2020}}</ref> [[Ravi Chopra]] later disclosed that she was originally weeping while enacting in the Vastraharan sequence and the crew members had to console her later to make her stop.<ref name="TNH" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livehindustan.com/entertainment/story-mahabharat-roopa-ganguly-cried-for-half-an-hour-after-draupadi-cheer-haran-scene-3156116.html|title=Mahabharat: चीर हरण सीन के बाद द्रौपदी का किरदार निभाने वालीं रूपा गांगुली आधे घंटे तक रोती रही थीं|date=17 April 2020|website=livehindustan.com|language=hi|access-date=20 April 2020}}</ref>|The sequence is often claimed to be the most climactic one of the series.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/actors-talk-about-what-went-into-making-mahabharat-in-1988/story-W5i1GX9wqpY25Pijoa1NaI.html|title=Actors talk about what went into making Mahabharat in 1988|website=Hindustan Times|date=5 May 2016|access-date=2019-05-07}}</ref> For the sequence [[Ravi Chopra|Chopra]] recreated the visual effect of the Vastraharan sequence of [[Babubhai Mistry]]'s ''[[Mahabharat (1965 film)|Mahabharat]]'' (1965) starring [[Padmini (actress)|Padmini]] as [[Draupadi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/mahabharat-3272|title=Mahabharat (1965) – Review, Star Cast, News, Photos|website=Cinestaan|access-date=2019-05-09}}</ref> His visual effects won more favour than that of the 1965 film and has still been considered by a part of critics to be the most brilliant in line.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/why-the-new-mahabharat-is-an-epic-fail-1114011.html|title=Why the new Mahabharat is an epic fail- Entertainment News, Firstpost|date=2013-09-17|website=Firstpost|language=en|access-date=2019-05-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/2016/04/22/on-br-chopras-birth-anniversary-heres-looking-back-at-how-his-greatest-creation-mahabharat-came-into-being|title=Happy B'day BR Chopra: The Story Behind His Iconic 'Mahabharat'|date=2016-04-22|website=The Quint|language=en|access-date=2019-05-06}}</ref> of the most successful television series in Indian television history.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 20, 2020|first=Shweta|last=Keshri|title=Monday Masala: BR Chopra's Mahabharat is the baap of all masala entertainers|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/soaps/story/monday-masala-br-chopra-s-mahabharat-is-the-baap-of-masala-entertainers-1668902-2020-04-20|access-date=2020-08-05|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> In common with the "[[Ramayan (1986 TV series)|Ramayana]]" serial, the broadcasting of a Mahabharat episode was associated with the simultaneous emptying of streets in the cities and people leaving work early to watch it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/radio-and-tv/retelling-of-mahabharata-on-television-over-the-years-epic-television/article7770181.ece|title=Epic television|first=Lavanya|last=Mohan|date=16 October 2015|access-date=6 October 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref> Along with general audience many big names from Hindi film industry like [[Rajesh Khanna]], [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Jeetendra]], [[ Hema Malini]] and [[Dharmendra]] also praised the show.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Watch: Yesteryear superstars Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, Hema Malini talk about BR Chopra's Mahabharat in this old video |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/watch-yesteryear-superstars-rajesh-khanna-dharmendra-hema-malini-talk-about-br-chopras-mahabharat-in-this-old-video/articleshow/75700630.cms|access-date=2020-07-29|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
 
During its rerun in COVID-19 lockdown, it became the second most watched Indian TV show after [[Ramayan (1987 TV series)|''Ramayan'']].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/dd-emerges-as-most-watched-channel-ramayana-mahabharata-among-favourites-11586423915023.html|title=DD emerges as most watched channel; Ramayana, Mahabharata among favourites|website=Live Mint}}</ref> In week 13, it garnered 145.8 million impressions with both morning and evening slots combined on [[DD Bharati]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/india/ramayan-shaktimaan-byomkesh-bakshi-make-dd-national-most-watched-channel-across-genres/398610/|title=Reruns of 1980-90s classics Ramayan, Shaktimaan, Byomkesh make DD most-watched channel|website=[[ThePrint]]}}</ref> However, after Ramayan ended, Mahabharat became the most watched TV show until its end.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Mahabharat becomes the most-watched show. Doordarshan witnesses major dip in ratings|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/top-stories/story/mahabharat-becomes-the-most-watched-show-doordarshan-witnesses-major-dip-in-ratings-1680680-2020-05-22|website=India Today}}</ref> The series ended with 22.9 million viewership.<ref name=":4" />


== Ratings ==
During its rerun in [[COVID-19 lockdown in India]], it became the second most watched Indian TV show after [[Ramayan (1987 TV series)|''Ramayan'']] (1987).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/dd-emerges-as-most-watched-channel-ramayana-mahabharata-among-favourites-11586423915023.html|title=DD emerges as most watched channel; Ramayana, Mahabharata among favourites|website=Live Mint|date=9 April 2020}}</ref> In week 13, it garnered 145.8 million impressions with both morning and evening slots combined on [[DD Bharati]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/india/ramayan-shaktimaan-byomkesh-bakshi-make-dd-national-most-watched-channel-across-genres/398610/|title=Reruns of 1980-90s classics Ramayan, Shaktimaan, Byomkesh make DD most-watched channel|website=[[ThePrint]]|date=9 April 2020}}</ref> After ''Ramayan'' ended, ''Mahabharat'' became the most watched TV show until its end.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Mahabharat becomes the most-watched show. Doordarshan witnesses major dip in ratings|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/top-stories/story/mahabharat-becomes-the-most-watched-show-doordarshan-witnesses-major-dip-in-ratings-1680680-2020-05-22|website=India Today}}</ref> The series ended with 22.9 million viewership.<ref name=":4" />
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" |Week
! rowspan="2" |Year
! colspan="2" |[[Broadcast Audience Research Council|BARC]] viewership (Hindi GEC overall)
! colspan="2" |[[Broadcast Audience Research Council|BARC]] viewership (Hindi GEC pay)
! colspan="2" |[[Broadcast Audience Research Council|BARC]] viewership (Hindi GEC rural)
! colspan="2" |[[Broadcast Audience Research Council|BARC]] viewership (Hindi GEC urban)
|-
!Impressions (millions)
!Ranking
!Impressions (millions)
!Ranking
!Impressions (millions)
!Ranking
!Impressions (millions)
!Ranking
|-
|Week 13
|2020
|
|
|8937
|2
|
|
|7362
|2
|-
|Week 14
|2020
|16750
|2
|13177
|2
|6228
|5
|10524
|2
|-
|Week 15
|2020
|18290
|2
|14264
|2
|7145
|4
|11146
|2
|-
|Week 16
|2020
|21196
|3
|16455
|3
|8358
|5
|12839
|3
|-
|Week 17
|2020
|24280
|2
|19077
|2
|9913
|4
|14368
|2
|-
|Week 18
|2020
|22287
|3
|17186
|3
|9074
|5
|13214
|2
|-
|Week 19
|2020
|22907
|1
|
|
|9319
|4
|
|
|}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mahabharat TV Serial TRP Rating 2020 Re-Telecast: Updated|url=https://www.1films.in/2020/04/mahabharat-hindi-tv-serial-trp-rating-2020.html?m=1}}</ref>


==Home media==
==Home media==
The series was uploaded onto the website "Rajshri.com" along with its dubbed Tamil version.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/mahabharat-on-the-net/article3231819.ece|title=Mahabharat on the net|date=22 December 2006|access-date=6 October 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref> Home video of the Bengali-dubbed version of this series has been released by Heart Video.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/radio-and-tv/mahabharat-now-in-bengali/article2912867.ece|title=Mahabharat now in Bengali|date=20 February 2012|access-date=6 October 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2019, [[Pen India Limited|Pen India Ltd]] bought the rights of the show and uploaded all the episodes on its devotional YouTube channel ''Pen Bhakti'' including its spin-off series [[Mahabharat Katha]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=After TV, BR Chopra's Mahabharat to be Available on YouTube As Well|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/after-tv-br-chopras-mahabharat-to-be-available-on-youtube-as-well-2560587.html|access-date=2020-07-29|website=News18}}</ref>
The series was uploaded onto the website "Rajshri.com" along with its dubbed Tamil version.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/mahabharat-on-the-net/article3231819.ece|title=Mahabharat on the net|date=22 December 2006|access-date=6 October 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref> Home video of the Bengali-dubbed version of this series has been released by Heart Video.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/radio-and-tv/mahabharat-now-in-bengali/article2912867.ece|title=Mahabharat now in Bengali|date=20 February 2012|access-date=6 October 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2019, [[Pen India Limited|Pen India Ltd]] bought the rights of the show and uploaded all the episodes on its devotional YouTube channel ''Pen Bhakti'' including its spin-off series ''[[Mahabharat Katha]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=After TV, BR Chopra's Mahabharat to be Available on YouTube As Well|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/after-tv-br-chopras-mahabharat-to-be-available-on-youtube-as-well-2560587.html|access-date=2020-07-29|website=News18|date=April 2020}}</ref>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
''Mahabharat'' along with [[Ramayan (1987 TV series)|''Ramayan'']] (1987) became one of the most successful television series based on an epic in Indian television history. Many actors became popular through their appearances in this series. [[Nitish Bharadwaj]] became famous as [[Lord Krishna]] and later he also played lead role in Chopra's another mythological show [[Vishnu Puran (TV series)|Vishnu Puran]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Sunday Tribune – Spectrum – Television|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000123/spectrum/tv.htm|access-date=2020-06-21|website=The Tribune}}</ref> [[Roopa Ganguly]] who played [[Draupadi]]; went on to become a successful actress in Bengali cinema.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/bishwanath-ghosh-gajendra-chauhans-appointment-as-ftii-chairman/article7460395.ece|title=Ideology vs. stature|first=Bishwanath|last=Ghosh|date=25 July 2015|access-date=6 October 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/no-childs-play/article7181850.ece|title=No child's play|first=Madhur|last=Tankha|date=8 May 2015|access-date=6 October 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref> Actor [[Pankaj Dheer]] also got immense popularity after playing [[Karna]]. His pictures are used in textbooks as reference to Karna and the actor also revealed that his statues are worshipped in temples in [[Karnal]] and Batar.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 27, 2020|title=Did you know Mahabharat's Karna, Pankaj Dheer's statue is worshipped in temples in Karnal and Bastar?|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/celebrity/story/did-you-know-mahabharat-s-karna-pankaj-dheer-s-statue-is-worshipped-in-temples-in-karnal-and-bastar-1682514-2020-05-27|access-date=2020-06-21|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> Actor [[Arjun (Firoz Khan)|Firoz Khan]] changed his name to "Arjun" professionally after finding success with the role of [[Arjuna|Arjun]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-27|title=Mahabharat's Arjun Firoz Khan Says Changing His Name Gave Him Everything He'd Dreamed of|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/mahabharats-arjun-firoz-khan-says-changing-his-name-gave-him-everything-hed-dreamed-of-2594135.html|access-date=2020-06-21|website=News18}}</ref>[[Mukesh Khanna]] who was a not so famous actor until then, shot to fame as [[Bhishma]] and named his production company after his character.
''Mahabharat'' along with ''[[Ramayan (1987 TV series)|Ramayan]]'' (1987), became one of the most successful television series based on an epic in Indian television history.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}


==See also==
Many actors became popular through their appearances in this series.
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
 
* [[Ramayan (1987 TV series)|''Ramayan'' (1987 TV series)]]
* [[Nitish Bharadwaj]] became famous as [[Lord Krishna]] and later he also played lead role in Chopra's another mythological show [[Vishnu Puran (TV series)|Vishnu Puran]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Sunday Tribune – Spectrum – Television|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000123/spectrum/tv.htm|access-date=2020-06-21|website=The Tribune}}</ref>
* [[Mahabharat Katha|''Mahabharat katha''
* [[Roopa Ganguly]], who played [[Draupadi]], went on to become a successful actress in Bengali cinema.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/bishwanath-ghosh-gajendra-chauhans-appointment-as-ftii-chairman/article7460395.ece|title=Ideology vs. stature|first=Bishwanath|last=Ghosh|date=25 July 2015|access-date=6 October 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/no-childs-play/article7181850.ece|title=No child's play|first=Madhur|last=Tankha|date=8 May 2015|access-date=6 October 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref>
]]
* [[Pankaj Dheer]] received immense popularity after playing [[Karna]]. His pictures are used in textbooks as reference to Karna and the actor also revealed that his statues are worshipped in temples in [[Karnal]] and Batar.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 27, 2020|title=Did you know Mahabharat's Karna, Pankaj Dheer's statue is worshipped in temples in Karnal and Bastar?|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/celebrity/story/did-you-know-mahabharat-s-karna-pankaj-dheer-s-statue-is-worshipped-in-temples-in-karnal-and-bastar-1682514-2020-05-27|access-date=2020-06-21|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>
{{div col end}}
* [[Arjun (Firoz Khan)|Firoz Khan]] changed his name to "Arjun" professionally after finding success with the role of [[Arjuna|Arjun]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-27|title=Mahabharat's Arjun Firoz Khan Says Changing His Name Gave Him Everything He'd Dreamed of|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/mahabharats-arjun-firoz-khan-says-changing-his-name-gave-him-everything-hed-dreamed-of-2594135.html|access-date=2020-06-21|website=News18}}</ref>
* [[Mukesh Khanna]], who was a not so famous actor until then, shot to fame as [[Bhishma]] and named his production company after his character.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-23 |title=Mukesh Khanna on his struggle before Mahabharat: ‘People labelled me as a flop actor, I was deeply disappointed’ |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/mukesh-khanna-on-his-struggle-before-mahabharat-people-labelled-me-as-a-flop-actor-i-was-deeply-disappointed/story-pzaA8FtSwcAM0m0VjdKWNL.html |access-date=2022-04-07 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Television series based on Mahabharata]]
[[Category:Television series based on Mahabharata]]
[[Category:Indian mythological television series]]
[[Category:DD National original programming]]
[[Category:DD National original programming]]
[[Category:1988 Indian television series debuts]]
[[Category:1988 Indian television series debuts]]
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[[Category:1980s Indian television series]]
[[Category:1980s Indian television series]]
[[Category:Television shows based on poems]]
[[Category:Television shows based on poems]]
[[Category:Star Utsav original programming]]

Revision as of 21:31, 26 May 2022


Mahabharat
File:Mahabharat (1988) title logo screenshot.jpg
GenreEpic
Created byB. R. Chopra
Based onMahabharata by Vyasa
Written byPandit Narendra Sharma
Rahi Masoom Raza
Screenplay byRahi Masoom Raza
Directed byB. R. Chopra
Ravi Chopra
Creative directorYashwant Mahilwar
StarringNitish Bharadwaj
Mukesh Khanna
Arjun
Puneet Issar
Gufi Paintal
Roopa Ganguly
Pankaj Dheer
Praveen Kumar
Gajendra Chauhan
Narrated byHarish Bhimani
ComposerRaj Kamal
Country of originIndia
Original languageHindi
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes94
Production
Executive producerD.H. Vengurlekar
ProducerB. R. Chopra
CinematographyDharam Chopra
EditorsShailendra Doke
Birpal Singh
Running time40-45 minutes
Production companyB.R. Films
Release
Original networkDD National
Picture format576i
Original release2 October 1988 (1988-10-02) –
24 June 1990 (1990-06-24)[1]
Chronology
Followed byMahabharat Katha
External links
[{{#property:P856}} Website]

Mahabharat is an Indian Hindi-language epic television series based on the ancient Sanskrit epic of the same name. The original airing consisted of a total of 94 episodes[2] and were broadcast from 2 October 1988 to 24 June 1990 on Doordarshan.[3][4][5] It was produced by B. R. Chopra and directed by his son, Ravi Chopra.[6] The music was composed by Raj Kamal. The script was written by Pandit Narendra Sharma and the Hindi/Urdu poet Rahi Masoom Raza, based on the epic by MaharishiVyasa. Costumes for the series were provided by Maganlal Dresswala.[7] The serial claims to have used the Critical Edition of Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute as its basic source with Vishnu Sitaram Sukthankar and Shripad Krishna Belwalkar as its primary editor.

Each episode is 40–46 minutes long and begins with a title song that consisted of lyrical content and two verses from the Bhagavad Gita.[8] The title song was sung and the verses rendered by singer Mahendra Kapoor. The title song is followed by a narration by Indian voice-artist Harish Bhimani as a personification of Time, detailing the current circumstances and highlighting the spiritual significance of the content of the episode. It is the most successful Mahabharata series ever produced for television.[9]

Mahabharat Katha, another part of the serial was aired on 1997 which covers all the untold stories about Karna's marriage with Padmavati, Arjuna's marriage with Chitrāngadā and Ulupi, and stories about Ghatotkacha, Barbarika, Virshaketu, Babruvahana, conspiracies of Viprachitti, Ashwamedha Yajna, Dushala's story and aftermath of the Kurukshetra War, which are not covered in the original series.

Premise

The series covers the incidents of epic Mahabharata revolving around Krishna, Pandavas, Kauravas among other characters.

The show begins with Emperor Bharata giving more importance to 'Capacity' than to 'Birth'. He shows the birth of Bhishma and his oath, birth of Pandu, Dhritarashtra and Vidur and birth of Pandavas and Kauravas. The story then focuses on the childhood of Lord Krishna.

Elsewhere, Dronacharya teaches Pandavas and Kauravas and asks to defeat Drupad as Guru Dakshina. Pandavas do so and give half of his kingdom to Drona. For revenge, Drupada obtains Dhrishtadyumna and Draupadi. Dhritarashtra makes Yudhishthir the crown prince of Hastinapur. Shakuni (the maternal uncle of the Kauravas) and Duryodhan hatch a plan to burn Pandavas and Kunti alive, but they survive and go into incognito. Duryodhan is made crown prince of Hastinapur.

Arjuna wins Draupadi in her swayamvara but later shows her marriage with all five Pandavas. Later, Yudhishthir is made the king of Indraprastha and Pandavas conduct Rajsuya Yagna where Draupadi insults Duryodhana. Latter shows Duryodhana's revenge by trying to disrobe her and sending Pandavas along with Draupadi for an exile of 12 years and 1 year of anonymity. Duryodhana argues that the Pandavas violated the condition of anonymity in their last year of exile, therefore they must spend another 12 years in exile followed by another year of exile in anonymity. This conflict begins to sows the seed for the Mahabharata War.

Arjun and Subhadra's son Abhimanyu marries Uttara. Krishna tries to make peace between both parties. Indra in the disguise of a Brahmin took Karna's armor and earrings. Kunti's sorrow on the corpse of Karna reveals Karna's true identity of being the eldest Pandava.

Before Mahabharata War, Shri Krishna enlightens Arjuna about the "Bhagavad Gita" and showed his Virata Swaroopa to Arjuna. The latter shows the deaths of Bheeshma, Drona, Karna, Abhimanyu, Shalya, Shakuni, Jayadrata, Ghatotkacha, 100 Kauravas, 5 sons of Draupadi and many other warriors in the war leading to the victory of Pandavas over Kauravas. Gandhari holds Krishna responsible for her son's death and curses that his family will also get destroyed. The show ends with Yudhishthir's Rajyabhishek and Bhishma's death.

Cast

Main

Recurring

Episodic appearance

Episodes

Episode 1 – Introduction of Kuru Family, Raja Bharat and Raja Shantanu

Episode 2 – Ganga Kills Her Sons

Episode 3 – Bhishma is Grown-up

Episode 4 – Bhishma Pratigya & Iccha Mrityu Vardaan

Episode 5 – Amba, Ambika and Ambalika's Introduction

Episode 6 – Birth of Pandu, Dhritarashtra and Vidur

Episode 7 – Introduction of Kunti, Karna's Birth-story, Dhritarashtra-Gandhari get married; Gandhari blindfolded herself; Kunti swayamvar

Episode 8 – Madri is gifted to Pandu, Pandu is resting and Sage Kindama's curse on Pandu

Episode 9 – Dhritarashtra is king, Pandu's sanyas and Pandavas are born.

Episode 10 – Kansa is king at Mathura and Akashwani about Krishna

Episode 11 – Birth of Balarama and Krishna

Episode 12 – Krishna Janma (birth of Krishna) celebrations and Pootna's Death

Episode 13 – Krishna Brahmand Darshan and Krishna gets caught while stealing Makhan

Episode 14 – Maiya Mori Mai nahi makhan khayo and Kaliya Nag Tandav

Episode 15 – Radha and Gopikas, protest against Mathura, Devakasur and Trulambasur Vadh

Episode 16 – Kansa invites Krishna to Mathura

Episode 17 – Kansa Vadh; Krishna meets his parents and grandfather

Episode 18 – Pandu and Madri's Death

Episode 19 – Satyavati, Ambika and Ambalika take sanyas with Rishi Vyas

Episode 20 – Duryodhan Poisons Bhim and Bhim gets strength of 1000 Elephants

Episode 21 – Sudama's chivda story, and Drona arrives at Hastinapur

Episode 22 – Shastra Pooja, Drona insults Karna and Arjuna's test

Episode 23 – Ekalavya, Karna's education, Arjun's test of bird's eye

Episode 24 – All the Princes have grown up, and they exhibit their skills in Rangbhoomi, Karna challenges Arjuna and Duryodhana gives Anga Desh to Karna

Episode 25 – Drona's guru Dakshina to capture Dhrupad

Episode 26 – Krishna gets Sudarshana chakra from Parshuram, defeats Jarasandh and orders building Dwaraka

Episode 27 – Yudhishthira is crowned as Prince. Rukmini of Vidarbha is Being Forced to Marry Shishupal

Episode 28 – Krishna Rescues Rukmini and marry her

Episode 29 – Lakshagraha is built-in Varnavata by Purochan

Episode 30 – Tunneling in Varnavat Begins

Episode 31 – Escape from Lakshagraha

Episode 32 – Hidimb Vadh and Bhima's marriage with demoness Hidimba

Episode 33 – Bheema kills Bakasura

Episode 34 – Drishtadhyumna & Draupadi Birth and Draupadi Swayamvar

Episode 35 – Arjuna wins Draupadi and later she became the wife of the 5 Pandavas

Episode 36 – Pandavas Leave from Panchal Kingdom to Hastinapur

Episode 37 – Pandavas Arrives at Hastinapur and Kingdom is divided

Episode 38 – Pandav Get Khandavprastha

Episode 39 – Coronation of Yudhirsthir, Khandavprastha Becomes Indraprastha

Episode 40 – Arjuna runs away with Subhadra

Episode 41 – Arjuna weds Subhadra. Arjun gets Devdatta Conch and Gandiva and Bhima gets his Gada

Episode 42 – Jarasandha Vadh, Rajsuya Yagnya begins, Shishupala's story

Episode 43 – Rajsuya Yagya, Shishupala Vadh

Episode 44 – Vyas predicts war

Episode 45 – Pandavas go to Hastinapur to gamble

Episode 46 – Yudhishthir loses Everything in the gamble

Episode 47 – Vastraharan of Draupadi

Episode 48 – Pandavas bet back everything

Episode 49 – Re-match of Dyut

Episode 50 – Vanvas Begins

Episode 51 – Gandharvas catch Duryodhan

Episode 52 – Arjuna worships Lord Indra and Lord Shiva for Divyastra and gets Pashupatastra

Episode 53 – Krishna's story of one grain of rice, Bheema meets Ghatotkacha and Hanuman, Arjun learns dance from Chitrasena

Episode 54 – Arjuna gets curse of impotency from Urvashi, Abhimanyu as a kid, Jayadrath's head is shaved

Episode 55 – Story of Poisoned Water and Yaksha's Questions to Yudhishthira, Abhimanyu is Grown-up

Episode 56 – Exile in Matsya Desh

Episode 57 – Karna's curse, Draupadi as Maid Sairandhri rejects Keechaka

Episode 58 – Keechaka Vadh by Bheema

Episode 59 – Kaurav Attack Matsya Desh

Episode 60 – Viraat war and clothes for Uttaraa's dolls

Episode 61 – Abhimanyu and Uttaraa's marriage and Pandavs decide to send a Doot to Hastinapur

Episode 62 – Dhritarashtra does not agree and sends Sanjay

Episode 63 – Duryodhana gets Narayani Sena from Krishna, Krishna agrees to become charioteer of Arjuna

Episode 64 – Krishna Goes to Hastinapur as Shanti Doot

Episode 65 – Krishna took Virat Avtar and Indra takes Karna's Kawach and Kundala

Episode 66 – Karna's identity is disclosed

Episode 67 – Vidura resigns as prime minister, Kunti meets Karna

Episode 68 – Sanjaya gets Divya Drishti, Ulluk goes to Pandavas

Episode 69 – Duryodhana tricks Shalya to join Kauravas

Episode 70 – Shikhandi's Story of rebirth

Episode 71 – Arjuna Worships Goddess Durga, rules of war laid

Episode 72 – Kurukshetra War begins and Arjun Drops His weapons, Geeta Saar begins

Episode 73 – Geeta Saar continues

Episode 74 – Geeta Saar continues and Krishna shows his Maha-avtaar

Episode 75 – Yudhishthira gets blessings, Yuyutsu changes side and war begins, Abhimanyu faces Bhishma

Episode 76 – Uttar dies, Arjuna faces Bhishma and day 2 begins

Episode 77 – Arjuna is unstoppable, 3rd day is over, 4th day begins, Bhima is surrounded, 10 Kauravas are killed, Krishna takes out his Sudarshan

Episode 78 – 9th Day is over and 16 Kauravs are dead, Bhishma tells Arjuna how to take him out of the war

Episode 79 – Bhishma lies on the bed of arrows, Karna meets Bhishma

Episode 80 – Day 11, Drona tries to capture Yudhishthir but is unsuccessful, Shantanu comes to Bhishma

Episode 81 – Chakra Vyuh Planned, Duryodhan Promises Susharma

Episode 82 – Abhimanyu Vadh; Uttaraa is pregnant

Episode 83 – Arjuna Vows to Kill Jayadrath and Story About Jayadratha's Curse

Episode 84 – Arjuna Breaks Kamal Vyuh to Get to Jayadratha

Episode 85 – Shri Krishna covers the Sun with his Sudarshana Chakra, Jayadratha Vadh

Episode 86 – Karna kills Ghatotkacha by Shakti Astra

Episode 87 – Virat and Drupad are killed, Drona Dies

Episode 88 – Dushasana dies and Karna fights with Arjun, Krishna puts the Rath in the land so that Arjun is saved

Episode 89 – Karna's curse, Karna-Arjuna final battle, Arjuna defeats Karna to death.

Episode 90 – Shakuni Dies, Shalya dies, Duryodhan learns about Karna's truth, Yudhishthir curses All womankind, Gandhari curses Krishna & Yaduvansh, Duryodhan becomes iron bodied

Episode 91 – Balaram arrives, Bhim-Duryodhan Gada Yudh, Duryodhan fatally wounded, Balaram decides to kill Bhim

Episode 92 – Duryodhan Dies, Ashwatthama, Kripa and Kritvarma remain, Ashwathamas kill the sons of Pandavas (Uppandavas) and Drishtadyumna, Ashwathama tries to kill Uttaraa's unborn son, Krishna curses Ashwatthama, Parikshit is Born

Episode 93 – Dhritarashtra-Vidur discussion about dharma, Pandavas arrive at Hastinapur, Dhritarashtra Tries to kill Bhim

Episode 94 – Dhritarashtra and Gandhari ready for Vanaprasthan. Yudhisthir Becomes King of Hastinapur, Bhishma leaves his body.

Production

Development

According to production team member Kishore Malhotra, the total cost of producing the series was ₹9 crore (US$1.0 million).[10] Casting for the series began in 1986 and shooting started off in mid-1988.[11] Show was shot mostly at Mumbai's Film City, and the grand battle of Kurukshetra was shot in Rajasthan, with thousands of extras to fill the screen.[6]

The series was initially submitted to the channel for 104 episodes which was later shortened to 94 episodes.[9]

Casting

15,000 people applied to play different roles in the Mahabharat TV series. The casting team led by Gufi Paintal shortlisted them and called around 1,500 for video screen tests[3] Almost all actors in the series were newcomers, barring Raj Babbar who played King Bharat, Debashree Roy who played Satyavati.[12] Nitish Bharadwaj was chosen by B.R. Chopra, Ravi Chopra, Pandit Narendra Sharma and Rahi Masoom Raza, to play the central role of Krishna, at the age of 23.[13][14] Initially, he was chosen for playing Vidur. But Virendra Razdan was cast for it as B.R. Chopra considered Bharadwaj young to play the role.[15] Then Bharadwaj was offered to play Nakul and Sahadev, but he rejected and wanted to play Abhimanyu. Days later, he was called and finalized to play Krishna.[15] Firoz Khan was chosen to portray the character of Arjuna (which he later adopted as his screen name, to not become confused with a more popular actor of the same name) despite being rejected in auditions.[16] Asian games gold medalist Praveen Kumar was selected to portray Bhima after Chopra was looking for someone "who could look the robust historical character".[17] Around six actresses were shortlisted for the role of Draupadi, including Juhi Chawla, who opted out of the show as she had bagged a film. Ramya Krishnan and Roopa Ganguly were the final names, and at last Roopa Ganguly was chosen, as her Hindi was good.[18] Govinda and Chunky Pandey were signed for the role of Abhimanyu, but they opted out when they bagged films. Later, Master Mayur played the role.[19] Mukesh Khanna who wished to play role of Arjun was initially offered the role of Duryodhan. But later he was signed for Dhronacharya.[20] When Vijayendra Ghadge dropped his role of Bhisma, Khanna got the role of Bhishma.[21] Puneet Issar was offered to play the role of Bheem but was cast as Duryodhan on his wish.[11] The casting director of the show, Gufi Paintal had cast himself in the role of Shakuni.[22]

Music

Mahabharat's music was composed by Raj Kamal and lyrics were penned by Pandit Narendra Sharma. Some songs were taken from works of devotional writers like Surdas, Raskhan etc. Apart from main songs there are also several short verses decoding summary of each episode. All those verse were sung by Mahendra Kapoor.[23][24]

All music is composed by Raj Kamal.

No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Ath Shree Mahabharat Katha (Opening Theme)"Mahendra Kapoor04:12
2."Bharat Ki Yeh Kahaani (Ending Theme)"Mahendra Kapoor05:21
3."Beet Gaye Din Par Din Beet Gaye"Raj Kamal05:23
4."Govind Gokul Aayo"Raj Kamal04:49
5."Jagiye Brijraj Kunwar"Kavita Krishnamurthy04:10
6."Main Naahin Maakhan Khaayo"Nitin Mukesh05:20
7."Maiya Mohi Dau Bahut Khijayo"Nitin Mukesh04:00
8."Shyam ne Murli Madhur"Suresh Wadkar05:42
9."Mor Pakha Seer Upar Rakhiyo"Kavita Krishnamurthy04:16
10."Mohan Ke Mukh Par Bansari"Raj Kamal and Kavita Krishnamurthy07:01
11."Binati Suniye Nath Hamari"Sadhana Sargam04:51
12."Beti Chali Paraye Desh"Raj Kamal07:05
13."Kripa Krishna Ki"Raj Kamal07:01
14."Main Boondan Bheeji Saari"Sadhana Sargam04:30
15."Pranay Ke Pratham Prahar Ki Baat"Anuradha Paudwal05:20
16."Samay Bada Balwaan"Raj Kamal05:17
17."Jhanak Jhanak Baaje Payaliya"Sadhana Sargam04:51
18."Manwa Madhur Madhur Kachu Bol"Sadhana Sargam04:04
19."Naino Ke Darpan mein"Roopa Ganguly03:27
20."Sabso Onchi Prem Sagai"Raj Kamal05:44
21."Yeh Dharma Yudh Hain"Raj Kamal10:30
22."Hey Priyatame"Raj Kamal06:16

Broadcast

In India the series was originally broadcast on DD National. It was shown in the United Kingdom by the BBC,[25] where it achieved audience figures of 5 million.[26][27] It was also the first programme broadcast on BBC2 after its 1991 revamp,[28] but it had also been shown late at night on BBC1 the previous year.[29]

The show was again telecast on DD Bharati from 28 March 2020, on DD Retro from 13 April 2020, on Colors TV from 4 May 2020 as well as Star Bharat during the lockdown due to coronavirus.[30][5][31]

Reception

Ganguly was applauded for her performance in the sequence.[32] Ravi Chopra later disclosed that she was originally weeping while enacting in the Vastraharan sequence and the crew members had to console her later to make her stop.[32][33]|The sequence is often claimed to be the most climactic one of the series.[34] For the sequence Chopra recreated the visual effect of the Vastraharan sequence of Babubhai Mistry's Mahabharat (1965) starring Padmini as Draupadi.[35] His visual effects won more favour than that of the 1965 film and has still been considered by a part of critics to be the most brilliant in line.[36][37] of the most successful television series in Indian television history.[38] In common with the "Ramayana" serial, the broadcasting of a Mahabharat episode was associated with the simultaneous emptying of streets in the cities and people leaving work early to watch it.[39] Along with general audience many big names from Hindi film industry like Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra, Hema Malini and Dharmendra also praised the show.[40]

During its rerun in COVID-19 lockdown in India, it became the second most watched Indian TV show after Ramayan (1987).[41] In week 13, it garnered 145.8 million impressions with both morning and evening slots combined on DD Bharati.[42] After Ramayan ended, Mahabharat became the most watched TV show until its end.[43] The series ended with 22.9 million viewership.[43]

Home media

The series was uploaded onto the website "Rajshri.com" along with its dubbed Tamil version.[44] Home video of the Bengali-dubbed version of this series has been released by Heart Video.[45] In 2019, Pen India Ltd bought the rights of the show and uploaded all the episodes on its devotional YouTube channel Pen Bhakti including its spin-off series Mahabharat Katha.[46]

Legacy

Mahabharat along with Ramayan (1987), became one of the most successful television series based on an epic in Indian television history.[citation needed]

Many actors became popular through their appearances in this series.

References

  1. ↑ "31 years of Mahabharat on Doordarshan: Interesting facts about one of most popular TV shows ever". The Financial Express. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  2. ↑ "B.R. Chopra (Indian filmmaker) – Britannica Online Encyclopedia". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "31 years of Mahabharat on Doordarshan: Interesting facts about one of most popular TV shows ever". The Financial Express. 2 October 2019. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  4. ↑ McLain, Karline (2009). India's immortal comic books: gods, kings, and other heroes. Indiana University Press. p. 46. ISBN 978-0-253-22052-3.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Iconic mythological series 'Mahabharat' to be re-telecast beginning Saturday at 12 and 7 PM". The Times of India.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Remembering BR Chopra: The Story Behind His Iconic 'Mahabharat'". The Quint. 22 April 2016.
  7. ↑ "Behind the scenes: Dress designers to actors & deities". The Tribune. 20 April 2003. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  8. ↑ Title Song Lyrics from the TV Series Mahabharat, 21 September 2013, archived from the original on 18 March 2017, retrieved 1 December 2014
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "31 years of Mahabharat on Doordarshan: Interesting facts about one of most popular TV shows ever". The Financial Express.
  10. ↑ Mahabharat Ki Mahabharat: The Making of B.R. Chopra's "Mahabharat"
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Mahabharat actor Puneet Issar: BR Chopra wanted me to play Bheem, I chose Duryodhan". India Today.
  12. ↑ "B.R. Chopra's serial 'Mahabharat' promises to be another bonanza 31101988". m.indiatoday.in. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
  13. ↑ "Nitish Bharadwaj refused to play Krishna in Mahabharat". 29 March 2020.
  14. ↑ "Janmashtami 2017: Actor Nitish Bharadwaj recollects his days from the Mahabharat". 14 August 2017.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Mahabharat: Nitish Bharadwaj refused to play Krishna, dodged BR Chopra to avoid screen test". Hindustan Times. 29 March 2020.
  16. ↑ Tankha, Madhur (29 August 2012). "Mahabharat's Arjun gets blacklisted!". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  17. ↑ "'Bheem' waiting for a special role". The Hindu. 12 January 2009. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  18. ↑ "Juhi Chawla turned down Draupadi in Mahabharat. Then Roopa Ganguly got the role". India Today.
  19. ↑ "Actors talk about what went into making Mahabharat in 1988". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  20. ↑ "Puneet Issar on playing Duryodhan in Mahabharat: 'My body turned black and blue after climax fight scene with Bheem'". Hindustan Times. 7 May 2020.
  21. ↑ "Exclusive – Mukesh Khanna: The reruns of Ramayan and Mahabharat will help people like Sonakshi Sinha, who don't know anything about mythology". The Times of India. 4 April 2020.
  22. ↑ "Mahabharat's Shakuni Mama aka Gufi Paintal remembers the show: 'Golden age of television'". Hindustan Times. 6 July 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  23. ↑ "These singers gives their voice for Mahabharata". News Track. 31 May 2020. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
  24. ↑ "जानिए, महाभारत के प्रसिद्ध गीतों को किन-किन गायकों ने दी थी आवाज". Zee Hindustan. 2 June 2020. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
  25. ↑ "BBC Genome:Mahabarat – transmission times". Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  26. ↑ "Epic Hindi Language Series Mahabharat Launches Exclusively on Rogers OMNI Television Channels in Ontario and British Columbia". 29 April 2008. Archived from the original on 29 April 2008. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  27. ↑ Jones, Mark (7 June 2013). "The Returned: how British TV viewers came to lose their fear of subtitles". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  28. ↑ "Rochak kahani mahabharat ki". Gkhindinews. 10 February 2020. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
  29. ↑ "Watch Rochak kahani mahabharat ki". Gkhindinews. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  30. ↑ "On public demand, Ramayan & Mahabharat makes comeback during lockdown". Outlook India. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  31. ↑ Service, Tribune News. "Mahabharat to air on Colors". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 "Mahabharat: चीर हरण सीन के बाद आधे घंटे तक रोई थीं 'द्रौपदी' रूपा गांगुली, पहनी थीं 250 मीटर लंबी साड़ी". timesnowhindi.com (in हिन्दी). 11 April 2020. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  33. ↑ "Mahabharat: चीर हरण सीन के बाद द्रौपदी का किरदार निभाने वालीं रूपा गांगुली आधे घंटे तक रोती रही थीं". livehindustan.com (in हिन्दी). 17 April 2020. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  34. ↑ "Actors talk about what went into making Mahabharat in 1988". Hindustan Times. 5 May 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  35. ↑ "Mahabharat (1965) – Review, Star Cast, News, Photos". Cinestaan. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
  36. ↑ "Why the new Mahabharat is an epic fail- Entertainment News, Firstpost". Firstpost. 17 September 2013. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
  37. ↑ "Happy B'day BR Chopra: The Story Behind His Iconic 'Mahabharat'". The Quint. 22 April 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  38. ↑ Keshri, Shweta (20 April 2020). "Monday Masala: BR Chopra's Mahabharat is the baap of all masala entertainers". India Today. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  39. ↑ Mohan, Lavanya (16 October 2015). "Epic television". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  40. ↑ "Watch: Yesteryear superstars Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, Hema Malini talk about BR Chopra's Mahabharat in this old video". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  41. ↑ "DD emerges as most watched channel; Ramayana, Mahabharata among favourites". Live Mint. 9 April 2020.
  42. ↑ "Reruns of 1980-90s classics Ramayan, Shaktimaan, Byomkesh make DD most-watched channel". ThePrint. 9 April 2020.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 "Mahabharat becomes the most-watched show. Doordarshan witnesses major dip in ratings". India Today.
  44. ↑ "Mahabharat on the net". The Hindu. 22 December 2006. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  45. ↑ "Mahabharat now in Bengali". The Hindu. 20 February 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  46. ↑ "After TV, BR Chopra's Mahabharat to be Available on YouTube As Well". News18. April 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  47. ↑ "The Sunday Tribune – Spectrum – Television". The Tribune. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  48. ↑ Ghosh, Bishwanath (25 July 2015). "Ideology vs. stature". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  49. ↑ Tankha, Madhur (8 May 2015). "No child's play". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  50. ↑ "Did you know Mahabharat's Karna, Pankaj Dheer's statue is worshipped in temples in Karnal and Bastar?". India Today. 27 May 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  51. ↑ "Mahabharat's Arjun Firoz Khan Says Changing His Name Gave Him Everything He'd Dreamed of". News18. 27 April 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  52. ↑ "Mukesh Khanna on his struggle before Mahabharat: 'People labelled me as a flop actor, I was deeply disappointed'". Hindustan Times. 23 May 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2022.

External links

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