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{{short description|1988 TV Series by B.R. Chopra based on Mahabharata}}
{{short description|1988 TV series by B. R. Chopra based on Mahabharata}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| name                = Mahabharat
| image             = Mahabharat (1988) title logo screenshot.jpg
| image               = Mahabharat (1988) title logo screenshot.jpg
| caption           =
| caption             =  
| genre             = Epic
| genre               = Epic
| creator           = [[B. R. Chopra]]
| creator             = [[B. R. Chopra]]
| based_on           = ''[[Mahabharata]]'' by Veda 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           = [[#Cast|See below]]
| 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]]
| narrator          = [[Harish Bhimani]]
| narrated            = [[Harish Bhimani]]
| country           = India
| country             = India
| language           = Hindi
| language             = Hindi
| num_seasons       = 1
| num_seasons         = 1
| num_episodes       = 94
| num_episodes         = 94
| list_episodes      =
| 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|1988|10|02|df=yes}}
| 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>
| last_aired         = {{End date|1990|06|24|df=yes}}<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]]
| related            = [[Mahabharat Katha]]
| network             = [[DD National]]
| network           = [[DD National]]
| picture_format      = [[576i]]
| composer           = [[Raj Kamal]]
| composer             = [[Raj Kamal]]
| company           = B.R. Films  
| company             = B.R. Films
}}
}}


'''''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.
'''''Mahabharat''''' is an Indian [[Hindi]]-language epic television series based on the ancient [[Sanskrit epic]] Sanatan Hindu Dharma spiritual, devotional religious scripture ''[[Mahabharata]]''. 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-devotional-series-mahabharat-to-be-re-telecast-beginning-saturday-at-12-and-7-pm/articleshow/74852492.cms|title=Iconic devotional 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]], based on the epic composed by Maharishi Veda Vyasa. The dialogues were penned by Rahi Masoom Raza. 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 episodes.<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]], [[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.
''[[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]], [[Babruvahana]], conspiracies of Viprachitti, [[Ashvamedha|Ashwamedha Yajna]], Dushala's story and aftermath of the [[Kurukshetra War]], which are not covered in the original series.{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}


==Premise==
==Premise==


The series covers the incidents of epic [[Mahabharata]] revolving around [[Krishna]], [[Pandavas]], [[Kauravas]] among other characters.
The series covers the story of epic [[Mahabharata]]   with [[Krishna]], [[Pandavas]], [[Kauravas]] being the main focus of the epic.


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.
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 Vidura 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.
Elsewhere, [[Dronacharya]] teaches Pandavas and Kauravas warfare, and after completion asks them to defeat his enemy king Drupada as payment for services or ''Guru Dakshina''. Pandavas do so and give half of Drupad's kingdom to Drona. Dhritarashtra makes Yudhishthira ( the eldest son of Pandu) the crown prince of Hastinapur. Shakuni (the maternal uncle of the Kauravas) and Duryodhana the eldest of the Kauravas hatch a plan to burn Pandavas and Kunti alive, but they survive and go into hiding, letting the rumour spread that they died in the fire. Duryodhana 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 the best fighter among the Pandavas wins the hand of Draupadi in her [[swayamvara]]. Later, [[Yudhishthir]]a is made the king of Indraprastha and Pandavas conduct ''Rajsuya Yagna'' where Draupadi insults [[Duryodhana]]. Later Duryodhana has his revenge by first defeating Yudhisthira in a rigged game of dice, in which Yudhisthira stakes his kingdom, his brothers and Draupadi and loses all, Duryodhana tries to disrobe Draupadi in front of the whole court, but she is saved by lord Krishna, then the Pandavas along with Draupadi are sent to an exile of 12 years and 1 year of living in anonymity. After the period of exile is over 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 sow 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.
Arjuna 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.
Before Mahabharata War, Shri Krishna enlightens Arjuna about the "[[Bhagavad Gita]]" and shows his ''Virata Swaroopa'' to Arjuna. The latter shows the deaths of Bhishma, 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. Only 5 Pandavas, Satyaki, Yuyutsu, Krishna, Ashwatthama, Kritavarma and Kripacharya survive. Gandhari holds Krishna responsible for her sons' death and curses that his family will also get destroyed. The show ends with Yudhishthir's ''Rajyabhishek'' and Bhishma's death.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
===Main===
===Main===
{{Div col}}
{{Div col}}
*[[Nitish Bharadwaj]] as [[Vasudeva Bhagwan Shree Krishna]], eighth avatar of [[Vishnu]], Devaki-Vasudev's eighth son, foster son of Nanda and Yashoda, Balaram and Subhadra's brother, Pandavas' cousin, Radha's consort, husband of Rukmini, Satyabhama and other 6 ranis, [[Rama]] in the song sabso Uchi prem sagaai
* [[Nitish Bharadwaj]] as [[Krishna in the Mahabharata|Krishna]], eighth avatar of [[Vishnu]], Devaki-Vasudev's eighth son, foster son of Nand and Yashoda, Balrama and Subhadra's brother, Pandavas' cousin.
*Kewal Shah as adolescent [[Shree Krishna]]
**Kewal Shah as adolescent [[Krishna]]
*[[Mukesh Khanna]] as [[Bhishma Pitamah]], 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 [[Vidura]], paternal grand-uncle of the [[Kauravas]] and the [[Pandavas]]
* [[Pankaj Dheer]] as [[Karna]], son of [[Kunti]] and [[Surya]] Dev, Adhiratha-Radha's foster son, King of [[Anga]], Pandavas' Eldest Brother.
* Krish Malik as adolescent [[Bhishma]]
** Harendra Paintal as young [[Karna]]
* [[Gajendra Chauhan]] as [[Yudhishthira]], first Pandava, son of Kunti and Yama, eldest son of Kuru Clan, King of [[Indraprastha]] and later [[Hastinapura]], husband of Draupadi, father of Prativindhya
* [[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 granduncle of the [[Kauravas]] and the [[Pandavas]]
*Sonu as young [[Yudhishthira]]
** [[Daboo Malik|Krish Malik]] as adolescent [[Bhishma]]
*[[Praveen Kumar Sobti|Praveen Kumar]] as [[Bheema]], second Pandava, son of Kunti and Vayu, [[Yuvraaj]] (crown prince) of [[Indraprastha]], husband of Draupadi and Hidimba, father of [[Ghatotkacha]], Sutasoma
* [[Gajendra Chauhan]] as [[Yudhishthira]], first Pandava, son of Kunti and [[Yama]], second eldest son of Kuru Clan, King of [[Indraprastha]] and later [[Hastinapura]], husband of Draupadi, father of [[Prativindhya]], Kauravas' Elder Cousin
*Mallik as young [[Bheema]]
** Sonu as young [[Yudhishthira]]
*[[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]]
* [[Praveen Kumar Sobti|Praveen Kumar]] as [[Bhima]], second Pandava, son of Kunti and [[Vayu]], [[Yuvaraja|Yuvraj]] (crown prince) of [[Indraprastha]] and later [[Hastinapura]], husband of Draupadi and [[Hidimbi]], father of [[Ghatotkacha]], [[Sutasoma]], Duryodhana's Younger Cousin
*Ankur Javeri as young [[Arjuna]]
** Mallik as young [[Bhima]]
* [[Roopa Ganguly]] as [[Draupadi]], wife of Pandavas, also called as Panchali and Yagyaseni, younger daughter of [[Drupada]], Princess of [[Panchala]], sister of Dhrishtadhyumna and Shikhandi, mother of [[Upapandavas]]
* [[Arjun (Firoz Khan)|
*[[Puneet Issar]] as [[Duryodhana]], eldest son of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra, elder brother of 99 Kauravas, husband of Mayuri and Bhanumati,
Firoz Khan]] as [[Arjuna]], third Pandava, son of Kunti and Indra, husband of [[Draupadi]], [[Ulupi]], [[Chitrāngadā]] and [[Subhadra]], brother-in-law of [[Balaram]] and [[Krishna]], father of [[Abhimanyu]], [[Babruvahana]], [[Iravan]] and [[Shrutakarma]], Duryodhan's Younger cousin
*Amit Shukla as young [[Duryodhana]]
** Ankur Javeri as young [[Arjuna]]
*[[Pankaj Dheer]] as [[Karna]], son of Kunti and Surya, Adhiratha-Radha's foster son, King of [[Anga]]
* [[Roopa Ganguly]] as [[Draupadi]], wife of the Pandavas, also called Panchali and Yagyaseni, younger daughter of [[Drupada]], Princess of [[Panchala]], sister of Dhrishtadhyumna and Shikhandi, mother of [[Upapandavas]]
* Harendra Paintal as young [[Karna]]
* [[Puneet Issar]] as [[Duryodhana]], eldest son of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra, elder brother of 99 Kauravas, husband of Bhanumati, Yudhishthira's younger cousin, Elder Cousin of other 4 Pandavas, Lakshmanaa's Father, Crown prince of Hastinapura, Karna's best friend
*[[Sameer Chitre]] as [[Nakula]], fourth Pandava, son of Madri and Ashwini Kumara, husband of Draupadi, father of Shatanika
**Amit Shukla as young [[Duryodhana]]
*[[Sanjeev Chitre]] as [[Sahadeva]], fifth Pandava, son of Madri and Ashwini Kumara, husband of Draupadi and father of Shrutasena
* Sameer Chitre as [[Nakula]], fourth Pandava, son of Madri and [[Ashvins|Ashwini Kumara]], husband of Draupadi, father of [[Shatanika]]
*[[Vinod Kapoor]] as [[Dushasana]], second son of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra, Duryodhan's younger brother
* Sanjeev Chitre as [[Sahadeva]], fifth Pandav, son of Madri and [[Ashvins|Ashwini Kumara]], husband of Draupadi and father of [[Shrutasena]]
*Kaushal Shah as young [[Dushasana]]
* [[Vinod Kapoor]] as [[Dushasana]], second son of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra, Duryodhan's younger brother
*[[Gufi Paintal]] as [[Shakuni]], Gandhari's brother, later King of [[Gandhara]], maternal uncle of Duryodhan and his 99 brothers
** Kaushal Shah as young [[Dushasana]]
*[[Girija Shankar]] as [[Dhritrashtra]], [[Vichitravirya]]'s son from Ambika (eldest), later king of [[Hastinapur]], father of Kauravas
* [[Gufi Paintal]] as [[Shakuni]], Gandhari's brother, later King of [[Gandhara]], maternal uncle of Duryodhana and his 99 brothers
*[[Renuka Israni]] as [[Gandhari (Mahabharata)|Gandhari]], wife of Dhritrashtra, Queen of [[Hastinapur]], mother of Kauravas, princess of [[Gandhara]], sister of Shakuni
* [[Girija Shankar]] as [[Dhritrashtra]], [[Vichitravirya]]'s son from Ambika (eldest), later king of [[Hastinapura]], father of Kauravas
*[[Nazneen]] as [[Kunti]], Pandu's first wife, mother of Karna, Yudhisthira, Bheema and Arjuna, daughter of Shoorsena, Vasudev's sister, Yadava princess, foster daughter of Kuntibhoja
* Renuka Israni as [[Gandhari (Mahabharata)|Gandhari]], wife of Dhritrashtra, Queen of [[Hastinapura]], mother of Kauravas, princess of [[Gandhara]], sister of Shakuni
*[[Virendra Razdan]] as [[Vidura]], 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]], brother in law of Kunti
* [[Nazneen]] as [[Kunti]], Pandu's first wife, mother of Karna, Yudhisthira, Bhim and Arjuna, daughter of [[Shurasena]], Vasudeva's sister, Yadava princess, foster daughter of [[Kunti-Bhoja]]
*[[Surendra Pal]] as [[Dronacharya]], [[Kauravas]] and [[Pandavas]]' guru, Ashwatthama's father
* [[Virendra Razdan]] as [[Vidura]], the [[prime minister]] 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]]
*[[Dharmesh Tiwari]] as [[Kripacharya]], family teacher, brother of [[Kripi]], [[Ashwatthama]]'s maternal uncle
* [[Surendra Pal]] as [[Drona]], [[Kauravas]] and [[Pandavas]]' guru, Ashwatthama's father
*[[Pradeep Rawat (actor)|Pradeep Rawat]] as [[Ashwatthama]], son of [[Dronacharya]]
* [[Dharmesh Tiwari]] as [[Kripa]], family teacher, brother of [[Kripi]], [[Ashwatthama]]'s maternal uncle
*Ayush Shah as young [[Ashwatthama]]
* [[Pradeep Rawat (actor)|Pradeep Rawat]] as [[Ashwatthama]], son of [[Dronacharya]]
**Ayush Shah as young [[Ashwatthama]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


===Recurring===
===Recurring===
*[[Harish Bhimani]] as Samay / narrator
* [[Harish Bhimani]] as Time (Samaya), Narrator
*Sagar Salunke as [[Balarama]], Krishna's and Subhadra's elder brother, teacher of Duryodhana, Dushasana, Bheema, husband of Devi Revati
* Sagar Salunke as [[Balarama]], Krishna's elder brother
*[[Chetan Hansraj]] as adolescent Balrama
** [[Chetan Hansraj]] as adolescent [[Balarama]]
*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)|Bharata]], 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
* [[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]]
*[[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 Pitamah'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 Pitamah's]]
* [[Rajesh Vivek]] as [[Vyasa]], son of [[Parashara]] and [[Satyavati]], father of [[Dhritarashtra]], [[Pandu]] and [[Vidura]], partial incarnation of [[Vishnu]], author of [[Mahabharata]]
step-mother, paternal grandmother of [[Dhritarashtra]], [[Pandu]], and [[Vidura]], paternal great-grandmother 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]]
*[[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]]
* Jahnavi as [[Amba (Mahabharata)|Amba]] (Shikhandini), the first princess of [[Kingdom of Kashi|Kashi]], [[Shikhandi]] (reincarnated by Yaksha)
*[[Sudesh Berry]] as [[Vichitravirya]], Shantanu-Satyavati's second son after [[Chitrāngada|Chitrangada]], Bhishma's step brother, husband of [[Ambika (Mahabharata)|Ambika]] and [[Ambalika]], father of [[Dhritarashtra]] and [[Pandu]], paternal grandfather of the [[Kauravas]] and the [[Pandavas]]
* 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]]
*Jahnavi as [[Amba (Mahabharata)|Amba]], the first princess of [[Kingdom of Kashi|Kashi]], [[Shikhandi]] in the next life
* Menaka Babbar as [[Ambalika]], third princess of [[Kingdom of Kashi|Kashi]], [[Vichitravirya]]'s second queen, mother of [[Pandu]], paternal grandmother of the [[Pandavas]]
*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]]
* Paintal as [[Sudama]] / [[Shikhandi]]  
*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 Nakula and Sahadeva
*[[Roma Manek]] as [[Madri]], Pandu's second wife, [[Madra]] princess, mother of Nakul and Sahadev
* 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]]a'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 Ghatotkacha's mother
* Shahla Khan as [[Hidimbi]], Hidimb's sister, Bheem's wife, Kunti's daughter-in-law and Ghatotkacha's mother
*Razak Khan as [[Ghatotkacha]], son of [[Bhima]] 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 [[Ugrasena]], 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 [[Kansa|Kansa]], son of Ugrasena, elder brother of Devaki, maternal uncle of [[Krishna]] and [[Balarama]]
* [[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 [[Shurasena]], brother of [[Kunti]], prince of [[Vrishni]] tribe, father of Balarama, 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 (wife of Vasudeva)|Rohini]], Vasudeva's elder wife, mother of Balarama
* 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]], Vasudeva's younger wife, younger sister of Kansa, daughter of Ugrasena, mother of Krishna and Subhadra
*[[Rasik Dave]] as [[Nanda (Hinduism)|Nanda]], 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 [[Rukmini]], [[Krishna]]'s chief wife  
*Parijat as Devi [[Radha]], [[Krishna]]'s consort
* Parijat as Maharani [[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]], Chief of the [[Vrishni]]  
*Bashir Khan as [[Satyaki]], General
* Bashir Khan as [[Satyaki]]
*[[Ashok Banthia]] as Senapati [[Kritavarma]]
* [[Ashok Banthia]] as [[Kritavarma]]
*Pradeep Sharma as Panchalaraj [[Drupada]], Draupadi's father, King of [[Panchala]]
* Pradeep Sharma as Panchalaraj [[Drupada]], Draupadi's father, King of [[Panchala]] and Rishi [[Durvasa]]
*[[Arun Bakshi]] as Yuvraaj [[Dhrishtadyumna]], Draupadi's elder brother, Prince of [[Panchala]]
* [[Arun Bakshi]] as [[Dhrishtadyumna]], Draupadi's elder brother, Prince of [[Panchala]]
*[[Paintal (comedian)|Paintal]] as [[Shikhandi]], Drupad's elder son, adult [[Sudama]]
* [[Kanwarjit Paintal]] as [[Shikhandi]], Drupad's elder son and also as 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 [[Kichaka]], Army General of [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya]]
* [[Sharat Saxena]] as [[Kichaka]], Army General of [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya]]
*[[Deep Dhillon]] as [[Jayadratha]], [[Duhsala]]'s husband, Kauravas' brother-in-law of Duryodhana, King of [[Sindhu Kingdom|Sindhu]]
* [[Deep Dhillon]] as [[Jayadratha]], [[Dushala]]'s husband, Kauravas' brother-in-law, King of [[Sindhu Kingdom|Sindhu]]
*Vikrant Mathur as Subala, [[Shakuni]]'s and [[Gandhari (Mahabharata)|Gandhari]]'s father, King of [[Gandhara]]
* Vikrant Mathur as Subala, [[Shakuni]]'s and [[Gandhari (Mahabharata)|Gandhari]]'s father, King of [[Gandhara]]
*[[Shivendra Mahal]] as [[Parashurama]] and [[Shiva]]  
* [[Shavinder Mahal]] as [[Parashurama]] and [[Shiva]]  
*[[Satish Kaul]] as Devraj [[Indra]]
* [[Satish Kaul]] as [[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 [[Jarasandha]], King of [[Magadha]], father-in-law of [[Kansa]]
* Rana Jung Bahadur as [[Jarasandha]], King of [[Magadha (Mahajanapada)|Magadha]], father-in-law of [[Kamsa]]
*Karunakar Pathak as [[Shishupala]], King of [[Chedi Kingdom|Chedi]], a maternal cousin of [[Krishna]] and [[Balarama]]
* 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 [[Kanva]]
*[[Pankaj Berry]] as Rishi [[Kindama]], a sage who cursed [[Pandu]]
* [[Pankaj Berry]] as [[Kindama]], a sage who cursed [[Pandu]]
*Mini Singh as Rishi [[Kindama]]'s wife
* Mini Singh as [[Kindama]]'s wife
* [[Mulraj Rajda]] as King Shantanu's Royal Guru and Gandharva Mukhiya


===Episodic appearance===
===Episodic appearance===
* [[Ashalata Wabgaonkar]] as [[Shakuntala]], Bharata's mother, King [[Dushyanta]]'s wife
* Vikas Prasad as [[Ekalavya]]  
* Vikas Prasad as [[Ekalavya]]  
* Randhir Singh as [[Hidimba|Hidimb]] and [[Putana]]
* Randhir Singh as [[Hidimba|Hidimb]] and [[Putana]]
Line 157: Line 158:
* [[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 Vyasa, Senapati of Hastinapura
* Bashir Khan (not the one who played [[Satyaki]]) as Parashar, father of Vyasa, Commander of Hastinapura
*Vinod Raut as [[Purochana]], architect of Laksagriha in Varnavata


==Episodes==
==Episodes==
 
{| class="wikitable"
Episode 1 – Introduction of Kuru Family, Raja Bharat and Raja Shantanu
|-
 
! Episode No. !! Summary !! Air date
Episode 2 – Ganga Kills Her Sons
|-
 
| 1 || Introduction of the [[Kuru Kingdom|Kuru]] dynasty, [[Bharata (Mahabharata)|Bharata]] and [[Shantanu]], Shantanu and [[Ganga (goddess)|Ganga]]'s marriage || 2 October 1988
Episode 3 – Bhishma is Grown-up
|-
 
| 2 || [[Ganga (goddess)|Ganga]] kills her six cursed sons, [[Bhishma]]'s birth, Ganga and Bhishma leave Shantanu || 9 October 1988
Episode 4 – Bhishma Pratigya & Iccha Mrityu Vardaan
|-
 
| 3 || Ganga returns Bhishma to Shantanu || 16 October 1988
Episode 5 – Amba, Ambika and Ambalika's Introduction
|-
 
| 4 || Shantanu and [[Satyavati]]'s marriage, Bhishma's vow of celibacy & Bhishma's wishful death boon, [[Vichitravirya]]'s birth || 23 October 1988
Episode 6 – Birth of Pandu, Dhritarashtra and Vidur
|-
 
| 5 || [[Amba (Mahabharata)|Amba]], [[Ambika (Mahabharata)|Ambika]] and [[Ambalika]]'s Introduction, Bhishma abducts the three princesses, Bhishma releases Amba while Ambika and Ambalika marry Vichitravirya || 30 October 1988
Episode 7 – Introduction of Kunti, Karna's Birth-story, Dhritarashtra-Gandhari get married; Gandhari blindfolded herself; Kunti swayamvar
|-
 
| 6 || Birth of [[Pandu]], [[Dhritarashtra]] and [[Vidura]], Pandu becomes the temporary king || 6 November 1988
Episode 8 – Madri is gifted to Pandu, Pandu is resting and Sage Kindama's curse on Pandu
|-
 
| 7 || [[Kunti]]'s introduction, [[Karna]]'s birth and abandonment, Kunti and [[Madri]] marry Pandu, Dhritarashtra marries [[Gandhari (Mahabharata)|Gandhari]] || 13 November 1988
Episode 9 – Dhritarashtra is king, Pandu's sanyas and Pandavas are born.
|-
 
| 8 || [[Adhiratha]] and [[Radha (Mahābhārata)|Radha]]'s story, [[Kindama]] curses Pandu || 20 November 1988
Episode 10 – Kansa is king at Mathura and Akashwani about Krishna
|-
 
| 9 || Dhritarashtra's coronation, Pandu, Kunti and Madri renounce the throne, birth of the [[Pandava]]s || 27 November 1988
Episode 11 – Birth of Balarama and Krishna
|-
 
| 10 || [[Kamsa]]'s cousin [[Devaki]] marries [[Vasudeva]] and a voice warns Kamsa of his doom || 4 December 1988
Episode 12 – Krishna Janma (birth of Krishna) celebrations and Pootna's Death
|-
 
| 11 || Birth of [[Balarama]] and [[Krishna]] || 11 December 1988
Episode 13 – Krishna Brahmand Darshan and Krishna gets caught while stealing Makhan
|-
 
| 12 || [[Nanda (Hinduism)|Nanda]] and [[Yashoda]] adopt Krishna and [[Putana]]'s Death || 18 December 1988
Episode 14 – Maiya Mori Mai nahi makhan khayo and Kaliya Nag Tandav
|-
 
| 13 || Yashoda witnesses the universe in Krishna's mouth and Krishna gets caught stealing butter || 25 December 1988
Episode 15 – Radha and Gopikas, protest against Mathura, Devakasur and Trulambasur Vadh
|-
 
| 14 || Krishna's no-butter promise to Yashoda and the defeat of [[Kaliya|Kaliya Nag]] || 1 January 1989
Episode 16 – Kansa invites Krishna to Mathura
|-
 
| 15 || [[Radha]]'s relationship with Krishna, protest against Kamsa, Devakasur and Trulambasur's death by Krishna || 8 January 1989
Episode 17 – Kansa Vadh; Krishna meets his parents and grandfather
|-
 
| 16 || Kamsa invites Krishna and Balarama to [[Mathura]] || 15 January 1989
Episode 18 – Pandu and Madri's Death
|-
 
| 17 || Krishna kills Kamsa and his assistants; Krishna releases his birth parents and [[Ugrasena]] || 22 January 1989
Episode 19 – Satyavati, Ambika and Ambalika take sanyas with Rishi Vyas
|-
 
| 18 || Pandu and Madri's death, Kunti and her sons return to [[Hastinapur]]a || 29 January 1989
Episode 20 – Duryodhan Poisons Bhim and Bhim gets strength of 1000 Elephants
|-
 
| 19 || Satyavati, Ambika and Ambalika quit the kingdom and stay with [[Vyasa]] || 5 February 1989
Episode 21 – Sudama's chivda story, and Drona arrives at Hastinapur
|-
 
| 20 || Karna grows up; The enmity between the Pandavas and [[Kaurava]]s begin, [[Duryodhana]] poisons [[Bhima]] and Bhima gains the strength of 1000 Elephants || 12 February 1989
Episode 22 – Shastra Pooja, Drona insults Karna and Arjuna's test
|-
 
| 21 || [[Sudama]] reunites with Krishna, [[Drona]]charya arrives at Hastinapur and becomes the royal teacher || 19 February 1989
Episode 23 – Ekalavya, Karna's education, Arjun's test of bird's eye
|-
 
| 22 || Shastra Pooja begins, Drona rejects Karna, [[Arjuna]] becomes Drona's favourite student || 26 February 1989
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
|-
 
| 23 || Karna's education under [[Parashurama]], Story of [[Ekalavya]] || 5 March 1989
Episode 25 – Drona's guru Dakshina to capture Dhrupad
|-
 
| 24 || The great weaponry test begins, Karna enters the arena || 12 March 1989
Episode 26 – Krishna gets Sudarshana chakra from Parshuram, defeats Jarasandh and orders building Dwaraka
|-
 
| 25 || Karna is crowned as the king of [[Anga]], and Drona asks the Pandavas and Kauravas to capture [[Drupada]] as revenge || 19 March 1989
Episode 27 – Yudhishthira is crowned as Prince. Rukmini of Vidarbha is Being Forced to Marry Shishupal
|-
 
| 26 || Krishna obtains the [[Sudarshana Chakra]] from Parashurama, [[Jarasandha]]'s birth and Krishna moves to his new kingdom in [[Dwarka|Dwaraka]] || 26 March 1989
Episode 28 – Krishna Rescues Rukmini and marry her
|-
 
| 27 || [[Yudhishthira]] is crowned as the Crown Prince. [[Rukmini]] of [[Vidarbha]] is Being Forced to Marry [[Shishupala]] || 2 April 1989
Episode 29 – Lakshagraha is built-in Varnavata by Purochan
|-
 
| 28 || Krishna Rescues Rukmini and marries her || 9 April 1989
Episode 30 – Tunneling in Varnavat Begins
|-
 
| 29 || The Lac-Palace is built in [[Barnava|Varnavata]] by [[Purochana]] as a murder plot on the Pandavas by Duryodhana and [[Shakuni]] || 16 April 1989
Episode 31 – Escape from Lakshagraha
|-
 
| 30 || Tunneling in the Lac-Palace Begins, The Lac-Palace catches fire || 23 April 1989
Episode 32 – Hidimb Vadh and Bhima's marriage with demoness Hidimba
|-
 
| 31 || Escape from the Lac-Palace, Purochana's death || 30 April 1989
Episode 33 – Bheema kills Bakasura
|-
 
| 32 || [[Hidimba]]'s death and Bhima's marriage with demoness [[Hidimbi]], [[Ghatotkacha]]'s birth || 7 May 1989
Episode 34 – Drishtadhyumna & Draupadi Birth and Draupadi Swayamvar
|-
 
| 33 || The Pandavas and Kunti move to [[Ekachakra]] and Bhima kills [[Bakasura]] || 14 May 1989
Episode 35 – Arjuna wins Draupadi and later she became the wife of the 5 Pandavas
|-
 
| 34 || [[Dhrishtadyumna]] & [[Draupadi]]'s Birth and Draupadi's [[Svayamvara|Swayamvar]] || 21 May 1989
Episode 36 – Pandavas Leave from [[Panchala Kingdom (Mahabharata)|''Panchal Kingdom'']] to Hastinapur
|-
 
| 35 || Arjuna wins Draupadi and later she becomes the wife of the 5 Pandavas || 28 May 1989
Episode 37 – Pandavas Arrives at Hastinapur and Kingdom is divided
|-
 
| 36 || Pandavas Leave from [[Panchala Kingdom (Mahabharata)|Panchala Kingdom]] to Hastinapur || 4 June 1989
Episode 38 – Pandav Get Khandavprastha
|-
 
| 37 || Pandavas arrive at Hastinapur and Partition of the kingdom || 11 June 1989
Episode 39 – Coronation of Yudhirsthir, Khandavprastha Becomes Indraprastha
|-
 
| 38 || Pandavas Get [[Khandavprastha]], Balarama agrees to teach Mace fighting to Duryodhana || 18 June 1989
Episode 40 – Arjuna runs away with Subhadra
|-
 
| 39 || Coronation of Yudhishthira, Khandavprastha Becomes [[Indraprastha]] || 25 June 1989
Episode 41 – Arjuna weds Subhadra. Arjun gets Devdatta Conch and Gandiva and Bhima gets his Gada
|-
 
| 40 || Balarama talks about his sister [[Subhadra]]'s marriage, Arjuna elopes with Subhadra || 2 July 1989
Episode 42 – Jarasandha Vadh, Rajsuya Yagnya begins, Shishupala's story
|-
 
| 41 || Arjuna marries Subhadra, Jarasandha's story || 9 July 1989
Episode 43 – Rajsuya Yagya, Shishupala Vadh
|-
 
| 42 || Bheema kills Jarasandha, [[Rajasuya]] Yajna begins, Shishupala's story || 16 July 1989
Episode 44 – Vyas predicts war
|-
 
| 43 || Rajasuya Yajna, Shishupala's death || 23 July 1989
Episode 45 – Pandavas go to Hastinapur to gamble
|-
 
| 44 || Vyasa predicts war between Pandavas and Kauravas, Draupadi laughs at Duryodhana || 30 July 1989
Episode 46 – Yudhishthir loses Everything in the gamble
|-
 
| 45 || Pandavas are invited to Hastinapur to gamble with Shakuni || 6 August 1989
Episode 47 – Vastraharan of Draupadi
|-
 
| 46 || Yudhishthir loses everything in the gambling game || 13 August 1989
Episode 48 – Pandavas bet back everything
|-
 
| 47 || Draupadi's disrobing, Krishna saves Draupadi || 20 August 1989
Episode 49 – Re-match of Dyut
|-
 
| 48 || Dhritarashtra returns the losses incurred by Pandavas || 27 August 1989
Episode 50 – Vanvas Begins
|-
 
| 49 || Re-match between Pandavas and Shakuni || 3 September 1989
Episode 51 – Gandharvas catch Duryodhan
|-
 
| 50 || 12 years of exile begins || 10 September 1989
Episode 52 – Arjuna worships Lord Indra and Lord Shiva for Divyastra and gets Pashupatastra
|-
 
| 51 || [[Chitrasena (Mahabharata)|Chitrasena]] and the [[Gandharva]]s imprison Duryodhana || 17 September 1989
Episode 53 – Krishna's story of one grain of rice, Bheema meets Ghatotkacha and Hanuman, Arjun learns dance from Chitrasena
|-
 
| 52 || Arjuna gets the [[Pashupatastra]] from [[Shiva]], Karna conquers the world || 24 September 1989
Episode 54 – Arjuna gets curse of impotency from Urvashi, Abhimanyu as a kid, Jayadrath's head is shaved
|-
 
| 53 || Krishna saves Draupadi and Pandavas from [[Durvasa]]'s curse using the [[Akshaya Patra|Akshaya-patra]], Bheema meets his son Ghatotkacha and brother [[Hanuman]], Arjuna visits his celestial father Indra and learns dance and music from Chitrasena || 1 October 1989
Episode 55 – Story of Poisoned Water and Yaksha's Questions to Yudhishthira, Abhimanyu is Grown-up
|-
 
| 54 || [[Urvashi]] curses Arjuna, [[Abhimanyu]]'s birth, [[Jayadratha]]'s defeat || 8 October 1989
Episode 56 – Exile in Matsya Desh
|-
 
| 55 || Story of the poisoned lake and the [[Yaksha]]'s Questions to Yudhishthira, Abhimanyu is Grown-up || 15 October 1989
Episode 57 – Karna's curse, Draupadi as Maid Sairandhri rejects Keechaka
|-
 
| 56 || Pandavas' 1 year of incognito beings in [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya Desh]] || 22 October 1989
Episode 58 – Keechaka Vadh by Bheema
|-
 
| 57 || Story of Parashurama curses Karna || 29 October 1989
Episode 59 – Kaurav Attack Matsya Desh
|-
 
| 58 || [[Keechaka]] harasses Draupadi and is killed by Bheema || 5 November 1989
Episode 60 – Viraat war and clothes for Uttaraa's dolls
|-
 
| 59 || Kauravas Attack Matsya kingdom to expose the Pandavas || 12 November 1989
Episode 61 – Abhimanyu and Uttaraa's marriage and Pandavs decide to send a Doot to Hastinapur
|-
 
| 60 || [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Uttar]] and Arjuna fight in the war and clothes for [[Uttarā (Mahabharata)|Uttaraa]]'s dolls || 19 November 1989
Episode 62 – Dhritarashtra does not agree and sends Sanjay
|-
 
| 61 || Abhimanyu and Uttaraa's marriage and Pandavas decide to send a messenger to Hastinapur to prevent war || 26 November 1989
Episode 63 – Duryodhana gets Narayani Sena from Krishna, Krishna agrees to become charioteer of Arjuna
|-
 
| 62 || Dhritarashtra does not agree and sends [[Sanjaya]] || 3 December 1989
Episode 64 – Krishna Goes to Hastinapur as Shanti Doot
|-
 
| 63 || Duryodhana and Arjuna meet Krishna at Dwaraka, Duryodhana gets the Narayani Army from Krishna, and Krishna agrees to become charioteer of Arjuna || 10 December 1989
Episode 65 – Krishna took Virat Avtar and Indra takes Karna's Kawach and Kundala
|-
 
| 64 || Krishna Goes to Hastinapur as a messenger of peace || 17 December 1989
Episode 66 – Karna's identity is disclosed
|-
 
| 65 || Duryodhana tries to capture Krishna but Krishna shows his [[Vishvarupa|Virata form]], Karna gives away his holy armour and earrings to Indra || 24 December 1989
Episode 67 – Vidura resigns as prime minister, Kunti meets Karna
|-
 
| 66 || Krishna reveals Karna his true identity || 31 December 1989
Episode 68 – Sanjaya gets Divya Drishti, Ulluk goes to Pandavas
|-
 
| 67 || Kunti reunites with Karna || 7 January 1990
Episode 69 – Duryodhana tricks Shalya to join Kauravas
|-
 
| 68 || Sanjaya gets divine eyesight from Vyasa to witness the war || 14 January 1990
Episode 70 – Shikhandi's Story of rebirth
|-
 
| 69 || Duryodhan Tricks [[Shalya]] to join the Kaurava army || 21 January 1990
Episode 71 – Arjuna Worships Goddess Durga, rules of war laid
|-
 
| 70 || [[Shikhandi]]'s Story of Rebirth || 28 January 1990
Episode 72 – Kurukshetra War begins and Arjun Drops His weapons, [[Bhagavad Gita|Geeta Saar]] begins
|-
 
| 71 || Rules of the war are laid out, The battle will take place in [[Kurukshetra]] || 4 February 1990
Episode 73 – Geeta Saar continues
|-
 
| 72 || War begins and Arjuna Drops His weapons out of grief, Krishna teaches him the [[Bhagavad Gita]] || 11 February 1990
Episode 74 – Geeta Saar continues and Krishna shows his Maha-avtaar
|-
 
| 73 || Bhagavad Gita teaching continues || 18 February 1990
Episode 75 – Yudhishthira gets blessings, Yuyutsu changes side and war begins, Abhimanyu faces Bhishma
|-
 
| 74 || Bhagavad Gita teaching continues and Krishna shows his [[Vishvarupa]] form, Arjuna is ready to fight again || 25 February 1990
Episode 76 – Uttar dies, Arjuna faces Bhishma and day 2 begins
|-
 
| 75 || Yudhishthira gets his blessings from his elders, [[Yuyutsu]] changes sides and war begins, Abhimanyu faces Bhishma || 4 March 1990
Episode 77 – Arjuna is unstoppable, 3rd day is over, 4th day begins, Bhima is surrounded, 10 Kauravas are killed, Krishna takes out his Sudarshan
|-
 
| 76 || Uttar dies, Arjuna faces Bhishma and Day 2 begins || 11 March 1990
Episode 78 – 9th Day is over and 16 Kauravs are dead, Bhishma tells Arjuna how to take him out of the war
|-
 
| 77 || 3rd day is over, 4th day begins, Bhima is surrounded, 10 Kaurava brothers are killed, Krishna takes out his Sudarshan Chakra to kill Bhishma, but Arjuna stops him || 18 March 1990
Episode 79 – Bhishma lies on the bed of arrows, Karna meets Bhishma
|-
 
| 78 || 9th Day is over and 16 Kaurava brothers are dead, Bhishma tells Pandavas how to take him out of the war || 25 March 1990
Episode 80 – Day 11, Drona tries to capture Yudhishthir but is unsuccessful, Shantanu comes to Bhishma
|-
 
| 79 || Arjuna shoots arrows at Bhishma, Bhishma's bed of arrows is created, Bhishma still survives || 1 April 1990
Episode 81 – Chakra Vyuh Planned, Duryodhan Promises Susharma
|-
 
| 80 || Karna enters the battlefield, Drona tries to capture Yudhishthira but is unsuccessful, Shantanu appears in Bhishma's dream || 8 April 1990
Episode 82 – Abhimanyu Vadh; Uttaraa is pregnant
|-
 
| 81 || [[Chakravyuha]] formation Planned, Duryodhana Promises [[Susharma]] || 15 April 1990
Episode 83 – Arjuna Vows to Kill Jayadrath and Story About Jayadratha's Curse
|-
 
| 82 || Abhimanyu's murder; Uttaraa becomes pregnant || 22 April 1990
Episode 84 – Arjuna Breaks [[Kamal Vyuh]] to Get to Jayadratha
|-
 
| 83 || Arjuna Vows to Kill Jayadratha and the Story About Jayadratha's Curse || 29 April 1990
Episode 85 – Shri Krishna covers the Sun with his ''[[Sudarshana Chakra]]'', [[Jayadratha Vadh]]
|-
 
| 84 || Arjuna Breaks the Kamalavyuha formation to attack Jayadratha || 6 May 1990
Episode 86 – Karna kills Ghatotkacha by ''[[Shakti Astra]]''
|-
 
| 85 || Krishna covers the Sun with his Sudarshana Chakra, Arjuna kills Jayadratha || 13 May 1990
Episode 87 – Virat and Drupad are killed, Drona Dies
|-
 
| 86 || Ghatotkacha enters battle; Karna kills Ghatotkacha by using his Shakti Astra || 20 May 1990
Episode 88 – Dushasana dies and Karna fights with Arjun, Krishna puts the Rath in the land so that Arjun is saved
|-
 
| 87 || Virata and Drupada are killed by Drona, and Drona is killed by Dhrishtadyuma || 27 May 1990
Episode 89 – Karna's curse, Karna-Arjuna final battle, Arjuna defeats Karna to death.
|-
 
| 88 || Bheema kills [[Dushasana]], Draupadi washes her hair with Dushasana's blood, Karna and Arjuna battle || 3 June 1990
Episode 90 – Shakuni Dies, Shalya dies, Duryodhan learns about Karna's truth, Yudhishthir curses All womankind, Gandhari curses Krishna & Yaduvansh, Duryodhan becomes iron bodied
|-
 
| 89 || Karna killed by Arjuna || 10 June 1990
Episode 91 – Balaram arrives, Bhim-Duryodhan Gada Yudh, Duryodhan fatally wounded, Balaram decides to kill Bhim
|-
 
| 90 || Shakuni and Shalya die, Duryodhana and the Pandavas learn about Karna's truth, Yudhishthira's curse on all womankind, Gandhari curses Krishna and his Yadava dynasty, Duryodhana's body gets protection shield by Gandhari's magic || 17 June 1990
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
|-
 
| 91 || Balarama arrives, Bhima and Duryodhana's duel, Duryodhana is fatally wounded, Balarama scolds Bhima but Krishna calms him down || 24 June 1990
Episode 93 – Dhritarashtra-Vidur discussion about ''dharma'', Pandavas arrive at Hastinapur, Dhritarashtra Tries to kill Bhim
|-
 
| 92 || Duryodhana Dies, War ends, [[Ashwatthama]], [[Kripa]] and [[Kritavarma]] attack Pandava camp and Ashwathama kill the sons of the Draupadi ([[Upapandavas]]) and Drishtadyumna, Ashwatthama tries to kill Uttaraa's unborn son, Krishna curses Ashwatthama, [[Parikshit]]'s birth || 1 July 1990
Episode 94 – Dhritarashtra and Gandhari ready for Vanaprasthan. Yudhisthir Becomes King of Hastinapur, Bhishma leaves his body.
|-
| 93 || Dhritarashtra and Vidura's discussion about [[Dharma]], Pandavas return to Hastinapur, Dhritarashtra Tries to kill Bhima || 8 July 1990
|-
| 94 || Dhritarashtra, Kunti and Gandhari quit the kingdom. Yudhisthira becomes King of Hastinapur, and Bhishma dies || 15 July 1990
|}


==Production==
==Production==
===Development===
===Development===
According to production team member Kishore Malhotra, the total cost of producing the series was {{INRConvert| 9|c}}.<ref>'' Mahabharat Ki Mahabharat: The Making of B.R. Chopra's "Mahabharat"''</ref> Casting for the series began in 1986 and shooting started off in mid-1988.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Mahabharat actor Puneet Issar: BR Chopra wanted me to play Bheem, I chose Duryodhan|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/celebrity/story/mahabharat-actor-puneet-issar-br-chopra-wanted-me-to-play-bheem-i-chose-duryodhan-1671740-2020-04-27|website=India Today}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":5" />
According to production team member Kishore Malhotra, the total cost of producing the series was {{INRConvert| 9|c|year=1988}}.<ref>'' Mahabharat Ki Mahabharat: The Making of B.R. Chopra's "Mahabharat"''</ref> According to Director [[Ravi Chopra|Ravichopra]] each episode was made up of ₹6.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh. Casting for the series began in 1986 and shooting started off in mid-1988.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Mahabharat actor Puneet Issar: BR Chopra wanted me to play Bheem, I chose Duryodhan|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/celebrity/story/mahabharat-actor-puneet-issar-br-chopra-wanted-me-to-play-bheem-i-chose-duryodhan-1671740-2020-04-27|website=India Today}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":5" />


The series was initially submitted to the channel for 104 episodes which was later shortened to 94 episodes.<ref name=":6" />
The series was initially submitted to the channel for 104 episodes which was later shortened to 94 episodes.<ref name=":6" />


===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 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>
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]]. But [[Virendra Razdan]] was cast for it as [[B. R. Chopra|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://timesofindia.indiatimes.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 was offered role of Shakuni by the makers of Mahabharat.<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>
Mahabharat's music was composed by [[Raj Kamal]] and lyrics were penned by [[Pandit Narendra Sharma]] and Bhring Tupkari. Some songs were taken from works of devotional writers like [[Surdas]], [[Raskhan]] etc. Apart from main songs there are also several short couplets, which covered the summary of each episode. All of these verses 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
{{Track listing
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==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 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>
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 [[BBC Two]] after its 1991 revamp, but it had also been shown late at night on [[BBC One]] the previous year.{{Citation needed|date=January 2023}}


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 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 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>
Ganguly was applauded for her performance in the Vastraharan sequence in which Draupadi is disrobed.<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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509020043/https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/mahabharat-3272|url-status=live|archive-date=9 May 2019|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|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 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" />
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" />


==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|date=April 2020}}</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><ref>{{Cite web|title=Mahabharat (महाभारत) B. R. Chopra All Episodes with English Subtitles, Pen Bhakti|url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa6CHPhFNfadNcnVZRXa6csHL5sFdkwmV|access-date=2022-12-24|website=youtube|date=September 2019}}</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.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}
''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.  
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>
* [[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]] as well as Chopra's RAMAYAN.<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>
* [[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>
* [[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 Bastar.<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>
* [[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>
* [[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>
* [[Mukesh Khanna]] 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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==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.zee5.com/tv-shows/details/mahabharat/0-6-3331/}}
* {{IMDb title|0158417}}
* {{IMDb title|0158417}}


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{{Works based on the Mahabharata |state=collapsed}}
{{Works based on the Mahabharata |state=collapsed}}


[[Category:Television series based on Mahabharata]]
[[Category:Television series based on the Mahabharata]]
[[Category:DD National original programming]]
[[Category:DD National original programming]]
[[Category:1988 Indian television series debuts]]
[[Category:1988 Indian television series debuts]]

Latest revision as of 12:37, 26 March 2026


Mahabharat
GenreEpic
Created byB. R. Chopra
Based onMahabharata by Veda Vyasa
Written byPandit Narendra Sharma
Rahi Masoom Raza
Screenplay byRahi Masoom Raza
Directed byB. R. Chopra
Ravi Chopra
Creative directorYashwant Mahilwar
StarringSee below
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
Original release2 October 1988 (1988-10-02) –
24 June 1990 (1990-06-24)[1]
Chronology
Related showsMahabharat Katha
External links
[{{#property:P856}} Website]

Mahabharat is an Indian Hindi-language epic television series based on the ancient Sanskrit epic Sanatan Hindu Dharma spiritual, devotional religious scripture Mahabharata. 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, based on the epic composed by Maharishi Veda Vyasa. The dialogues were penned by Rahi Masoom Raza. 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 episodes.[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, Vrishaketu, Babruvahana, conspiracies of Viprachitti, Ashwamedha Yajna, Dushala's story and aftermath of the Kurukshetra War, which are not covered in the original series.[citation needed]

Premise[edit | edit source]

The series covers the story of epic Mahabharata with Krishna, Pandavas, Kauravas being the main focus of the epic.

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 Vidura and birth of Pandavas and Kauravas. The story then focuses on the childhood of Lord Krishna.

Elsewhere, Dronacharya teaches Pandavas and Kauravas warfare, and after completion asks them to defeat his enemy king Drupada as payment for services or Guru Dakshina. Pandavas do so and give half of Drupad's kingdom to Drona. Dhritarashtra makes Yudhishthira ( the eldest son of Pandu) the crown prince of Hastinapur. Shakuni (the maternal uncle of the Kauravas) and Duryodhana the eldest of the Kauravas hatch a plan to burn Pandavas and Kunti alive, but they survive and go into hiding, letting the rumour spread that they died in the fire. Duryodhana is made crown prince of Hastinapur.

Arjuna the best fighter among the Pandavas wins the hand of Draupadi in her swayamvara. Later, Yudhishthira is made the king of Indraprastha and Pandavas conduct Rajsuya Yagna where Draupadi insults Duryodhana. Later Duryodhana has his revenge by first defeating Yudhisthira in a rigged game of dice, in which Yudhisthira stakes his kingdom, his brothers and Draupadi and loses all, Duryodhana tries to disrobe Draupadi in front of the whole court, but she is saved by lord Krishna, then the Pandavas along with Draupadi are sent to an exile of 12 years and 1 year of living in anonymity. After the period of exile is over 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 sow the seed for the Mahabharata War.

Arjuna 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 shows his Virata Swaroopa to Arjuna. The latter shows the deaths of Bhishma, 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. Only 5 Pandavas, Satyaki, Yuyutsu, Krishna, Ashwatthama, Kritavarma and Kripacharya survive. Gandhari holds Krishna responsible for her sons' death and curses that his family will also get destroyed. The show ends with Yudhishthir's Rajyabhishek and Bhishma's death.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Main[edit | edit source]

Recurring[edit | edit source]

Episodic appearance[edit | edit source]

Episodes[edit | edit source]

Episode No. Summary Air date
1 Introduction of the Kuru dynasty, Bharata and Shantanu, Shantanu and Ganga's marriage 2 October 1988
2 Ganga kills her six cursed sons, Bhishma's birth, Ganga and Bhishma leave Shantanu 9 October 1988
3 Ganga returns Bhishma to Shantanu 16 October 1988
4 Shantanu and Satyavati's marriage, Bhishma's vow of celibacy & Bhishma's wishful death boon, Vichitravirya's birth 23 October 1988
5 Amba, Ambika and Ambalika's Introduction, Bhishma abducts the three princesses, Bhishma releases Amba while Ambika and Ambalika marry Vichitravirya 30 October 1988
6 Birth of Pandu, Dhritarashtra and Vidura, Pandu becomes the temporary king 6 November 1988
7 Kunti's introduction, Karna's birth and abandonment, Kunti and Madri marry Pandu, Dhritarashtra marries Gandhari 13 November 1988
8 Adhiratha and Radha's story, Kindama curses Pandu 20 November 1988
9 Dhritarashtra's coronation, Pandu, Kunti and Madri renounce the throne, birth of the Pandavas 27 November 1988
10 Kamsa's cousin Devaki marries Vasudeva and a voice warns Kamsa of his doom 4 December 1988
11 Birth of Balarama and Krishna 11 December 1988
12 Nanda and Yashoda adopt Krishna and Putana's Death 18 December 1988
13 Yashoda witnesses the universe in Krishna's mouth and Krishna gets caught stealing butter 25 December 1988
14 Krishna's no-butter promise to Yashoda and the defeat of Kaliya Nag 1 January 1989
15 Radha's relationship with Krishna, protest against Kamsa, Devakasur and Trulambasur's death by Krishna 8 January 1989
16 Kamsa invites Krishna and Balarama to Mathura 15 January 1989
17 Krishna kills Kamsa and his assistants; Krishna releases his birth parents and Ugrasena 22 January 1989
18 Pandu and Madri's death, Kunti and her sons return to Hastinapura 29 January 1989
19 Satyavati, Ambika and Ambalika quit the kingdom and stay with Vyasa 5 February 1989
20 Karna grows up; The enmity between the Pandavas and Kauravas begin, Duryodhana poisons Bhima and Bhima gains the strength of 1000 Elephants 12 February 1989
21 Sudama reunites with Krishna, Dronacharya arrives at Hastinapur and becomes the royal teacher 19 February 1989
22 Shastra Pooja begins, Drona rejects Karna, Arjuna becomes Drona's favourite student 26 February 1989
23 Karna's education under Parashurama, Story of Ekalavya 5 March 1989
24 The great weaponry test begins, Karna enters the arena 12 March 1989
25 Karna is crowned as the king of Anga, and Drona asks the Pandavas and Kauravas to capture Drupada as revenge 19 March 1989
26 Krishna obtains the Sudarshana Chakra from Parashurama, Jarasandha's birth and Krishna moves to his new kingdom in Dwaraka 26 March 1989
27 Yudhishthira is crowned as the Crown Prince. Rukmini of Vidarbha is Being Forced to Marry Shishupala 2 April 1989
28 Krishna Rescues Rukmini and marries her 9 April 1989
29 The Lac-Palace is built in Varnavata by Purochana as a murder plot on the Pandavas by Duryodhana and Shakuni 16 April 1989
30 Tunneling in the Lac-Palace Begins, The Lac-Palace catches fire 23 April 1989
31 Escape from the Lac-Palace, Purochana's death 30 April 1989
32 Hidimba's death and Bhima's marriage with demoness Hidimbi, Ghatotkacha's birth 7 May 1989
33 The Pandavas and Kunti move to Ekachakra and Bhima kills Bakasura 14 May 1989
34 Dhrishtadyumna & Draupadi's Birth and Draupadi's Swayamvar 21 May 1989
35 Arjuna wins Draupadi and later she becomes the wife of the 5 Pandavas 28 May 1989
36 Pandavas Leave from Panchala Kingdom to Hastinapur 4 June 1989
37 Pandavas arrive at Hastinapur and Partition of the kingdom 11 June 1989
38 Pandavas Get Khandavprastha, Balarama agrees to teach Mace fighting to Duryodhana 18 June 1989
39 Coronation of Yudhishthira, Khandavprastha Becomes Indraprastha 25 June 1989
40 Balarama talks about his sister Subhadra's marriage, Arjuna elopes with Subhadra 2 July 1989
41 Arjuna marries Subhadra, Jarasandha's story 9 July 1989
42 Bheema kills Jarasandha, Rajasuya Yajna begins, Shishupala's story 16 July 1989
43 Rajasuya Yajna, Shishupala's death 23 July 1989
44 Vyasa predicts war between Pandavas and Kauravas, Draupadi laughs at Duryodhana 30 July 1989
45 Pandavas are invited to Hastinapur to gamble with Shakuni 6 August 1989
46 Yudhishthir loses everything in the gambling game 13 August 1989
47 Draupadi's disrobing, Krishna saves Draupadi 20 August 1989
48 Dhritarashtra returns the losses incurred by Pandavas 27 August 1989
49 Re-match between Pandavas and Shakuni 3 September 1989
50 12 years of exile begins 10 September 1989
51 Chitrasena and the Gandharvas imprison Duryodhana 17 September 1989
52 Arjuna gets the Pashupatastra from Shiva, Karna conquers the world 24 September 1989
53 Krishna saves Draupadi and Pandavas from Durvasa's curse using the Akshaya-patra, Bheema meets his son Ghatotkacha and brother Hanuman, Arjuna visits his celestial father Indra and learns dance and music from Chitrasena 1 October 1989
54 Urvashi curses Arjuna, Abhimanyu's birth, Jayadratha's defeat 8 October 1989
55 Story of the poisoned lake and the Yaksha's Questions to Yudhishthira, Abhimanyu is Grown-up 15 October 1989
56 Pandavas' 1 year of incognito beings in Matsya Desh 22 October 1989
57 Story of Parashurama curses Karna 29 October 1989
58 Keechaka harasses Draupadi and is killed by Bheema 5 November 1989
59 Kauravas Attack Matsya kingdom to expose the Pandavas 12 November 1989
60 Uttar and Arjuna fight in the war and clothes for Uttaraa's dolls 19 November 1989
61 Abhimanyu and Uttaraa's marriage and Pandavas decide to send a messenger to Hastinapur to prevent war 26 November 1989
62 Dhritarashtra does not agree and sends Sanjaya 3 December 1989
63 Duryodhana and Arjuna meet Krishna at Dwaraka, Duryodhana gets the Narayani Army from Krishna, and Krishna agrees to become charioteer of Arjuna 10 December 1989
64 Krishna Goes to Hastinapur as a messenger of peace 17 December 1989
65 Duryodhana tries to capture Krishna but Krishna shows his Virata form, Karna gives away his holy armour and earrings to Indra 24 December 1989
66 Krishna reveals Karna his true identity 31 December 1989
67 Kunti reunites with Karna 7 January 1990
68 Sanjaya gets divine eyesight from Vyasa to witness the war 14 January 1990
69 Duryodhan Tricks Shalya to join the Kaurava army 21 January 1990
70 Shikhandi's Story of Rebirth 28 January 1990
71 Rules of the war are laid out, The battle will take place in Kurukshetra 4 February 1990
72 War begins and Arjuna Drops His weapons out of grief, Krishna teaches him the Bhagavad Gita 11 February 1990
73 Bhagavad Gita teaching continues 18 February 1990
74 Bhagavad Gita teaching continues and Krishna shows his Vishvarupa form, Arjuna is ready to fight again 25 February 1990
75 Yudhishthira gets his blessings from his elders, Yuyutsu changes sides and war begins, Abhimanyu faces Bhishma 4 March 1990
76 Uttar dies, Arjuna faces Bhishma and Day 2 begins 11 March 1990
77 3rd day is over, 4th day begins, Bhima is surrounded, 10 Kaurava brothers are killed, Krishna takes out his Sudarshan Chakra to kill Bhishma, but Arjuna stops him 18 March 1990
78 9th Day is over and 16 Kaurava brothers are dead, Bhishma tells Pandavas how to take him out of the war 25 March 1990
79 Arjuna shoots arrows at Bhishma, Bhishma's bed of arrows is created, Bhishma still survives 1 April 1990
80 Karna enters the battlefield, Drona tries to capture Yudhishthira but is unsuccessful, Shantanu appears in Bhishma's dream 8 April 1990
81 Chakravyuha formation Planned, Duryodhana Promises Susharma 15 April 1990
82 Abhimanyu's murder; Uttaraa becomes pregnant 22 April 1990
83 Arjuna Vows to Kill Jayadratha and the Story About Jayadratha's Curse 29 April 1990
84 Arjuna Breaks the Kamalavyuha formation to attack Jayadratha 6 May 1990
85 Krishna covers the Sun with his Sudarshana Chakra, Arjuna kills Jayadratha 13 May 1990
86 Ghatotkacha enters battle; Karna kills Ghatotkacha by using his Shakti Astra 20 May 1990
87 Virata and Drupada are killed by Drona, and Drona is killed by Dhrishtadyuma 27 May 1990
88 Bheema kills Dushasana, Draupadi washes her hair with Dushasana's blood, Karna and Arjuna battle 3 June 1990
89 Karna killed by Arjuna 10 June 1990
90 Shakuni and Shalya die, Duryodhana and the Pandavas learn about Karna's truth, Yudhishthira's curse on all womankind, Gandhari curses Krishna and his Yadava dynasty, Duryodhana's body gets protection shield by Gandhari's magic 17 June 1990
91 Balarama arrives, Bhima and Duryodhana's duel, Duryodhana is fatally wounded, Balarama scolds Bhima but Krishna calms him down 24 June 1990
92 Duryodhana Dies, War ends, Ashwatthama, Kripa and Kritavarma attack Pandava camp and Ashwathama kill the sons of the Draupadi (Upapandavas) and Drishtadyumna, Ashwatthama tries to kill Uttaraa's unborn son, Krishna curses Ashwatthama, Parikshit's birth 1 July 1990
93 Dhritarashtra and Vidura's discussion about Dharma, Pandavas return to Hastinapur, Dhritarashtra Tries to kill Bhima 8 July 1990
94 Dhritarashtra, Kunti and Gandhari quit the kingdom. Yudhisthira becomes King of Hastinapur, and Bhishma dies 15 July 1990

Production[edit | edit source]

Development[edit | edit source]

According to production team member Kishore Malhotra, the total cost of producing the series was ₹9 crore (equivalent to ₹83 crore or US$12 million in 2019).[10] According to Director Ravichopra each episode was made up of ₹6.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh. 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[edit | edit source]

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 Vidura. 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 was offered role of Shakuni by the makers of Mahabharat.[22]

Music[edit | edit source]

Mahabharat's music was composed by Raj Kamal and lyrics were penned by Pandit Narendra Sharma and Bhring Tupkari. Some songs were taken from works of devotional writers like Surdas, Raskhan etc. Apart from main songs there are also several short couplets, which covered the summary of each episode. All of these verses 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[edit | edit source]

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 BBC Two after its 1991 revamp, but it had also been shown late at night on BBC One the previous year.[citation needed]

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.[28][5][29]

Reception[edit | edit source]

Ganguly was applauded for her performance in the Vastraharan sequence in which Draupadi is disrobed.[30] 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.[30][31] The sequence is often claimed to be the most climactic one of the series.[32] For the sequence Chopra recreated the visual effect of the Vastraharan sequence of Babubhai Mistry's Mahabharat (1965) starring Padmini as Draupadi.[33] 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.[34][35] of the most successful television series in Indian television history.[36] 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.[37] 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.[38]

During its rerun in COVID-19 lockdown in India, it became the second most watched Indian TV show after Ramayan (1987).[39] In week 13, it garnered 145.8 million impressions with both morning and evening slots combined on DD Bharati.[40] After Ramayan ended, Mahabharat became the most watched TV show until its end.[41] The series ended with 22.9 million viewership.[41]

Home media[edit | edit source]

The series was uploaded onto the website "Rajshri.com" along with its dubbed Tamil version.[42] Home video of the Bengali-dubbed version of this series has been released by Heart Video.[43] 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.[44][45]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Mahabharat along with 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.

References[edit | edit source]

  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 devotional 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. ↑ "On public demand, Ramayan & Mahabharat makes comeback during lockdown". Outlook India. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  29. ↑ Service, Tribune News. "Mahabharat to air on Colors". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "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.
  31. ↑ "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.
  32. ↑ "Actors talk about what went into making Mahabharat in 1988". Hindustan Times. 5 May 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  33. ↑ "Mahabharat (1965) – Review, Star Cast, News, Photos". Cinestaan. Archived from the original on 9 May 2019. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
  34. ↑ "Why the new Mahabharat is an epic fail". Firstpost. 17 September 2013. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
  35. ↑ "Happy B'day BR Chopra: The Story Behind His Iconic 'Mahabharat'". The Quint. 22 April 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  36. ↑ Keshri, Shweta (20 April 2020). "Monday Masala: BR Chopra's Mahabharat is the baap of all masala entertainers". India Today. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  37. ↑ Mohan, Lavanya (16 October 2015). "Epic television". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  38. ↑ "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.
  39. ↑ "DD emerges as most watched channel; Ramayana, Mahabharata among favourites". Live Mint. 9 April 2020.
  40. ↑ "Reruns of 1980-90s classics Ramayan, Shaktimaan, Byomkesh make DD most-watched channel". ThePrint. 9 April 2020.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 "Mahabharat becomes the most-watched show. Doordarshan witnesses major dip in ratings". India Today.
  42. ↑ "Mahabharat on the net". The Hindu. 22 December 2006. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  43. ↑ "Mahabharat now in Bengali". The Hindu. 20 February 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  44. ↑ "After TV, BR Chopra's Mahabharat to be Available on YouTube As Well". News18. April 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  45. ↑ "Mahabharat (महाभारत) B. R. Chopra All Episodes with English Subtitles, Pen Bhakti". youtube. September 2019. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  46. ↑ "The Sunday Tribune – Spectrum – Television". The Tribune. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  47. ↑ Ghosh, Bishwanath (25 July 2015). "Ideology vs. stature". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  48. ↑ Tankha, Madhur (8 May 2015). "No child's play". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  49. ↑ "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.
  50. ↑ "Mahabharat's Arjun Firoz Khan Says Changing His Name Gave Him Everything He'd Dreamed of". News18. 27 April 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  51. ↑ "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.

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