Dharmendra to Hema Malini: Yesteryear superstars on BR Chopra’s Mahabharat and how everything came to a standstill when the show was on air
Mahabharat re-run has created a peak interest in audiences during the lockdown. While it is one of the iconic shows, netizens are taking special interest in episodes and sharing interesting content on social media. A video of yesteryear Bollywood stars talking about BR Chopra’s Mahabharat has surfaced. Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, Jeetendra and Hema Malini can be seen sharing their experience watching the show and how people devoted their time in those days when the show would be on-air.
Rajesh Khanna
Late actor Rajesh Khanna said, “Mahabharat is not only made based on religion but we should see it for educational purposes also. It was entertaining too. Technically, a few sequences were very good. I would like to mention a few sequences. The ‘vastraharan’ scene and ‘Geeta Updesh’ were beautifully shot.”
Dharmendra
Actors would do two shifts, to take out time on Sunday and watch Mahabharat. There would be a curiosity. There can hardly be better learning than this for the citizens.
Jeetendra
If ever I kept a meeting or an appointment on a Sunday, I would get just one reply. ‘Can only meet after Mahabharat but not before that.’ If Mahabharat is made again and I get to play any of the 5-6 characters, I will feel blessed.”
Hema Malini
In Mahabharat, all the actors who have been a part of, they have beautifully portrayed their characters. They looked good too, especially Bhishmah ji, Kunti, Draupadi and Krishna. I liked them very much. I have hardly missed any of the episodes. But I will miss the show very much.”
Producer B.R Chopra speaks
I am a disciple of Gita. In my matric, Geeta Saar was in my Sanskrit course. It had a great influence on my life.
Director Ravi Chopra
BR Chopra’s son Ravi said, “Like all good things, Mahabharat had to come to an end. We believe in Karma and our logo is also based on a saying of ‘Karma’. As far as ‘fal’ is concerned, we leave it to Him.”
Nostalgia value
The video has the nostalgic value and also gives a glimpse of behind the scenes from the shoot. You can also see the Mahabharat actors singing and dancing to the title track in one of the scenes.