Amidst the Corona lockdown time, mythological shows seem to be ruling the roost.
Apart from the chart-busting Ramayan, various versions of Mahabharata too seem to get a fair amount of traction across channels, i.e., Doordarshan and Star Plus.
IWMBuzz.com recently spoke to the only actor who has had the privilege of acting in both the above super hit series spread across 32 years.
Puneet Issar had not only played Duryodhan in pubcaster Doordarshan’s 1st version of India’s greatest epic, but also essayed lord Purshottam when Siddharth Kumar Tewary remade Ved Vyaas epic in 2010 for Star network.
What do you feel about the mythological Bull Run on telly?
At a time when everyone is sitting at home, this is the best chance to let our future generation get in touch with our rich culture. This way they will be busy as well and not step out, thereby saving themselves form this pandemic. Mytho content will always remain evergreen. Even before our BR Chopra’s version, we had a super hit film based on the Mahabharat, where Dara Singh had played one of the leads. The most significant benefit contemporary series have is better VFX and computer graphics.
What made you say yes when you were offered Purushottam in Star Plus Mahabharat?
Having studied this fifth incarnation of Lord Vishu in great detail, I was interested when I was offered to play him. However, my main concern was how well we present him. Siddharth assured me that he would leave no stone unturned. This great visionary stuck to his word, and our combination worked wonders and the rating zoomed up when my character made his entry.
How do you see your TV and film journey?
An actor always wants to try something different; hence after Duryodhan, I played a light-hearted character in the super hit war flick Border. I also returned to TV with a principled underworld don character in Junoon.
After directing Salman Khan in Garv, I am again working with him in his TV home production based on veteran wrestler Gama Phelwan.
Can we see you on the web front as well?
I am writing something for stand-alone digital.
Returning to the mythos, you are dabbling in the same genre on stage as well?
Yes, I have written and directed poetry based play called Mahabharata – The Epic Tale, seen from the prism of Duryodhan. My son is playing the younger version of Duryodhan. Similarly, I had also reprised the demon king in Ravan Ki Ramayan.
Your take on COVID?
Being optimistic, I see a good thing coming out, that the environment has been cleaned up. As for work, I am sure we will bounce back with more vigour once lockdown lifts. Writers have a lot of time to think up newer ideas and concepts.
