MUMBAI: The epic show Mahabharat directed by B R Chopra has not only set, but has also raised the benchmark for other mythological shows since the time it aired. The larger than life epic that captivated the audiences in the late 1980’s, is doing the same now as it is being rerun on COLORS. The teachings from the show are just as useful in our current lives. Now that the epic is back on television during the lockdown period, TV actors talk about getting nostalgic on seeing Mahabharat and talk about the lessons they have learned from the show.

Gouri Tonnk who plays Parmeet in COLORS’ Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, says, “Mahabharat was my favourite show because of the grandeur, their lavish sets, their beautiful costumes and the dialect they used to speak in. Of everyone, Karn was my favourite character in the show. I would tell my mother that whenever I get married, I want someone like Karn. That character had all the qualities which I wanted in my husband. I am really happy that it is back again and I can relive all those days while I am at home during this lockdown.”

Avinash Mukherjee who plays Soham Singh in Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, says, “We know that Mahabharat was the greatest story ever told and we all are very emotionally and spiritually connected with it. The time when this rendition of Mahabharat was shot, there were no high-tech cameras or technological advancements, yet B R Chopra did justice to the story. I am really excited to see it again on television and I hope anyone who has not seen it will watch it and experience the magic.”

Vijayendra Kumeria who plays Dev in Naagin: Bhagya Ka Zehreela Khel says, “I remember watching Mahabharat with my entire family when it used to air on Sundays. My favourite characters were Bhishma, Arjun and Krishna. My grandma used to tell stories related to them which were not shown in the show. I believe that the old Mahabharat was the best mythological show ever made, and till date, the characters seem so real. For someone who is interested in filmmaking, Mahabharat the scripture itself is the best screenplay. Personally, I feel there’s a lot to learn from it. The best learning from Mahabharat is that one should follow the right path in life, always. It might be difficult, but in the end you will win against all odds.

Puneett Chouksey who plays Arjun in Naati Pinky Ki Lambi Love Story says, “It was a special time when Mahabharat used to come on television. It gives a nostalgic feeling... Earlier I used to watch it for entertainment. But now when I am seeing it again on COLORS, I can understand that it’s a treasurer of life lessons. If one can remember even 10% of the thoughts behind them, they can understand life and the correct way to live it. I hope everyone watches it and learns some valuable life lessons. Even for kids, it's a great opportunity to watch and learn and live the golden era.”

Avinesh Rekhi who plays Sarabjit in Choti Sarrdaarni says, “Mahabharat holds a lot of nostalgic value for me. I still remember we used to watch Mahabharata with at least 20 of our neighbours on Sunday as not everyone had television. All the kids and their parents would sit in front of the TV with a variety of food in their plates (Punjabi culture) and there used to be pin-drop silence. I watched it with my son on the launch day and he got really fascinated by the story. I got the same reaction from him which used to be on my face! This clearly shows the magic of the story and the screenplay that was created at that time by Late BR Chopra Sir. The experience is truly exhilarating. Many people tried to make Mahabharat again but could not match up to the Original. I am so glad that it's telecasted on Colors, because the channel has a vast reach globally and the newer generation of viewers can get to connect with it.

Anita Raaj who plays Kulwant Kaur Dhillon in Choti Sarrdaarni says, “I had always wanted to watch Mahabharat which came in the year 1988, but I couldn't. I am so happy that COLORS is airing it now, at a time when we are all homebound. I look forward to watching it every day as it's extremely interesting and intriguing. The fact that it is aired in 1988 when television was not really watched by all - this show created a sensation for its magnanimity. The characters are incredible and so well cast that it takes you into that era and you feel you are a part of it. I’m so happy that it's been aired now, so the next generation can learn about the most epic battle ever fought. Every story has a lesson and meaning behind it, and this story addresses the most vital of them all - The Circle of Karma.”

Balraj who stars in COLORS Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 10 says, “I have watched Mahabharat when I was a kid. Even today, whenever I see Punit Sir and Rupa Ma'am, the first thing that strikes my mind is Punit Sir as Duryodhan and Rupa Ma'am as Draupadi. Although being in the same industry we know their real names, but their characters in Mahabharat have left such a strong impression that we still like to call them Duryodhan and Draupadi. It was one of the shows that a family would all sit and watch together.  While I haven't watched it recently, my family does follow it regularly. Whenever I speak to them, they tell me to watch the show. I am sure that the re-run of the show will once again create a strong impact among the people. I am really glad that show is on air once again and today's generation, the kids who didn't get the opportunity to watch Mahabharat back then, will get to watch it now.”

Aneri Vajani who plays Pranati in Pavitra Bhagya says, “I had not seen Mahabharat before, but I have heard so much about it from my parents. And after that, I have read about it and I am absolutely fascinated by it, now that it is airing on COLORS. For my generation, it is a great thing that we are getting to witness such an epic show now. The good part is, that because of the lockdown, we can actually sit together and watch it. My family still watches it together and I make it a point to try and see the show. The epic has a lot of things to teach us. It teaches us to keep the company of good people, to live a rightful life, the importance of friendships and the fact that one should stand by and fight for the things that one believes in.”