Mahabharat on TV: A Timeless Tale Spanning Decades

For generations of Indians, one story has remained an eternal favourite – the epic saga of the Mahabharat. This ancient tale of warring cousins, divine interventions, and the ultimate battle between good and evil has been retold countless times. But its most memorable avatars have been on television, where different eras have seen the Mahabharat come alive in unique ways, captivating audiences anew each time.

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The Classic 1988 Adaptation

A Faithful Retelling

• BR Chopra’s Mahabharat from 1988-1990 is considered the gold standard of mythological adaptations on Indian TV.

• The 94-episode series, aired on Doordarshan, stayed true to the original Sanskrit epic.

• Key events like Draupadi’s swayamvar, the game of dice, and the Pandavas’ exile were depicted with reverence and authenticity.

Iconic Portrayals

• The 1988 series boasted a stellar cast that became synonymous with their roles:

  • Nitish Bharadwaj as Lord Krishna

  • Mukesh Khanna as Bhishma

  • Roopa Ganguly as Draupadi

• Their performances elevated the show and left an indelible mark on the audience’s psyche.

Production Trivia

• The show had a massive scale, with around 15,000 actors auditioning for roles.

• The total production cost was approximately nine crores, a huge budget for a TV series at the time.

• Critical acclaim poured in for the show’s storytelling, performances, and production values.

The Modern 2013 Retelling

A Contemporary Take

• In 2013, Star Plus launched a new Mahabharat series, produced by Swastik Productions.

• While staying true to the core narrative, this 267-episode adaptation took some creative liberties to appeal to modern sensibilities.

• The focus was on exploring character motivations and adding more nuance to relationships.

Stellar Performances

The 2013 Mahabharat introduced a new crop of actors who made the iconic roles their own:

• Saurabh Raj Jain as Lord Krishna

• Shaheer Sheikh as Arjuna

• Pooja Sharma as Draupadi
  Their fresh yet faithful portrayals won over audiences and critics alike.

Awards and Accolades

• The 2013 series swept several major television awards.

• It won Best Historical/Mythological Serial at the Indian Television Academy Awards.

• The show was lauded for its visual effects, costumes, set design, and compelling narrative.

Regional Retellings

Tamil Mahabharatham

• The Tamil TV industry also has its own celebrated Mahabharat adaptation.

• Titled Mahabharatham, the Sun TV series aired from 2013 to 2016.

• With 460 episodes, it is one of the longest-running mythological series on Tamil television.

Telugu and Other Versions

• The Mahabharat has been adapted into several other Indian languages as well.

• Notable versions include the Telugu Mahabharatam (2013) on MAA TV and the Odia Mahabharat (2019) on Colors Odia.

• Each regional retelling adds its own local flavour and cultural context to the timeless tale.

Where to Watch

While some of the older Mahabharat series are not readily available on streaming, there are still ways to relive the epic saga:

BR Chopra’s Mahabharat

• The classic 1988 series is currently being re-telecast on Doordarshan from Monday to Saturday at 5 pm.

• It has also been aired on other channels like Colors and Star Bharat in the past.

2013 Star Plus Mahabharat

• The 2013 adaptation is available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

• Viewers can binge-watch all 267 episodes at their own pace.

Regional Versions

• Sun TV’s Tamil Mahabharatham is being re-telecast currently on Colors Tamil.

• Many of the other regional versions are available on the respective channels’ streaming platforms or YouTube.

For those looking to delve deeper into the world of Mahabharat, a high-speed broadband connection is a must. Airtel Xstream Fiber, with its reliable speeds and unlimited data, ensures a seamless streaming experience, allowing you to explore this religious TV content without any interruptions.

The Enduring Appeal of Mahabharat

What makes the Mahabharat such an evergreen favourite? Perhaps it’s the timeless themes of duty, loyalty, love, and the victory of dharma over adharma. Or maybe it’s the complex characters, each grappling with their moral dilemmas and personal conflicts. Whatever the reason, the epic tale continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

The Mahabharat is more than just a religious TV show. It’s a cultural touchstone, a shared memory passed down from generation to generation. Its life lessons, philosophical musings, and memorable moments have seeped into the fabric of Indian society. Watching a Mahabharat series, either the full episodes or all episodes selectively, is almost a rite of passage for many Indians.

Mahabharat remains the ultimate mythological TV experience. Its various adaptations over the years have not only entertained us but also enriched our understanding of this ancient saga. Whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering the epic for the first time, the Mahabharat is a journey worth taking. And with the power of Airtel Xstream Fiber, you can embark on this mythological adventure anytime, anywhere. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let the timeless tale of the Mahabharat unfold before your eyes.

FAQs

1. Which is the best Mahabharat TV series to watch?
   While each adaptation has its own merits, BR Chopra’s Mahabharat (1988) and the Star Plus Mahabharat (2013) are widely considered the most popular and impactful.

2. Where can I watch the full episodes of Mahabharat?
   The 2013 Star Plus Mahabharat is available on Disney+ Hotstar. The classic 1988 series is being re-telecast on Doordarshan.

3. How many episodes are there in the Star Plus Mahabharat series?
   The 2013 Star Plus Mahabharat has a total of 267 episodes.

4. Are there any regional language adaptations of Mahabharat?
   Yes, notable ones include the Tamil Mahabharatham (2013-2016) on Sun TV and the Telugu Mahabharatam (2013) on MAA TV.

5. What are some of the iconic characters from the Mahabharat TV shows?
   Some of the most memorable portrayals include Nitish Bharadwaj and Saurabh Raj Jain as Lord Krishna, Roopa Ganguly and Pooja Sharma as Draupadi, and Mukesh Khanna as Bhishma.