For two years (1988–1990), India came to a halt every Sunday morning. Streets emptied. Markets closed. Trains ran late. The reason? Not a political event or a cricket match, but a television show: B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat . At a time when Doordarshan was the only broadcaster, an estimated 80–100 million viewers tuned in each week—a staggering number for a pre-liberalisation, single-TV-per-neighbourhood India. More than three decades later, the show enjoys a second life on streaming platforms, proving its timeless power.
Many cast members became typecast for life. later entered politics (BJP) but remains the Krishna. Mukesh Khanna doubled down on his Bhishma persona, launching a children’s show Shaktimaan (India’s first superhero). Puneet Issar became a villain in B-movies. Gufi Paintal (Shakuni) passed away in 2023, but his meme-worthy dialogues— “Aisa kyon?” (Why so?)—live on eternally on social media. mahabharat br chopra
The show wasn’t without critics. Scholars pointed out that Chopra sanitized the epic’s grey areas: Karna’s caste-based persecution was softened; Draupadi’s “I will tie my hair only with Dushasana’s blood” vow was made more heroic and less vengeful. Some objected to the portrayal of Karna as a “tragic hero” at the cost of Pandava virtues. Yet Chopra’s defence was consistent: “Television reaches the family. I had a moral responsibility.” For two years (1988–1990), India came to a
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