Mukesh Khanna, known for his iconic portrayal of Bhishma Pitamah in BR Chopra’s classic Mahabharata, recently expressed his strong disapproval of Ekta Kapoor’s 2008 version, Kahani Hamare Mahabharat Ki. In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Khanna criticized the show for its portrayal of the epic’s characters, calling it a far cry from the original series that captured the essence of the ancient text.
Critique of Ekta Kapoor’s ‘Mahabharat’
Khanna’s main issue with Ekta Kapoor’s version of Mahabharat lies in its departure from the traditional depiction of characters. He pointed out that in this adaptation, Draupadi, one of the pivotal figures in the Mahabharata, was shown with a tattoo, and the Pandavas, who are revered as great warriors, were depicted as bare-chested models rather than the formidable figures they are in the original epic.
In his words, “Ekta Kapoor tampered with our scriptures. She gave Draupadi a tattoo and turned the Pandavas into models. In our Mahabharata, Bhima was portrayed by Praveen Kumar, Arjuna by Feroz Khan, Karna by Pankaj Dheer, and Yudhishthira by Gajendra Chauhan. These actors embodied their characters so well that they left a lasting impression on the audience.”
The Original vs. The New
Mukesh Khanna emphasized that the actors in the original series brought depth and authenticity to their roles, making them memorable to this day. He lamented that the recent adaptation lacked the same dedication and attention to detail, particularly in the portrayal of the Pandavas. “I couldn’t differentiate between the five Pandavas. Their costumes were not appropriate, and they were just like models,” Khanna remarked.
Khanna also noted that the success of BR Chopra’s Mahabharata was not just due to the actors but also because of the dedication of the entire team, including the writers Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza and Pandit Narendra Sharma. He suggested that the newer adaptations focus more on business and visual gimmicks rather than storytelling, which he believes is why they fail to resonate with audiences as the original did.
Legacy of Bhishma and the Mahabharata
Khanna’s connection to the Mahabharata runs deep. His father, Dilip Kumar, was the first to play the role of Bhishma on screen, setting a high standard for the character. Khanna himself played Bhishma in the 1988 series, a role that became a defining moment in his career. He expressed skepticism about modern actors’ ability to capture the essence of these characters, stating, “Today’s Arjuna, Karna, and Bhima have been made just a little taller, but that is not enough. The thing is, we had dedication.”
A Call for Authenticity
Mukesh Khanna’s comments reflect a broader concern about the trend of modern adaptations straying too far from the source material. He believes that the true spirit of the Mahabharata can only be captured with the same level of dedication and reverence that was evident in the original series. While he acknowledges that everyone has the right to reinterpret the epic, he insists that the lack of authenticity and depth in recent adaptations is why they fail to leave a lasting impact.
In conclusion, Khanna’s critique of Ekta Kapoor’s Mahabharat serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to the essence of such timeless stories. His comments echo the sentiments of many who feel that the soul of the Mahabharata is lost when the focus shifts from storytelling to visual appeal.
