Behzad Khan on his entry in Tenali Rama: 'Characters like these..'

Set in the vibrant and historically rich Vijayanagar Empire, Tenali Rama on Sony SAB is a light-hearted yet intellectually stimulating historical drama that brings to life the tales of the legendary poet and court jester, Tenali Rama. Known for his razor-sharp wit, clever problem-solving, and unwavering loyalty to King Krishnadevaraya, Tenali navigates a variety of challenges, both humorous and serious, in his quest to uphold justice and truth.

With its engaging narrative and Krishna Bharadwaj's outstanding performance as the legendary court poet, Tenali Rama remains a favorite among audiences. Bringing a fresh twist to the storyline, seasoned actor Behzad Khan has joined the cast as Salabat Khan, a key antagonist whose arrival is stirring the plot. Salabat Khan, a shrewd and strategic soldier from the Bahmani Sultanate, isn’t just any rival — he’s a man on a mission, armed with schemes to orchestrate the downfall of Vijayanagar.

Known for his calculated moves and an unwavering sense of loyalty to the Sultanate, Salabat Khan is the mastermind behind a series of attacks and conspiracies against the kingdom. His arrival introduces a powerful and intelligent adversary for Tenali, turning the narrative into a battle of wits and willpower.

Behzad Khan, celebrated for his commanding screen presence and layered performances, steps into this role with an intensity that promises to elevate the stakes. He said, “Playing Salabat Khan has been an exciting challenge — he’s a man deeply rooted in strategy and conviction. Characters like this push you to explore both strength and subtlety, and I’m looking forward to audiences experiencing that. As the story unfolds, Salabat Khan’s arrival marks a turning point — challenging Tenali’s loyalty, strength, and cunning like never before.”

Characters like this push you to explore both strength and subtlety, and I’m looking forward to audiences experiencing that.

- Behzad Khan

With Behzad Khan’s addition to the cast, the show is set to raise the stakes of strategy, conflict, and resilience in this classic battle of wits.