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Ekta Kapoor has now ventured into mythology with her new show, Kahaani Hammaray Mahabharat.

The show will star a host of stars like Ronit Roy, Sakshi Tanwar [Images], Aryan Vaid [Images], Chetan Hansraj, Akashdeep Saigal, Anita Hassanandani, Rakshanda Khan [Images] and Makrand Deshpande.

Kahaani Hammaray Mahabharat will premiere on July 7 on 9X, from Monday to Thursday at 9 pm.

In the picture: Chetan Hansraj plays Bheem (left) and Aryan Vaid plays Duryodhan.

Ekta Kapoor, the czarina of the small screen, has stepped out of her kitchen and launched the biggest story ever told — the Mahabharata — for 9X. But before you begin to wonder whether she has overcome her K-fixation, word has just reached that she has rechristened the show as Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki. She shares her epic plans with t2.

After being so secretive, are you finally speaking about your Mahabharata?

Yes… I realised that you can keep nothing under wraps for long in this industry.

How long back did you conceive this epic project?

This has been in my mind for a long time. For two years I was in talks with the channels. Of course, we could not change the story. But I wanted to give it an all new psychological edge. So I told Indrani (Mukerjea, CEO, INX Media) that I'd pitch it when I was ready.

How different will your Mahabharata be?

Indian storytelling started with Ramayana and Mahabharata. I have not come to the project with a set formula. In fact, I have not watched any Mahabharata ever. I have only read it. It is an all-round story with human drama, politics, emotion, romance…. The challenge is how we can present all this is a new fashion. Ideologies will not change but the screenplay will. What people have seen on TV was B.R. Chopra's interpretation of the epic. My story will have my own perception. Some may even find it extremely stark, some may say this is not their Mahabharata. I am 32. As a person younger than Mr Chopra, I may take pointers from his production but my characters will speak a different language. It will be a story with a younger mindset.

This will be nothing like your saas-bahu serials. Are you tense about whether it will be accepted?

People may find it good, bad or ugly, but as long as I am satisfied that I have told the story with my heart, I will stand by my point of view.

Viewers are expecting a starburst with the entire Balaji stable at your beck and call.

The actors are not at my disposal. They are extremely busy with their respective shows. But many of them have been kind to join this show.

Gautami Kapoor is on your cast list. What role would she be playing?

It will be something good. She wanted a month's break. I told her whenever she had the time a list of roles would be ready for her.

How has she reacted to being evicted by Smriti Irani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi?

Gautami is a great girl…has lots of character. She always knew we will have a comeback, that there were some issues with Smriti. Once they were sorted out Smriti would be back. In fact, Gautami had joined the show on condition that an exit would be kept ready for her.

How did your first acting stint for the big screen go in your home production CKompany? You acted opposite Mithun Chakraborty, didn't you?

Please don't say 'opposite'. It was just an appearance. The experience was scary, both for the director and for me. I have decided never to do it again.