||Mahabharat - Article Archive|| DT's Nt pg 65 - Page 44

Difficult times for Panadavs in Mahabharat is yet not over. In the recent episode of this epic Magnus opus of Star Plus, we see how Pandavas and Paanchali are spending their agyatvaas.' Pandavas are upset with senapati Keechak for troubling Draupadi who is working as a dasi in his palace. Bheem gets really angry to see her saree torn and says that he will kill Keechak Draupadi tries to handle the situation and tells him to have patience as there are just 15 days remaining for their exile to get over.

On the other hand, Duryodhan, Mamashree and Dushasan come to Maharaj Virat's sabha and requests him to expose Pandavas from his kingdom. He knows that they are hiding here. Maharaj Virat refuse blatantly but his evil senapati Keechak realizes that the dasi whom he wanted to take advantage of is none other than beautiful Draupadi. He promises Duryodhan and Mamashree that he will reveal Pandavas but on one promise.

Keechak has a secret meeting with them and asks Mamashree to kill Maharaj Virat and his son so that he can become the King of Matsya. Mamashree gives his words. But Keechak is unaware of Mamashree's plans, Mamashree knows that Pandavas will surely come to kill Keechak for his bad behavior with Paanchali. He decides to catch Pandavas red handed and resend them to exile.

Arjun and other brothers come to know of Keechak's evil plans through Draupadi whom he had called in the night. They make a plan to kill him finally.

In the upcoming episodes we will come to know whether Pandavas will be caught by Kauravas or will they escape after taking revenge from Keechak? Indeed, these episodes of Mahabharart are very gripping.

What say readers, are you enjoying the current track?

Overnights: Saathiya' & YRKKH' lead Thursday

Saurabh Raaj, who is playing Lord Krishna in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's Mahabharat, is happy with the response his show has generated

While he gets to play the sutradhaar of this magnificent mythological telly drama the actor is simply overwhelmed at not just playing God onscreen, but also about all the praises and adulation coming his way. In an exclusive chat the actor spoke about his role and more.

What kind of reactions are you receiving for your performance as Krishna?

I am getting wonderful reactions; people especially love the part where I am preaching and the way I deliver it. I am glad I am doing justice to the role. Audiences especially youth loves the interpretation I do in each episode.

What made take up a mythological show and playing Krishna?

There was nothing about the role that I could refuse it. Playing Lord Krishna is a privilege, it's an honor and I didn't think twice before agreeing for the role. The excitement, satisfaction and the high of playing this role is just beyond imagination. It was like a dream for me.

What is so special about this character?

Everything about being Krishna is special because it is Lord Krishna! It's a life changing experience, I feel so amazing playing the great God onscreen and I give it my best. It is a once in a life time opportunity that came to me and I embraced it with all my heart and soul. I was never ever skeptical about Mahabharat either. The way it is created, conceptualised and materialised it's just fool-proof. Siddharth Kumar Tewary has just made it so perfect that I knew this was a hit and without a doubt and hence I agreed to the part. I'm honored to be a part of such a grand platform. I feel all of Krishna's teachings are so apt and even if 40% people watch it we can make a difference in the society.

Do you believe that this role will change your career completely for the good?

Yes it is a turning point for me, all my work has been diverse and nice but playing the powerful Lord Krishna is of course bigger than anything.

Do you feel like God when you are in Krishna's attire?

Yes, I get into the character completely, these days I am just so focused on my role that I talk like Krishna in real life too. I am honored to be playing Krishna.

Speaking of Gods and religions, which deity do you put your trust in?

I don't worship any one God; I believe that Sabka maalik ek hai'. I think god is singular and exists everywhere and for everyone.

Could you share with us an interesting experience you've had on the sets ofMahabharat?

Yes, once we were in the interiors of Gujarat, people came in to see me yelling, humko insaan nahi bhagwaan se milna hai' (We don't want to meet man, we want to meet God). I was shooting and I had to request them to be patient to meet me

http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/mahabharats-krishna-aka-saurabh-raaj-i-dont-worship-any-one-god/

Mahabharat's Yudhishter claims he had initially auditioned for Krishna's role, which is now being playing by Saurabh Raaj

Rohit Bharadwaj is now known as Yudhister from Mahabharat, however if all had gone well then he could have played Lord Krishnna. After doing shows like Baat Hamari Pakki Hai, Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha, Navya, Ranbir Rano and nowMahabharat, Rohit has finally managed to create a name for himself in the industry.This simple and down-to-earth dude tells us how he bagged the mythological role, his aspirations, his inspiration and his closest friend Shaheer Sheikh.

How did acting happen to you?

I was in my last year of graduation and had planned to go abroad for higher studies. Unfortunately I couldn't give my final semester and had to wait for three months to reappear and graduate. So I had three months to soul search and I just needed a change. I joined theater on a friend's advice and I started liking acting. The three months turned into three years and I have not looked back since. Maybe, acting was in my destiny. I am glad it came through.

What have been the landmarks of your career?

There has been no landmark yet. I am hoping it happens soon.

How did you bag the role of Yudhishter in Mahabharat? You are doing a mythology for the first time. How do you feel?

I was working in Navya for Swastik Productions and that's when Siddharth Kumar Tewary asked me to audition for the role of Lord Krishna. I auditioned for it but he wanted me to play Yudhishter instead and I agreed. It was a good decision. Mythology is a great genre and I am enjoying it. It just feels so majestic to play the role of a king, the costumes, the visuals, the role, the character it all feels great. It is amazing to be a part of such a huge project, it's an epic and I'm proud of my character. He is fighting between "dharma" and "adharma". He's the only one who wins the battle and attains "moksha".

What special preparations did you do for the role?

I underwent fencing, horse ridding and the director's workshop for the character that I'm playing. I researched a lot about Yudhishter, learnt the mannerisms of a king and felt the character. That's all.

How has your life changed post Mahabharat?

Life has changed immensely, I am receiving recognition and praise for my work. Most of all preparing and essaying the role of Yudhishter has really made me a better person, I have learnt what Dharma is.

Weren't you supposed to keep a moustache for the role? Why was the idea changed?

It just happened; maybe I looked more convincing as a clean shaven King.

You have worked with Shaheer Sheikh in Navya, how was it reuniting with him?

He is my brother! I have some sort of an emotional connection with Shaheer. I am extremely happy working with him. It's like having a family on the sets. We played brothers in Navya and now again we are playing brothers in Mahabharat.

Can you share some of your interesting experiences with the other co-stars?

Not interesting, but funny incidents. Like sometimes we just burst into laughter while shooting for a serious scenes and the director has to keep retaking the shot. It's so much fun on the sets and especially when people are peeling into laughter you can't really control yourself.

How was the experience of sword fighting and horse riding in front of the camera?

It was fun actually, I have not mastered horse riding yet, I've fallen off the horse so many times - it's funny. My crew has actually recorded me falling off the horse at the Versova beach.

How is it working with Siddharth Kumar Tewary and Swastik Productions?

It has been a splendid experience. Siddharth is a down to earth, humble and helpful person. The creativity of the man is so impeccable that you just have to admire him. He knows everything about his show and that's what makes everything so perfect. I'm in the show coz of Siddharth Kumar Tewary, he's the motivation behind me being Yudhishter. He has no ego hassles and is creatively so blessed with perfection.

How was shooting in Jaipur for a shoot?

It has been a treat of a lifetime. I had never really visited Jaipur, being from Delhi I've always crossed just Jaipur but never stopped by and vacationed there. I loved Jaipur. The aura of the city makes you feel like a king! And that is exactly what happened to me, I almost started feeling like a king, I could imagine how my kingdom would be. I'm got so tanned after the visit but it was so worth it. I shopped, visited all the forts and I loved the culture out there.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I want to be at a similar stature of Shahrukh Khan in the next five years. I admire SRK coz he is a self made man. I want to be a superstar. Of course, along with that I want a good home, a big name and fame, an awesome car and all the good things in life. Shahrukh is my inspiration.

How has the response to your character, Yudhishter been so far?

I am overwhelmed and happy that I am being appreciated as Yudhishter. Finally, I feel that people can see the King in me. I wanted it all to look real and as convincing as possible and thankfully I am being appreciated and acknowledged.

Any crazy fan experiences so far?

On a social networking a girl actually started fighting for me and claimed that I was hers. Then girl from the South sent e-collages of me which was really sweet. A girl gifted me my sketch.

It is reliably learnt that you are the most knowledgeable actor who knows his Mahabharatreally well. How?

Everyone has grown up watching BR Chopra's Mahabharat and yes I watched it too. While preparing for this Mahabharat, we didn't watch that as we wanted to create our own character sketches and not imitate. I read a lot of books from the point of views of so many people even the guard's point of view to understand everything. Guess that's why I know more about it.

Were you ever compared to Gajendra Chauhan, who played Yudhishter in BR Chopra'sMahabharat?

No, I've never been compared. I could never imagine competing with the legends.

Who are you the closest to on the sets of Mahabharat?

Obviously Shaheer, we go back a long time, but I share a very healthy and happy relationship with each and everyone on the set.

You go to the gym daily on the sets of the show, so who are your gym buddies?

All the Pandavas and sometimes the Kauravas too.

http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/mahabharats-yudhishter-aka-rohit-bhardwaj-i-first-auditioned-for-the-role-of-lord-krishna/