B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat revolutionized Indian television, setting new benchmarks for success. Airing in the late 1980s, the epic saga captured audiences like never before. While B.R. Chopra produced the series, his son, Ravi Chopra, directed it with unwavering dedication.
Recently, in a candid conversation Renu Chopra, wife of the late Ravi Chopra, revealed the challenges they faced in bringing Mahabharat to life. She admitted they encountered financial difficulties early on but persisted with faith and determination.
Renu recalled that the company financing the show initially provided six lakh per episode. However, the expenses for the very first episode alone shot up to nearly eight lakh. Realizing the financial strain, Ravi approached his father and explained that making the show within the allocated budget was impossible.
B.R. Chopra, rather than worrying about the costs, reassured his son. He asked if Ravi was satisfied with what he was creating. Upon hearing a confident “yes,” he advised, “Then put your heart into it. Don’t stress about money. It will come later.”
Despite this encouragement, the production ran at a loss of two lakh per week. Still, they continued with unwavering belief. Eventually, things fell into place, and financial stability followed. Reflecting on the journey, Renu acknowledged that Mahabharat became their backbone, supporting them not just financially but in many other ways as well.
In the same conversation, Renu also revealed an interesting detail about the casting of Draupadi. She disclosed that Juhi Chawla was originally selected for the role. Mahabharat was in pre-production for over two years, and during that period, Juhi received an offer for Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak.
At the time, she was under contract, which restricted her from taking on other projects. However, Juhi approached the Chopras and requested to be released from the commitment. She explained that she was uncertain when Mahabharat would be completed and had received a promising film offer.
Understanding her situation, B.R. Chopra graciously let her go, assuring her that he would find someone else for the role. He mentioned that he wanted fresh faces for the series and had no objection to her pursuing films. That decision proved pivotal for Juhi’s career, as Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak became a blockbuster and established her as a leading actress.
Despite not being part of Mahabharat, Juhi maintained a close bond with the Chopra family. Renu fondly recalled that even after all these years, Juhi continues to visit their home with the same respect and affection. She shared that whenever Juhi steps into their house, she bows at the doorstep as a mark of reverence. Whether it’s Diwali, Holi, or any special occasion, the first gift hamper from Juhi always arrives at their home. “She is an incredible woman,” Renu said with admiration.
For those unfamiliar, Mahabharat was B.R. Chopra’s first major venture into television, and it became a groundbreaking success. The series featured Nitish Bharadwaj as Krishna and Mukesh Khanna as Bhishma Pitamah. Roopa Ganguly ultimately portrayed Draupadi, delivering a performance that is still remembered today.
The making of Mahabharat was a journey filled with struggles, resilience, and faith. Despite financial setbacks, the Chopras believed in their vision, and their unwavering dedication paid off. The show remains one of the most iconic television series in Indian history, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.