Thaindian News

March 23, 2010, (Sampurn Wire):Once actors craved to be part of it but it seems the prospect of working in an epic like Mahabharata isn’t enticing anymore. Star Plus’s long over due Mahabharat is slated to come post Indian Premier League. However, the production house (Swastik pictures) is having a tough task at hand to pick the right cast. They’ve been conducting random auditions and have approached reputed actors to be part of it. However, a few names have turned down the offers for different reasons.

One of them is a pretty actress, who played the lead in Sagar Pictures period drama on Imagine TV. She says, “The producers were keen to cast me as Draupdi. I was even asked to come for auditions but I refused as I don’t want to do period dramas again. Besides, remaking a Mahabharat is a very difficult task. Viewers are still fond of BR.Chopra’s Mahabharat and its actors. They can’t visualize anyone beyond those faces to play those characters.”

An actor, who is part of the same production house’s show on a popular channel, says, “After having seen the fate of Ekta’s (Kapoor) Mahabharat, one is now too petrified to do another Mahabharat. I was never keen on first place but the producers insisted on me auditioning for Arjun or Duryodhan’s role so I obliged. Out there, I fumbled badly, So, I told the producers to excuse me but I have promised to compensate them with something else. They were kind enough to accept it.”

Another prominent actor, who was asked to direct the show with the earlier producer, says, “For an epic show, it’s paramount that you get the cast right. Swastik usually get this right but here it will be quite a task. Ekta’s Mahabharat impressed with its look but sadly they erred in casting. However, the real problem is if you make this a daily, then its chances of success are dim. Such subject needs to be managed in a professional and delicate manner rather than hushing up things, as you do for your normal soap.’

When contacted, a production official said, “The casting is going on and it might take some time. The show is still a long way away.”

Meanwhile, producer Siddhart Tewary had this to say, “It’s too premature to talk of Mahabharat now. Besides, we’re presently diverting all energies towards the upcoming show on Sony.”

The wait has been really long for Star Plus’ Mahabharat. Let’s the hope when it comes it’s worth the wait.

- Mayur Lookhar/Sampurn Wire