BR Chopra, a veteran producer of Hindi cinema, made his film debut in the 1950s. After making a mark with superhit films like ‘Naya Daur’ and ‘Samay’, he turned to the small screen and took a big decision to make ‘Mahabharata’ on TV.
However, a major debate in this decision came up when he chose Muslim writer Rahi Masoom Raza, famous for writing the script. He had to face a lot of criticism on this selection, but BR Chopra believed that Raza could only give this great scripture correct.
‘Mahabharata’ created for television
When Doordarshan proposed to make one of the ‘Ramayana’ or ‘Mahabharata’ to BR Chopra, he chose ‘Mahabharata’. He believed that ‘Ramayana’ teaches what to do, while ‘Mahabharata’ shows what not to do. BR Chopra felt that it would be a challenging but necessary project, which could be presented in the long format of TV instead of the film.
The story of ‘I am the time’ dialogue
Both BR Chopra and Rahi Masoom Raza were clear that it is necessary to introduce complex texts like ‘Mahabharata’ in easier and effectively for the audience. Raza suggested that every episode should have a narrator who takes the audience to the depth of the story. Famous dialogues came from here – “I am time”. This Idea Chopra liked it so much that he immediately adopted it.
Criticism
When people questioned how a Muslim writer can write ‘Mahabharata’, BR Chopra took a tough stance and said, “This is not a particular story of religion for us. What Raza Saheb wrote reflects a family struggle and value of life beyond religion.” Chopra’s daughter -in -law Renu Chopra also told in an interview that Chopra ji had clearly said – “Mahabharata is neither a Hindu nor a Muslim, this is the story of every family. If Raza Saheb is removed, I will also leave the show.”
Even today, this show resides from house to house
In 1990, Rahi Masoom Raza said in an interview, “Am I not an Indian, which I do not have the right to write this story?” Despite threats and criticisms, ‘Mahabharata’ made a historical TV show and even today millions of people watch it with great fervor. This created a new identity in Indian television history, which had a beautiful inclusion of religion, literature and human values.
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The post BR Chopra and ‘Mahabharata’: When a Muslim writer created TV history first appeared on News India Live | Breaking India News, The Indian Headline, India Express News, Fast India News.
