Throwback: Juhi Chawla was originally selected for Draupadi’s role in Mahabharat
Throwback: Juhi Chawla was originally selected for Draupadi’s role in Mahabharat
Indisputably, BR Chopra’s epic mythology Mahabharat is marked as one of Indian television’s most legendary shows. Generations across loved the mythological show and credit goes to its powerful storytelling and unforgettable performances by the characters.
Notably the role of Draupadi is considered one of the strongest female characters ever portrayed on Indian television.
Not many may be versed that Juhi Chawla was originally selected to play Draupadi and obviously was BR Chopra’s first choice!
In an interview recently Juhi shared that she had given a screen test for the role and was even selected and quoted saying, she had met BR Chopra saab and he was such a
well-mannered, learned man, who treated her with respect. He took her screen test for Draupadi’s role in Mahabharat and actually even selected her for that!
Post-haste being selected, Juhi got the offer of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Seeing her confusion, BR Chopra advised her, not to do Mahabharat,.leave TV. If her film is getting made, work there,” and the rest is history.
Juhi credits BR Chopra for guiding her at a crucial time. She was confused as to what to do, and didn’t even have that knowledge back then on what was the right choice. So, he was the one who showed her the direction.
After Juhi’s exit,
Roopa Ganguly was cast as Draupadi. She delivered such a powerful performance that it is etched in viewers’ memories even today.
Aired from 1988 to 1990 on DD National, the television drama became a landmark show. The series, helmed by Ravi Chopra and produced by BR Chopra, vividly brought to life the epic narrative of the Mahabharata.
Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla made their acting debut with the 1988 film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Made under the direction of Aamir Khan’s cousin and filmmaker Mansoor Khan, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak turned both Aamir and Juhi into overnight stars.
The modern-day rendition of Romeo and Juliet revolved around youngsters from two feuding families falling in love with each other.
The film broke records, all six songs were chartbusters and over 10 million cassettes of the album were sold.
News Edit KV Raman
