Nitish Bharadwaj Reflects On His Iconic Role As Krishna In B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat
The actor calls portraying Lord Krishna a 'spiritual calling' that became his career cornerstone
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In a heartfelt tribute to the role that defined his career, veteran actor Nitish Bharadwaj recently shared his profound gratitude for portraying Lord Krishna in B.R. Chopra’s iconic television adaptation of Mahabharat. The actor took to Instagram to express how the character became much more than just another acting job in his extensive career.
A Spiritual Journey Beyond Acting
“Gratitude to the Chopras for trusting me with the role of Krishna in Mahabharat—a timeless journey that became the cornerstone of my career and touched millions of hearts. That opportunity was more than a role; it was a spiritual calling. Forever thankful,” Bharadwaj wrote, sharing a snippet from a newspaper article he had written on the same topic.
The Legacy Of Mahabharat
B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, which aired on Doordarshan from 1988 to 1990, remains one of the most successful and influential television series in Indian history. The mythological drama brought the ancient epic to life for an entire generation, with Bharadwaj’s portrayal of Krishna standing out as particularly memorable.
In another recent Instagram post, Bharadwaj reflected on the deeper impact of the series: “Mahabharat is more than just a television series—it’s a treasure trove of life lessons that continue to inspire generations. The entire credit for its monumental success goes to the unwavering commitment and vision of the Chopras, Pt. Narendra Sharma, and Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza, who brought Maharshi Ved Vyas’ wisdom to life on screen.”
He added a philosophical note about the experience: “One of the greatest lessons I learned from this journey is that true success is measured not by wealth but by the impact of one’s work. Money may come and go, but the legacy of meaningful work remains eternal.”
From Screen To Stage: Continuing The Krishna Legacy
At 61, Bharadwaj continues to embrace his association with Lord Krishna, now bringing the divine character to theater stages across India. He is currently performing in the play “Chakravyuh,” where he portrays Yogiraj Krishna. The production has been receiving enthusiastic responses in cities including Mumbai and Delhi.
According to recent posts about his theatrical performances, audiences have been deeply moved by seeing Bharadwaj embody Krishna once again, albeit in a different format. The play has been so popular that it recently featured three houseful shows in a single day at New Delhi’s Kamani Auditorium. Bharadwaj expressed his gratitude to fans, writing: “For 37 years, the divine image of Shri Krishna has connected us. Your unwavering affection continues to be my energy, your applause — my strength, and your presence — my blessing.”
A Multifaceted Career
While Bharadwaj remains best known for his portrayal of Krishna, his career spans multiple dimensions. He is not only an actor but also a director, screenwriter, and former member of parliament. Born in Maharashtra, he trained as a veterinary doctor before pursuing acting.
His filmography includes work in Hindi and Marathi cinema, and he has directed films like “Pitruroon” (2013). He served as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from 1996 to 1998, representing the Jamshedpur constituency.
As he continues his theatrical journey with “Chakravyuh” and other projects, Bharadwaj’s reflection on his iconic role serves as a reminder of television’s power to create not just entertainment but enduring cultural legacies that shape collective memory across generations.
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