Puneet Issar Talks About Military Training For Border
Veteran actor shares behind-the-scenes journey of transforming into a soldier.
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In a revealing new podcast interview, veteran actor Puneet Issar has opened up about the extraordinary lengths he went to while preparing for his role in the iconic 1997 war film ‘Border’, describing it as an ‘intense transformation’ that required him to train like an actual Indian Army officer.
The actor, best known for playing Duryodhan in BR Chopra’s ‘Mahabharat’ television series, shared details of his military-style preparation in a recent Instagram post, where he appears alongside the podcast host discussing his experience on the JP Dutta-directed war classic.
From Actor To Soldier: Puneet’s Border Transformation
‘I trained like a real Indian Army officer to bring authenticity to the character,’ Issar revealed in the interview clip. The actor explained how his preparation went beyond typical acting methods, involving rigorous physical training and mental conditioning to accurately portray a soldier in the film based on the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.
Issar, who was part of Border’s ensemble cast that included Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, and Akshaye Khanna, emphasized that his commitment to authenticity extended to mastering military drills and understanding the emotional depth required for the role.
The Powerful Scenes Behind Border’s Success
In another recent post from the same podcast series, Issar discussed one of Border’s most iconic scenes featuring the powerful dialogue ‘Chidiya Naal Je Baaz Ladawan’ (When sparrows fight hawks). The patriotic sequence became one of the film’s defining moments, with Issar providing insights into the behind-the-scenes work that went into creating such impactful war drama sequences. ‘The scene required not just physical presence but emotional authenticity,’ Issar noted in the earlier interview. ‘Understanding a soldier’s mindset was crucial to delivering those powerful lines with conviction.’
Puneet Issar: A Versatile Career Beyond Border
Puneet Issar’s four-decade career spans significant roles across television, film, and theater. While many recognize him primarily as Duryodhan from the iconic television adaptation of Mahabharat, he has maintained a diverse acting portfolio.
According to his Wikipedia page, Issar began his career in the early 1980s. Beyond his dramatic roles, Issar has showcased his versatility in comedic performances as well. In another podcast segment, he shared a lighthearted anecdote about working with Rajpal Yadav (referred to as ‘Chota Don’) on the set of the comedy film ‘Partner,’ which starred Salman Khan and Govinda. Issar revealed how an improvised dialogue made Salman and Sohail Khan burst into laughter on set.
Preserving Authenticity In Indian Entertainment
Issar has also been vocal about his views on authenticity in Indian entertainment. In a separate clip from the podcast series, he discussed why the original Mahabharat television series continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release. ‘We shot with 2000+ artists on real locations,’ Issar explained, contrasting the production values of earlier television with modern approaches. His comments reflect his appreciation for the authenticity that defined that era of Indian television.
The full podcast featuring Puneet Issar’s complete interview is available on YouTube, where he discusses more untold stories from his career, behind-the-scenes moments, and offers an acting masterclass drawn from his decades of experience.
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