Actor Mukesh Khanna, famous for playing Bhishma in the iconic TV series Mahabharat and the superhero Shaktimaan, recently made some strong remarks about his old co-stars. The show Mahabharat, created by B.R. Chopra and his son Ravi Chopra, aired on Doordarshan from 1988 to 1990 and became one of India’s most loved mythological dramas. Apart from playing the iconic role of ‘Shaktimaan’ and ‘Bhishm Pitaamaah’, Mukesh Khanna is also known for mincing his words, thus making some upfront, bold revelations. In a new interview on the VTV Gujarat YouTube channel, Mukesh criticized the behaviour of many of his fellow cast members. “The entire cast of Mahabharat, forgive me, was filled with ‘chhichhoras’. Arjun, Duryodhan, you name them… I was the odd one out,” he said. He also recalled something director Ravi Chopra once said, “The man who has the most affairs is a real man,” to which Mukesh responded, “The number of affairs you have doesn’t define you as a man. A real man is someone who takes care of his family.” Mukesh said he was more focused on his work than relationships. “I am more comfortable with my work than with affairs,” he added. Over time, the team understood he didn’t share the same lifestyle as many of them. He shared an anecdote: “A Gujarati actress who worked on Mahabharat was once asked about her co-stars, and she said, ‘Mukesh Khanna is a prince among frogs’.” Talking about the emotional final day of shooting, Mukesh said that while others cried and hugged, he stayed distant. “They were crying and wiping each other’s tears, but I was amused. My shoot had ended a little earlier,” he said. However, he did admit the cast had developed strong bonds over time. Mukesh also chose not to attend a Mahabharat reunion on The Kapil Sharma Show. He had issues with both Kapil Sharma and fellow actor Gajendra Chauhan, who played Yudhishtir. “Bhishma Pitamah ke bina Mahabharat kahaan hoti hai?” he asked, pointing out how key his role was. When he heard that the show needed people “who have a sense of humour,” he responded sharply: “Oye, when these cricketers come, are they asked if they have a sense of humour? They are treated as VIPs, as if they have done someone a favour by appearing on his show.”
