'Krishna Chose Me, And I Submitted To Him,' Says Actor Nitish Bharadwaj On Playing Krishna

Several actors have played him, but undoubtedly, the most famous Krishna is Nitish Bharadwaj, who has enacted the role on TV, stage and even in an audio play. He asserts that today he has understood that there’s a divine plan in this.

Excerpts from the interview:

Let’s flashback to your first meeting with BR Chopra for the TV series Mahabharat? Did you realise then that you would become known as Krishna all your life?

My screen test, in September 1988, was seen by BR saab, Raviji (Chopra) and the writers, Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza and Pandit Narendra Sharma. I was called to BR uncle’s office room and the first thing he said was, “You are doing Krishna, but if you fail, my serial fails.” That put a lot of pressure on me as I was just 24-25 then. I told him that I needed to think on the offer, or perhaps he should cast a more experienced actor. I didn’t know the role would become my life’s ultimate purpose, to spread the message of the Bhagavad Gita.

What was the first day of shoot like? The late actor Jeevan would give up non-vegetarian food and alcohol when playing Narad Muni, did Krishna require any special prep?

The first day was spent on getting the look right. I was very fair and Raviji wanted to tone down my complexion. Also, the bearing had to be perfect as the whole of Bharat was waiting for Krishna’s entry.

I was brought up in a Saraswat Brahmin household, on the teachings of the Rigveda. The only vice was good food and the occasional Banarasi meetha paan which I still relish. I never ever saw my father smoking, drinking or chewing tobacco, so I didn’t have to give up anything. The only prep was understanding Krishna’s philosophy, the events in his life, his interpersonal relationships, and how we could apply his teachings to our life.

Reportedly, you were paid just Rs.3,000 for the early episodes of Mahabharat…

The Lord has given me everything, most importantly, people’s love and trust. These virtues cannot be equated with money.

Has playing Krishna changed you as a person?

Yes, I understand him better today and he gives me the energy to fight injustice, both in my own life and society. Fighting injustice is our dharma, it’s made me strong and detached from the fruits of my actions. I feel Krishna himself is guiding me towards my soul’s evolution. I fear nothing and no one today.

What was your most challenging scene?

The Gita episodes were the toughest as a 27-year-old boy had to deliver a message to the world. You don’t need to cram these verses, simply focus on practising a few in real life. Philosophy is meant to be practised, right?

The easiest part was reciting the shlokas. When I was a child, my father had taught me Sanskrit and my mother Sant Dnyaneshwar’s philosophy.

She headed the Marathi Literature department at Mumbai’s Wilson College and was an exponent of the Bhagavad Gita, right?

Yes, my mother taught me philosophy while my father set an example of a calm karmyogi who remained steadfast on his path of positive karma with her undying support. Women of her calibre are rare today, at least I don’t see them around me.

You’re playing Krishna in a play, Chakravyuh, now, with age and experience, is the performance different?

Of course, I bring my own experiences to the performance and dialogue now. Krishna is a mystical God, he tests you and churns you emotionally to rise above attachments. He guides you and makes you a better man in Kalyug.

You also did an audio play for BBC Radio 4, Bhagavad Gita, was radio easier?

Yes, I could focus completely on voice modulations and emotions. (Smiles) God has made me adaptable.

While Krishna has brought you worldwide fame, it has also typecast you. Does that bother you?

No, I’ve understood that there’s a divine plan in this. In this lifetime, I have to work for the larger good of society, even if it is through my art.

During Mahabharat when Puneet Issar attended a dinner in Jaipur, the ladies of the house refused to serve him. Do you recall any interesting interactions with devout fans?

Just this week, I got a traditional Maharashtrian welcome in a small village near Solapur. From kids to the elderly, everyone, dressed in traditional attire, greeted me with an aarti and even touched a mere actor’s feet. My visit was like a celebration, an 80-year-old lady confided her life’s ultimate desire to see Krishna had been fulfilled. Where do you see such innocence, humility, submission and trust according to our heritage and traditions? This is the Bharat I see in our villages.

Refusing to serve Puneet underlines his acting skills as Duryodhan. His successful journey from a fighter, in the news for accidentally punching Amitabh Bachchan, to an accepted actor.

Which actor is your favourite Krishna?

In the South, NT Rama Rao, in Maharashtra, Shahu Modak.

Has anyone approached you for advice on how to play him?

An actor, and a channel. I told them it would be difficult to teach acting, Krishna has to be felt and experienced. He needs to bless you and give you birth in his constellation. He chose me and I submitted to him.

How do you celebrate Janmashtami?

I keep a fast, pray to the Lord to help me correct my mistakes. I pray for the safety and sumati (good thoughts and wisdom) of my twin daughters.

Today, when there are fears of another World War, what would be Krishna’s advice?

Everyone has the right to live and exist in peace. If anyone tramples upon that right and if you must fight a war, so be it. This is dharma sthapna, Krishna has shown the way, we must do our duty.

You directed a TV series, Gita Rahasya. Are you planning another directorial in the future?

I’m planning a huge historical OTT series on an important era in Bharat’s history. I’m the writer and director.

Any plans of getting back to politics?

I never seek positions of power. Krishna will show me the way if he wishes.