During the golden age of Indian television, when B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharata became a symbol of devotion and culture in every home every Sunday, its actors were no less than gods in the eyes of the common people. Among those characters, Mukesh Khanna, playing Bhishma Pitamah, received the most respect and adoration. The late Pankaj Dheer, who played Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, also became a household name. However, recently, Mukesh Khanna made a statement that has sparked a nationwide debate. He claims that Pankaj Dheer had never read the original Mahabharata and used to jokingly call him the “convent Pandava.”
A New Debate Reviving Old Memories
Mukesh Khanna is known for his tough and outspoken nature. He often shares past experiences in interviews, but this time, what he said created a stir among the audience. He explained that during the production of Mahabharata, the actors were advised to read the original Mahabharata to understand the depth of their characters. But according to him, many actors only understood it superficially.
He said, “Pankaj was a very nice person, a brilliant actor, but he had never read the original Mahabharata. I used to affectionately call him ‘Convent Pandava’ because his knowledge was mostly related to English culture and schools.”
Meaning and Background of the Term ‘Convent Pandava’
‘Convent Pandava’ may sound funny, but it contains a deep irony. Mukesh Khanna was referring to actors who play mythological characters but fail to understand their cultural and spiritual depth.
The word ‘convent’ here refers to the Western education system that remains distant from Indian texts. Mukesh Khanna argues that actors who play such historical characters should not only memorize dialogues but also imbibe the character’s emotions, philosophy, and culture.
Pankaj Dheer’s Recognition and Audience Love
It is also true that the popularity Pankaj Dheer gained as Arjun was remarkable. His face, personality, and dialogue delivery captivated audiences in an era when television was the sole entertainment medium.
People still remember his Arjuna’s vow, his style of carrying the Gandiva, and his battlefield expressions. Mukesh Khanna’s statement surprised many viewers that someone who played the role of a great warrior like Arjuna had not read the original Mahabharata.
Mukesh Khanna’s View: Enlightenment More Than Acting
Mukesh Khanna has always believed that an actor playing a mythological character is not just a performer, but a messenger.
He says, “The Mahabharata is not just a story. It is a philosophy of life. Every character in it teaches a lesson. If the actor doesn’t understand that wisdom himself, he won’t be able to convey its depth to the audience.”
He further said that some other actors, including Pankaj Dheer, only read the script, while they should have studied the original text to bring their characters’ thoughts to life.
Social Media Reaction
Mukesh Khanna’s statement sparked a debate on social media. Some people justified his point, saying that today’s actors should also study the background of their characters, while others called it an unnecessary controversy.
One user wrote, “Even if Pankaj Dheer hasn’t read the scriptures, his performance as Arjuna is still amazing.” Another said, “Mukesh Khanna has a point. Today’s actors should connect with culture, otherwise acting will become just a show.”
The Impact of B.R. Chopra’s ‘Mahabharata’
B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharata, which aired in 1988, was a milestone in the history of Indian television. Every dialogue and every scene left a deep impression on people.
Mukesh Khanna (Bhishma Pitamah), Nitish Bharadwaj (Krishna), Pankaj Dheer (Arjuna), Gofi Paintal (Shakuni), and Roopa Ganguly (Draupadi) – all of them immortalized the characters with their performances.
In such a situation, when two prominent figures of this serial question the other’s knowledge and studies, it’s natural for people to discuss it.
Mukesh Khanna’s truth or media manipulation?
It is also being said that Mukesh Khanna’s statement is not made with any negative intentions, but rather with the intention of imparting a lesson. He wants the next generation of actors to understand that mythology should be viewed not just as acting, but as a spiritual responsibility.
He clearly stated, “I’m not criticizing anyone. Pankaj was a good friend of mine. I just want to say that it’s your responsibility to understand the character you play.”
The Importance of Texts in Indian Culture
The Mahabharata is not just a story of war, but a text that explains every aspect of life. Religion, ethics, politics, love, duty—everything is contained within it.
Mukesh Khanna says that if an actor reads and understands such texts, their acting naturally becomes stronger. This is why he repeatedly advises artists to return to Indian literature and culture.
Respect for the late Pankaj Dheer
Although the controversy spread on social media, Mukesh Khanna did not show any disrespect towards Pankaj Dheer in his statement. He said that Pankaj was a true friend and a dedicated artist.
He simply wants future artists to understand the roots of their characters so that their performances are not just about acting.
Conclusion
Mukesh Khanna’s statement may seem controversial, but it holds a truth. Today’s entertainment world has progressed in glamour and technology, but the distance from the original culture is increasing.
This statement is not just a comment on Pankaj Dheer, but a message to every artist who can make their acting more meaningful by connecting with Indian tradition and mythological texts.
Perhaps this is why Bhishma Pitamah still resides in the hearts of people with the same dignity, because he not only played the role—he lived it.
