Raj Babbar’s dialogue on nepotism almost stopped BR Chopra’s Mahabharat from airing ever

Raj Babbar, an actor from BR Chopra's popular television series Mahabharat, once expressed his discontent with the role of Yudhishthir. Despite being initially cast for the role of Krishna, Raj Babbar was later given the part of Yudhishthir, which he found challenging. He had relayed his experiences to Hindi Rush, stating that he wasn't prepared for the role and that the director Ravi Chopra had convinced him otherwise.

He emphasized that Yudhishthir was the main character in the series, and his dialogues often dominated conversations. The actor also mentioned that he had previously had limited opportunities in the industry, which is why he accepted the role of Yudhishthir. In addition to Raj Babbar's account, the article also mentioned the initial delay in the show's telecast.

Originally planned for 1984, Mahabharat did not air until October 2, 1988, due to several obstacles. A significant hurdle was a politician's objection to a dialogue by Raj Babbar, which suggested that a king's determination should be based on merit rather than birth. This objection led to a stay order, causing uncertainty about the show's premiere.

However, an overnight court hearing helped revoke the stay, allowing Mahabharat to finally air as scheduled. Despite these challenges, the show went on to become a community viewing experience during an era when televisions were still considered a luxury in many parts of India. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was one of the biggest fans of the series, often quoting Mahabharat-related dialogues in his parliamentary speeches.