'I Always Addressed Him As Pandit Rahi Masoom Raza': Puneet Issar Remembers Mentor-Writer Who Gave Mahabharat’s Duryodhan His Voice
Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza and my father (director Sudesh Issar) had collaborated on Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki , but I remember him from my audition for Rocky a year later. I was in the same batch as Sanjay Dutt and Sunny Deol at Roshan Taneja’s School of Acting. They were private students, but I partnered them during improvisation and diction classes and a camaraderie developed. On Sanjay’s…
Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza, my father Sudesh Issar's mentor and writer, played a significant role in shaping my acting career. Our professional relationship began when I auditioned for Sanjay Dutt's debut film, Rocky. Recognizing my talent for Urdu and Hindi recitation, Dr. Raza saab encouraged me to pursue acting, particularly for the role of Duryodhan in BR Chopra's mega serial, Mahabharat.
Despite initial setbacks, including an injury to Amitabh Bachchan during my debut in Coolie, my dedication and passion eventually led to a breakthrough role in Mahabharat. My performance in the show, which showcased my ability to portray complex characters, propelled my career and established me as a versatile actor. Throughout the three-year tenure of the show, I frequently visited Dr. Raza saab for inspiration and guidance.
His unwavering support and appreciation for my work made him not just a writer, but a mentor who believed in my potential. Even after his passing, I continued to hold him in high regard, acknowledging him as Pandit Rahi Masoom Raza, a true 'vidwaan' of literature and wisdom.
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