EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Renu Chopra Reveals How B.R. Chopra Made Mahabharat Despite Losing Rs 2 Lakhs Per Week
In an exclusive chat with Pinkvilla, producer Renu Chopra shared an interesting story about the making of Mahabharat, one of India’s most iconic TV shows. She revealed that while making the show, they faced a financial loss of Rs 2 lakhs per week but still continued.
The Financial Struggle Behind Mahabharat
Mahabharat, produced by B.R. Chopra and directed by his son Ravi Chopra, was a game-changer for Indian television in the late 1980s. However, Renu Chopra revealed that funding the show was not easy.
She recalled, “After the first two or three episodes, the company funding us gave Rs 6 lakh per episode. But we ended up spending Rs 7-8 lakh just for the first episode. So, Ravi went to his father and said, ‘No matter what I do, I can’t make this show within Rs 6 lakh.’”
Watch Renu Chopra’s full interview here:
B.R. Chopra’s Response
Despite the financial challenges, B.R. Chopra encouraged his son to continue. Renu shared his words, “He asked Ravi, ‘Are you happy with what you are making?’ Ravi said, ‘Yes.’ So, his father replied, ‘Then make it with all your heart. Don’t worry about the money. The money will come later.’”
She further added, “We were losing Rs 2 lakh every week while making Mahabharat. But eventually, things worked out. Today, I am here because Mahabharat gave us financial stability and much more.”
A Legendary Show
Mahabharat aired on Doordarshan from 1988 to 1990 and became a massive hit. Ravi Chopra directed the series, with Nitish Bharadwaj playing Krishna, Mukesh Khanna as Bhishma Pitamah, and Roopa Ganguly as Draupadi.
Even years later, Mahabharat remains one of India’s most celebrated TV shows.
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