10. Rekha as Kunti
The symbol of motherhood looms over ‘The Mahabharata’ as an undertone through the course of the epic. Kunti, the mother of Karna, Yudhisthira, Bhima and Arjuna unknowingly becomes the cause for Draupadi being shared as a wife amongst her five sons which turns out to be a unique event in history. Also, critiqued for the decision of receiving promises from Karna which shape the result of the battle in favour of her other sons, ‘the Pandavas’. Rekha one of the finest actress ever produced by Indian cinema with a career over 5 decades is the first choice which strikes our minds for playing Kunti, and is unimaginable to watch another, such is the glory of this yesteryear actress.
9. Amitabh Bachchan as Dhritarashtra
Vyasa’s eldest son, the father of ‘the Kauravas’, the king of Hastinapur during the battle of Kurukshetra, Dhritarashtra is a mighty king born blind with the strength of one hundred thousand elephants yet strives against major challenges through the course of his life.He is forever ruffled in anger and gambling upon various emotions in order to get his deeds done.He is a complex and intriguing character with a deep philosophy revolving between his ethics to protect his kingdom and saving his helpless sons when they face the wrath of Bhima’s anger for the injustice served. It’s exciting to imagine the most powerful king clad with blindness and the deep baritone voice of Amitabh Bachchan.This legend of Indian cinema would be a treat to watch and surely help us understand the nuances of Dhritarashtra better.
8. Nandita Das as Draupadi
‘The Palace of Illusions’ by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni dwells through ‘the Mahabharata’ as a Draupadi narrative leading to an exciting take on the entire plot, a must read for ones seeking a new perspective on the epic. Draupadi is one of India’s most intense woman characters with an intricately woven set of characteristics amongst her outlandish situations such as sharing five husbands to being the prize on a dice game to being disrobed and gloriously protected by her ever loyal friend, philosopher and guide, Krishna. Deepa Mehta’s leading lady in the internationally acclaimed ‘Fire’ and ‘Earth’, Nandita Das is a phenomenal actress whom we believe will truly radiate the inner fire and spirit of Draupadi on the silver screen.
7. Shah Rukh Khan as Arjuna
Ancient India is known for it’s rich history of kingdoms and warriors amongst whom Arjuna is celebrated as the greatest warrior of all time. The son of Indra and the 3rd of the Pandavas, he is acclaimed to be the best Archer in ‘the Mahabharata’, a favourite of Drona and the hero of the ever popular ‘Swayamvar’ where he wins Draupadi by piercing the eye of a fish by just looking at it’s reflection. Is there a more charming protagonist than Shah Rukh Khan who can win over Draupadi at the ‘Swayamvar’ or refuse to fight his loved ones at the battle? King Khan is an automatic choice to play this enticing skilled prince and make us fall In love with Arjuna all over again.
6. Salman Khan as Bhima
The mighty warrior, the big-hearted human, the food loving giant Bhima, the son of Vayu and Kunti, is the most powerful force on the battleground of the Kurukshetra. With acclaimed strength of a ten thousand elephants, Bhima was responsible for slaying each of the 100 Kauravas. His wrath and mastery in using the mace led to the massacring of the heinous Dushasana, and on the 18th day of the battle, he killed the mighty Duryodhana with an unethical move to win the battle for the Pandavas. The ‘Sultan’ star Salman Khan known for his physique and valued entertainment quotient is an ideal candidate for the transformation of a fun prankster to a rampaging warrior ravaging the Kauravas for their wrong-doings.
