Suryaputra Karn

TV shows based on mythology are an old phenomena. But the idea of blending authentic sets, captivating faces performing brilliantly and like-never-before audio-visual effects with the centuries-old mythological and classic epics is truly taking the nation by storm. Taking us back to our glorious history, these shows are gaining a loyal audience.

One such show, based on Hindu mythology, is ‘Suryaputra Karn’, which is making waves even before it has launched. The promos of the show assure to be a strong property for the channel as the story of Karna has been totally an untouched topic on television.

Before this series goes on-air on Sony Entertainment Television, we introduce you to its promising cast.

Razia Sultan turns Draupadi

After playing Razia Sultan, actress Pankhuri Awasthy will now play Draupadi in Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s 'Suryaputra Karn'. She says, “I am excited. Draupadi was a Hindu princess, while Razia was Muslim. Razia didn’t wear much make-up as opposed to my new character. I get to sport a long braid and ethnic jewellery. It’s a powerful and a challenging character. There is a lot more to Draupadi than just being married to the Pandavas.”

Aniruddh Dave's fiancée paired opposite Shaleen Bhanot: Actor Aniruddh Dave's fiancée, Shubhi Ahuja, is set to explore the mythological genre. Last seen as Manisha in 'Badii Devrani', she will soon enter Siddharth Kumar Tewary's 'Suryaputra Karn'. She wrapped up the shoot of her last show 'Badii Devrani' recently, and has commenced the shoot for Karn. Talking about her new character and the look, she says, "I play Bhanumati, the princess of Kalinga. I get married to Duryodhan (Shaleen Bhanot). I will be seen in heavy dresses and jewellery. Today, we are shooting Bhanumati's swayamvar. I have a done a cameo in Bandhan for the same production house and it's great to be associated with them again." And does she seek advise from her fiancé before taking up new roles? "I always consult him. This is my first attempt at the mythological genre and I am enjoying the experience as I like my look." Aniruddh adds, "I feel Swastik Productions is like my home. I recently re-entered their other show Yum Hai Hum. They pamper their artistes and keep them happy."

Gautam goes back to school: Gautam Rode, who has been on an acting spree with three back-to-back shows — Saraswatichandra, Mahakumbh and now Suryaputra Karn — seems to be enjoying his latest stint. Reason? He is learning chaste Hindi on the job and is spending close to 16 hours a day on the set. After shooting for 12 hours, he spends around three hours learning his dialogues and rehearsing for the next day. This is Gautam’s first mythological show and though he finds it challenging, he’s been actively learning and absorbing new things every day. It takes him close to an hour to get ready with the costume, wig, jewellery, etc. Since the dialect and dialogues are new to him and he is expected to pronounce chaste Hindi words correctly, he spends a few hours after the shoot, memorising his dialogues for the next day. Gautam says, “I feel like I am back in school. It’s a history lesson in itself and I am enjoying it a lot.”

Farnaz Shetty to play Vrushali in 'Suryaputra Karn': After romancing Ranvijay (Shivin Narang) in 'Ek Veer Ki Ardaas... Veera', actress Farnaz Shetty will now be paired opposite Gautam Rode in 'Suryaputra Karn'. This will mark the daily soap actress' debut in the mythological genre. She has bagged the coveted role of Vrushali -- Mahabharat's much revered warrior, Karna's wife -- in the show. A source from the production house informs, "Like Karn, the show has also highlighted her journey from a girl to a teenager. They develop feelings for each other as teenagers, but could never express it to each other. Karn leaves to learn archery, something that his mother doesn't approve of. To dissuade him from going to learn the art, she wants him get engaged to Vrushali, but the latter declines as she doesn't want to become a hindrance between him and his goal." Farnaz confirms, "I am blessed to have got this opportunity."

Kunal Bakshi to play Ashwathama in 'Suryaputra Karn': Talented actor Kunal Bakshi has bagged his next plump role!! The man will yet again be seen in a mythological after his stint with Colors’ 'Jai Jag Janani Durga'. Kunal will now enter Sony TV’s 'Suryaputra Karn' in the role of Ashwathama, the son of Dronacharya. Being a guru putra, Ashwathama would always be upset about not gaining the princely status. As we know, Ashwathama will go on to fight the Kurukshetra war from the side of the Kauravas. When contacted, Kunal confirmed the news stating, “Yes, I have just now returned to Mumbai after an extensive shoot schedule in Jhansi for Suryaputra Karn. Ashwathama is an interesting role, and I am looking forward to giving my best.”

Kanan Malhotra is back as Yushistir in 'Suryaputra Karn': Actor Kanan Malhotra is back on television after a year as Yudhistir in 'Suryaputra Karn'. Kanan whom we have seen in shows like 'Chand Chupa Badaal Mein', 'Geeta' is going to play the eldest Pandava in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's 'Suryaputra Karn'. When asked Kanan says,"I always used to think mythological shows are never my cup of tea as it requires a different mindset altogether. But when I got the offer this time I thought of taking it up. I felt as an actor I should take up new things and explore new avenues. The character Yudhistir has to offer a lot to an actor. Right now we are at Jhansi shooting in a treachorous climate with costume which is made of rubber and heavy jewellery. Believe me this is not easy. I feel the challenges are more in mythology and I am happy that I have taken this." Kanan also has to work on his body language a lot as he adds," As a character Yudhistir has a lot of calmness in him and also at the same time he has this pleasant smile in his face. So I am working on that line. There is a kind of stiffness which you have to maintain while acting because he is a king. In real life I am very spontaneous and like to have fun in life so on the set I can feel the contrast."

Revealed: Gautam Rode's look in Suryaputra Karn

Few days back, we reported about TV's heartthrob Gautam Rode being roped in for Sony TV's mythological series 'Suryaputra Karn'. The actor recently revealed his look on social media and we're totally loving it!

Tell us what you most like this new Karn, in the comment section below.

Anuj Sharma to enter Sony TV's 'Suryaputra Karn': Anuj Sharma has been known for his popular ‘baddie’ roles on television, in episodic stories. After playing the cunning and evil-minded roles in stories of 'Savdhan India' and 'Crime Patrol', Anuj will for the very first time don a positive avatar on TV. He is all set to enter Sony TV’s 'Suryaputra Karn' in a larger-than-life role, that of the intellectual, Vidur. Vidur is the most respected person amongst the Pandavas for his knowledge, wisdom and good attributes. The show has now been introducing the track of Hastinapur in its story line, and with it, Vidur’s entry will be shown. When contacted, Anuj confirmed the news saying, “Yes, this will be my first continuous role, as I have always concentrated on episodics. Also, this will be the first time I will play positive on screen.”

Babloo Kesto Mukherjee to enter ‘Suryaputra Karn’

Legendary comedian Kesto Mukherjee's son Babloo Kesto Mukherjee is back on television after 10 years. Babloo Kesto Mukerjee would be seen in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's show 'Suryaputra Karn' as the past of Uchhasen, Karn's supportive uncle. Talking about the show Babloo said, "When the production house offered me this role I was not sure whether I will be able to pull it off or not. But after my audition which went off pretty well Siddharth Kumar Tewary and casting director really motivated me and their faith played a big role behind my taking this up. Look wise, language wise it is so different, I have never done something like this before. I have never spoken this language on screen and Uchhasen is someone who has a supporting side towards his nephew Karn and has a huge role. Whatever I have shot I am very excited for this role."

Vrajesh Hirjee to play Shakuni in 'Suryaputra Karn'?: Talented actor Vrajesh Hirjee, ex Bigg Boss contestant, who is currently seen hosting Pro Kabaddi League (Star Sports), is in talks with Sony Entertainment Television to play an important role in 'Suryaputra Karn'. Vrajesh has been approached to play Shakuni for this mythological show. When contacted Vrajesh, he said, “Yes, I have been approached but nothing is confirmed yet. Although, I would love be part of this mytho drama.”

Aditya Redij as elder Karna:

Aditya Redij, who was last seen in ‘Na Aana Is Des Laado’, has been finalized to play the elder Karna in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's most ambitious project, 'Suryaputra Karn'. As per the reports, several actors, including Ashish Kapoor, Avinesh Rekhi and Barun Sobti were considered for this role.

Confirming the same, Aditya said, "Karna has been one of the most fascinating characters in Mahabharat. I believe that I have some characteristics of Karna, especially focus and generosity. It would be the most challenging role I have played so far".

Vishesh Bansal as younger Karna:

Child actor Vishesh Bansal will be playing the younger version of Karna in the show. Earlier, there were speculations about Darsheel Safary and Faisal Khan being considered for the role, but it was finally Vishesh who has bagged the role. Vishesh has done shows like 'Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha' and also played the young Siddhartha in 'Buddha.'

Priya Bhatija as Kunti:

TV actress Priya Bhatija, who has appeared in various TV series like ‘Kasamh Se’, ‘Chor Chor Super Chor’, ‘The buddy project’, etc., has been finalized to play Kunti – wife of King Pandu and mother of Karna. Earlier, Shubhangi Aatre was supposed to essay the role of Kunti. But it was finally bagged by Priya instead.

Sandeep Rajora as Suryadev:

After featuring as the Sun God in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's 'Mahabharat', the same producer has now roped him in to reprise the role in his next show 'Suryaputra Karn'. Sandeep will be playing the character of Suryadev for the third time. Currently, he is also seen in the same role in Abhimanyu Singh's 'Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanumaan' on Sony TV.

“I feel a strong connect with the Sun God. The first half of my name sounds like 'Sun'. I don't know if God's hand is at work here that makes producers offer me this role, but it's uncanny. While the character was just one of the many gods in the ensemble cast in 'Mahabharat' and 'Hanumaan', I am going to be more involved in my new show”, says Sandeep. (Photo: Facebook)

Mouli Ganguly as Radha:

Mouli Ganguly, who was last seen in a negative role in ‘Kya Hua Tera Vaada’, which went off air in 2013, will be back on TV with ‘Suryaputra Karn’. Mouli will be playing Karna’s foster mother Radha in the show.

“From the set to the language, everything is new for me. Radha plays an important role in Karna’s life and hence I am really happy to play such a strong character on screen. It’s a delight to work with Vishesh he is a really talented kid”, said Mouli in a statement. (Photo: Sachin Gokhale)

Riva Bubber as Priyamvada:

After featuring in several daily soaps, Riva Bubber is all set to make her debut in the mythological genre with the show. She will essay Priyamvada, Kunti's confidante.

"The production house had approached me many times over the years and finally, I am working with them on this show. It's a far cry from what I have attempted on television so far. I will have to use chaste Hindi as compared to the regular dialect that we use in daily soaps", says Riva. (Photo: Pal Pillai)

Concept of the show:

Fearless, steadfast Karn never backs down - a witty cynic teenager who hangs around with his band of boys, killing time and smartly fighting rival gangs. A natural leader, who refuses to mince his words. He is not funny but his cutting-edge sarcasm is often entertaining. He speaks less but pointed. He cares less about authority. The only authority, he bows down to is his mother Radha.

The show will go on air on Sony TV on June 29, 8:30 PM and will replace ‘Mooh Boli Shaadi’.