The Mahabharat, one of India’s greatest epics, has been told and retold through various mediums for centuries. However, for millions of Indians, the definitive visual representation of this epic is B.R. Chopra’s 1988 television series. At the heart of this saga is the character of Lord Krishna, the divine strategist, philosopher, and guide. The actor who portrayed him left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the nation. This 2026 guide answers the question of who played Krishna in Mahabharat and explores the legacy of this iconic role.
Quick Answer
The iconic role of Lord Krishna in B.R. Chopra’s 1988 television series ‘Mahabharat’ was played by the actor Nitish Bharadwaj. His portrayal, with his serene smile and profound dialogue delivery, became synonymous with the deity for an entire generation of Indians and is considered the most memorable depiction of Krishna on screen.
The Man Behind the Iconic Smile: Nitish Bharadwaj
When B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat first aired on Doordarshan, it became a national phenomenon. Streets would become empty on Sunday mornings as families gathered around their television sets. While the entire cast was praised for their performances, it was Nitish Bharadwaj’s portrayal of Krishna that became the soul of the show. At the young age of 23, Bharadwaj, who was initially cast for other roles, was chosen by B.R. Chopra to play the central figure of Krishna. His calm demeanor, enigmatic smile, and the wisdom in his eyes made people believe they were watching the deity himself. He perfectly captured the multifaceted personality of Krishna—the playful friend, the wise philosopher, and the divine charioteer guiding Arjuna through his moral crisis.
Why Nitish Bharadwaj’s Portrayal Became So Iconic
Several factors contributed to the monumental success and lasting impact of his performance.
- The Perfect Persona: Bharadwaj’s youthful face, combined with his expressive eyes and a perpetually calm and knowing smile, created a visually perfect and divine image of Krishna.
- Mastery of Language: The dialogues of Mahabharat, written in profound Hindi, were a key feature of the show. Bharadwaj’s clear diction and masterful delivery of complex philosophical verses from the Bhagavad Gita made them accessible and impactful for a mass audience.
- Capturing the Divine and the Human: He skillfully balanced the divine aspects of Krishna with his very human interactions. He was a god, but also a friend to the Pandavas, a nephew to Kunti, and a beloved figure to the people of Dwarka. This relatability made the character deeply endearing.
- The Cultural Impact: For many Indians in the late 80s and 90s, this was their first visual introduction to the epic on such a grand scale. Nitish Bharadwaj’s face became so synonymous with Krishna that people would touch his feet in public, seeing him as a real embodiment of the deity.
Was Nitish Bharadwaj the first choice for the role?
No, surprisingly, he was not. The makers, including B.R. Chopra, went through numerous screen tests with other actors. Nitish Bharadwaj himself was initially considered for the roles of Vidura and Nakula. However, B.R. Chopra ultimately saw the divine spark and the required enigmatic smile in Bharadwaj and convinced him to take on the monumental role of Krishna.
Other Notable Actors Who Played Krishna
While Nitish Bharadwaj’s portrayal is the most famous, the character of Krishna has been played by several other talented actors in different adaptations of the epic.
Saurabh Raj Jain (Mahabharat, 2013)
In the 2013 Star Plus version of Mahabharat, Saurabh Raj Jain took on the role of Krishna. His portrayal was also widely appreciated. He brought a calm, composed, and more contemporary feel to the character, appealing to a younger generation of viewers. His version is often seen as the most popular after Nitish Bharadwaj’s.
Sarvadaman D. Banerjee (Krishna, 1993)
In Ramanand Sagar’s 1993 series ‘Krishna’, Sarvadaman D. Banerjee played the lead role. This series focused more on the life story (leelas) of Krishna, from his birth to his reign in Dwarka. Banerjee’s portrayal was serene and god-like, and he too became a household face associated with the deity.
Comparison of Iconic Krishna Portrayals
| Actor | TV Series / Film | Year | Key Aspect of Portrayal |
| Nitish Bharadwaj | Mahabharat | 1988 | Iconic, divine smile, masterful dialogue delivery, became the definitive face of Krishna. |
| Saurabh Raj Jain | Mahabharat | 2013 | Calm, composed, modern interpretation, very popular with the youth. |
| Sarvadaman D. Banerjee | Krishna | 1993 | Serene, focused on the life and leelas of Krishna, widely respected portrayal. |
| N. T. Rama Rao (NTR) | Various Telugu Films | 1950s-70s | Legendary in Telugu cinema, he played Krishna in over 17 films, defining the role for an entire region. |
The role of Krishna is central to understanding the epic, much like understanding the stories from the Ramayana requires an appreciation for the character of Rama. In Mahabharat, it is Krishna’s guidance that steers the narrative.
Mistakes and Misconceptions about the Role
- Thinking It’s Just About a Smile: While the smile was iconic, the role required immense depth. The actor had to convey complex emotions and philosophical ideas, often with just a look. The ‘Geeta Saar’ (summary of the Gita) sequence is a testament to this.
- Underestimating the Research: Actors like Nitish Bharadwaj and Saurabh Raj Jain have spoken extensively about the amount of reading and research they did to understand the character’s nuances and philosophy before portraying him.
- Confining Krishna to a Single Image: The epic shows Krishna in many forms—a prankster, a lover, a warrior, a king, a diplomat, and a philosopher. A successful portrayal requires capturing this wide spectrum of personality traits.
Conclusion
For a generation of Indians, the question “Who played Krishna in Mahabharat?” has only one answer: Nitish Bharadwaj. His performance in the 1988 series was a defining moment in Indian television history, creating a benchmark that remains unparalleled. While other actors have since portrayed the role with great skill and have been loved by audiences, Nitish Bharadawati’s Krishna continues to hold a special place in the hearts of the people. His portrayal was not just acting; it was an embodiment of a divine ideal that continues to inspire and guide people even in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nitish Bharadwaj doing now?
After Mahabharat, Nitish Bharadwaj has had a diverse career. He has worked in films and television, both as an actor and a director. He also had a stint in politics, serving as a Member of Parliament. He remains active in the entertainment industry and is often invited to speak about his experiences playing Krishna.
Why was the 1988 Mahabharat so popular?
The series was popular due to its grand scale (for its time), a powerful script by Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza, strong performances from the entire ensemble cast, and its airing on the national broadcaster Doordarshan, which gave it unparalleled reach across the entire country.
Did the actors who played mythological roles get typecast?
Yes, many actors who played major roles in Mahabharat and Ramayan found it difficult to break away from their divine on-screen images. For actors like Arun Govil (Ram), Deepika Chikhalia (Sita), and Nitish Bharadwaj (Krishna), the public often continued to see them as the characters they played for many years.
Are there any new Mahabharat adaptations planned?
The Mahabharat is a timeless epic, and new adaptations are frequently planned for film and television. Several high-profile filmmakers have announced their intentions to create a large-scale cinematic version, keeping the epic relevant for new generations.
Where can I watch the 1988 Mahabharat series?
The entire 94-episode series of B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat is available for streaming on various online platforms like YouTube and other OTT services, allowing new audiences to experience this classic television show.