Chanakya

The primary entertainment channel during the early 1990s was Doordarshan. Some of the TV serials on it have retained their impact even after so many years. One of those was "Chanakya".

Directed by Dr Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, who also played the pivotal role of Chanakya (referred to as Vishnugupt), the series was aired on DD1 channel every Sunday morning. As a kid, I could barely fathom the plot or understand the dialogues, but the one thing that I starkly remember was the cold, unblinking stare of Chanakya.

It is only now, when I am re-watching the series on DVD with my parents, do I understand what a solid gem of a serial it was. Dr Dwivedi spent 9 years researching about the period. He took utmost care that the series depicted the true culture and lifestyle of people living in the Maurya empire. This was the first independent project for the art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai, and he delivered an authentic experience, in the process winning multiple awards for art direction.

The key highlights of the series are its rich dialogues and the stellar role played by Dr Dwivedi. It is amazing how many of the dialogues are still -- and in fact, particularly -- relevant to today's times. Dr Dwivedi’s performance really brought the character to life, and now it's impossible for me to think of Chanakya as anyone other than as portrayed by him.

Story of Chanakya is a testament to how a single person, through sheer determination, hard work and strength of his character can topple a mighty but arrogant emperor and change the course of history. It also makes you wonder how many Chandra Gupts are out there awaiting to be mentored by another Chanakya.