The film ‘Chhava’, starring Vicky Kaushal, has been making waves, showcasing the life story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje, the son of the great Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The movie also features Aurangzeb, played by Akshay Khanna, and has sparked controversy in recent days. Politician Abu Azmi’s praise for Aurangzeb has reignited the debate surrounding the Mughal emperor. If we take a trip down memory lane to the late 1980s, we can recall a different portrayal of Aurangzeb and Shivaji.
Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal’s ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’, a historical drama series, was released in 1988, based on Jawaharlal Nehru’s book ‘The Discovery of India’ (1946). The series, which explores 5,000 years of Indian history, was telecast on Doordarshan until 1989. The show’s 35th and 36th episodes focus on Aurangzeb, while the next two episodes are dedicated to Shivaji. In the introduction scene, Om Puri, who plays Aurangzeb, is shown in a conversation with the mother of Qutub-ul-Mulk, the ruler of Golconda, where he makes a brutal demand of 1 crore rupees.
The scene then shifts to Shivaji, played by Naseeruddin Shah, who faces off against Aurangzeb. The powerful performance of these two acting legends showcases their on-screen chemistry and brings to life the iconic characters. The episode is a testament to the talent of Naseeruddin and Om Puri, and their portrayal of the historical figures has left a lasting impact on Indian cinema.
Users have been sharing their reactions to the episode, with one commenting, ‘An actor from the Muslim community played Shivaji, while a Hindu actor played Aurangzeb. Bollywood was truly secular.’ Another user praised Dara Shikoh, saying, ‘He was a great human being who believed in humanity and secularism.’ All 53 episodes of the series are available for free on YouTube, allowing viewers to experience the epic historical drama.
As the debate surrounding Aurangzeb continues, it’s interesting to revisit the different portrayals of historical figures in Indian cinema. The contrast between the 1988 series and the current film highlights the evolving nature of storytelling and the various perspectives on historical events. With the rise of social media, these conversations have become more accessible, and audiences can now engage with different viewpoints and interpretations of history. The enduring legacy of ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’ and its impact on Indian cinema serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the past.