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Shaheer Sheikh opened up about the internal journey of portraying the legendary Arjun during a recent roundtable discussion celebrating the 10th anniversary of Mahabharat.
Shaheer Sheikh was last seen in Do Paati. (Photo Credit: X)
Shaheer Sheikh is known for several hit television shows such as Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, Woh Toh Hai Albelaa and Best of Luck Nikki. However, the mythological series Mahabharat became a turning point in his career. Shaheer’s portrayal of Arjun struck a chord with fans, making him a household name. Fans associate him with the legendary warrior even a decade later, making it a testament to his unforgettable performance. While he managed to ace his part, Shaheer’s creative journey in taking up Arjun’s role was not devoid of pressure. The actor even admitted to locking himself in the bathroom after getting overwhelmed.
Shaheer Sheikh opened up about the internal journey of portraying the legendary Arjun during a recent roundtable discussion celebrating the 10th anniversary of Mahabharat. Reflecting on the pressure of bringing such an iconic character to life, Shaheer noted that the responsibility of portraying a character like Arjun, someone people know, admire, and respect, was overwhelming. “It wasn’t just about acting, it was about becoming the essence of a hero who represents strength, honour, and devotion”, Shaheer said.
Overwhelmed by the ‘heavy expectations’, Shaheer revealed he locked himself in the bathroom on the show’s launch as tears started rolling down his eyes. “The emotions were just too much- fear, hope, and the pressure to live up to what Arjun means to everyone.”
Shaheer’s emotional breakdown made Siddharth Kumar Tewary, the creator and producer of Mahabharat step up and support him in his moment of doubt. The producer recalled, “I went to him, hugged him and assured him were in this together. It was our shared journey, a collective responsibility, and I reminded him that he wasn’t alone in this.”
In 2013, Mahabharat became the number 1 show based on TRP ratings. The show had a huge fan following abroad, and in 2014 the cast was invited to hold a fan meeting tour in Jakarta and Bali. Apart from Shaheer, the show featured Saurabh Raj Jain as Krishna, Aham Sharma as Karna, Arpit Rankha as Duryodhan and Pooja Sharma as Draupadi.
