11 Mahabharat Characters With Their Reel And Real Life Avatars You Have Never Seen Before

The 2013-2014 TV series ‘Mahabharat’ recreated one the greatest epics of all time. Receiving both critical acclaim and commercial profit, this TV series was also a fresh variant of the 1988-1990 TV series by the same name. Its popularity is evident by the fact that it was dubbed into six further regional languages and its premiere was seen by a whopping 8.4 million people. All of its 267 episodes kept the audience hooked, even when they knew what the outcome of the series was. The entire cast became famous, and for most of them, this series became the most successful project of their career. But audiences have always wondered about their life outside the show. So, here we are presenting Mahabharat Characters & Their Real Life Avatars.

1. Draupadi – A Miss India Hopeful

Reel

Real

25 year old actor and model Pooja Sharma, before getting under the skin of Draupadi was a finalist at the 2006 Miss India pageant, where she placed among the top10. While shooting for Mahabharat, she had a near to death experience when her wardrobe caught fire, but soon she was brought to safety before she could get harmed.

2. Bheem – Spotted On A Social Networking Site

Reel

Real

Bheem is the epitome of strength in Hindu mythology and he was played by small town boy from Madhya Pradesh, Saurav Gurjar. This former wrestler was spotted by the makers at a social networking site. He was first seen as a participant in the 2012 reality TV series ‘Ring Ka King’ where he went by the stage name of ‘Deadly Danda’. Saurabh, who was new to camera before filming Mahabharat, was unsure if he could pull it off, but eventually tried it on his friends’ persistence.

3. Arjuna – The Next Big Thing In Indonesia

Reel

Real

31 year old actor Shaheer Sheikh was casted in one of the most pivotal role of the series – Arjuna. The former lawyer’s portrayal of Arjuna became so popular in Indonesia that it even sparked a reality show there, ‘Panah Asmara’ Arjuna (Arjuna’s Arrow of Love) featuring him.

4. Nakula – Namesake After Vin Diesel

Reel

Real

Delhi boy Vin Rana, who debuted with this series portrayed Nakul in it. He changed his name from Vinay to Vin since he is a huge fan of actor Vin Diesel. This model and actor worked as a service engineer at a tender age of 16. Currently, he is dating Indonesian beauty queen Nita Sofiani. Besides, he is a fitness freak and a family man.

5. Sahadeva – Twice Casted

Reel

Real

What makes Lavanya Bhardwaj stand out from the rest of the cast is the fact that he is the only actor among the entire cast who played the same role earlier in a different series. He played Sahadeva in this series as well as in the 2008 TV series ‘Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki’.

6. Bhishma – The Dhoom Gang Member

Reel

Real

Think you know Arav Chowdhury who played Bhishma? Most people remember him from playing the old righteous father figure in the series, but this Hollywood Film Institute graduate got his first major break by playing one of the gang members of con artist thieves led by John Abraham in the 2004 movie ‘Dhoom’.

7. Duryodhan – Grooving With His Wife

Reel

Real

Playing the primary antagonist of a series is no meant it. And Arpit Ranka knows how it feels when the entire loves to hate him for what he does on screen. This model turned actor, who is known for his greatly shaped body caught attention when he participated in Gladrags Male Model of the Year. In 2015, he participated in the seventh season of ‘Nach Baliye’ along with wife Nidhi Ranka, where they finished in 10th place out of 13 couples.

8. Shakuni – The Mechanical Engineer Who Worked In Wipro

Reel

Real

Playing one of the most notorious characters of the show was Praneet Bhat. This 34 year old model and actor’s portrayal of Shakuni became one of the highlights of the series. In real life, Praneet is a mechanical engineer turned actor. He also has worked in the multi-national company Wipro for a while. Soon following his stint in Mahabharat, he became one of the 19 housemates in the eighth season of ‘Bigg Boss’, where he lasted for 91 days and finished in 9th place.

9. Karna – The Sexiest Asian Man

Reel

Real

Yes, you hear us! Aham Sharma, who played Karna in the series was placed at 27th position in the list of 50 Sexiest Asian Male List 2014. But he is much more than what pleases our eyes. The character of Karna, which was one of the last to be cast was bagged by this 25 year old engineer.

10. Ashwatthama – A Former Roadie

Reel

Real

Delhi boy Ankit Mohan who was seen as Ashwatthama, first found fame in 2006 during the fourth season of ‘MTV Roadies’, where he was one of the 13 contestants chosen. He finished in 12th position. In 2011, he starred alongside Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor in the film ‘Mausam’, where he was selected out of 800 applicants.

11. Amba – Failing At Finding A Husband On Reality TV

Reel

Real

Portrayed by 28 year old Ratan Rajput, this damsel has had her share of reality TV. In 2011, she starred in her self-titled reality show ‘Ratan Ka Rishta’ to find herself a suitable life partner. Although at the end of show, she got engaged to the winner, Abhinav Sharma, but presently their relationship is no more. In 2013, she was one 20 housemates in the seventh season of ‘Bigg Boss’, where she lasted for 28 days and finished in 17th place.

13 Indian Women Who Would Kick Ass As A Bond Girl

Over 53 years, 24 movies and 74 Bond girls, but still we haven’t had an Indian Bond girl yet. Bond girl have become over the years a cultural icon. They have proved that their worth is way more than just being an eye candy. They are a lethal combination of brawn, brain and beauty. In fact, in most of the films, they have been the game changers. They can be the saviour of Bond’s life as well as can be vicious enough to kill Bond without giving a second thought. While we have had A-list actors like Ursula Andres, Honor Blackman, Maud Adams, Halle Berry, Denise Richards, Eva Green giving us great versions of Bond girls in the past with Monica Bellucci biting the dust in the recent one, we wonder which of our Indian women can be bad-ass as a Bond girl. And aren’t we spoilt for choices! The wish list starts now.

1. Shilpa Shetty

When it comes to the best body in Bollywood, Shilpa Shetty has held that title for decades now. We all saw this sassy tinsel town woman kicking ass in ‘Dus’ and we knew she had a kick-ass career in action movies. And, Miss Shetty also has more fans in the UK than any of the other actors in Bollywood after her ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ win. There’s no doubt that this sexy mama would get under the skin of a Bond girl effortlessly, and we can’t wait for that.

2. Rekha

Well, this list wouldn’t be quite a list without including the original diva who started it all. Remember ‘Khoon Bhari Maang’. That was in the 80s. Bollywood never did see a kick-ass leading lady before. And then in the 90s, she came as ‘Madam Maya’ in ‘Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi’. Both the characters have been iconic enough to ensure that she makes it into the list. The fact that Rekha is so easy on the eyes and she exudes sensuousness from every way is appealing to a 65 year old man to an 18 year old lad. Now, she would make for a Bond girl from whom even Mr. Bond might need some protection!

3. Mandira Bedi

This woman has done it all – acting, modelling, fashion designing, television presenting, hosting cricket tournaments and what not. But it’s not her versatility which has landed her here. In the 90s TV show ‘Shanti’, she showed how feisty she can be and man she did kick some ass in that. With the new millennium, Mandira gave cricket a makeover like never before. She alone became responsible for many non-sports fan to watch the game. She was making more buzz than the cricketers themselves for all the good reasons. Her panache, command and fashion is what separates her from any other woman in the entertainment industry. And, recently she again proved how bad-ass she can be when she essayed the role of ‘Nikita Rai’ in ‘24’. Action, desirability and intelligence, this woman has all the traits of a Bond girl. What else do we need!

4. Priyanka Chopra

Now, we all have seen Miss World 2000 Priyanka Chopra getting into action mode in ‘Don’, ‘Don 2’ and ‘Drona’ and in her latest TV venture ‘Quantico’. But it’s not only about that. In ‘Aitraaz’, she proved how lethal can she be, while playing a woman who would go to all means to get what she wants. She would be sultry, humorous and bad-ass. And who can forget her strutting down the runway in ‘Fashion’ and running the beach in a golden bikini in ‘Dostana’.

5. Shweta Salve

TV actor Shweta Salve fittingly suits the sultry sassy diva role. She has the ability to be pleasing to both men and women without trying hard to be sensuous. Her portrayal of a spy in disguise in ‘Left Right Left’ is still one of the most famous characters in recent Indian TV history. Now, we are sure she wouldn’t be disappointing us when it comes to con James Bond.

6. Deepika Padukone

Miss long legs makes sure whenever she walks the red carpet, it is only she who would steal the limelight. Despite being exposed to only commercial ventures, Miss Padukone has proved her acting abilities and has been the saving grace for movies with bad cast and terrible plots. A former model and badminton player, she surely knows how to be glamorous and versatile. Who wouldn’t love to see her getting down from a chopper to save Bon’s life? That’s a sight which is too hard to ignore.

7. Nimrat Kaur

Now, this might come as a surprise to many people. But, before you get your assumptions, just consider this. She is one of the most versatile actors that we have now in our country. Her portrayal of a housewife in the BAFTA nominated movie ‘The Lunchbox’ was equally as convincing as her portrayal of an ISI agent in the TV series ‘Homeland’. Now, that’s a range of variety very hard to execute. We are sure that when it comes to playing a Bond girl, she would add layers to the character like no one before.

8. Chitrangada Singh

Considered by many as the most sensuous women in Indian film industry. Chitrangada Singh is much more than what pleases our eyes. This 38 year old mother can give most twenty year old a run for her money when it comes to be appealing and seductive, without being sleazy. A muse of many painters, she is a powerhouse of acting, which she has proved in ‘Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi’, ‘Sorry Bhai’, ‘Yeh Sali Zindagi and ‘Inkaar’. Now, if there is one women who can make Bond go weak in his knees, it is this woman.

9. Parvathy Omnakuttan

The 2008 Miss India is undoubtedly one of the underrated beauty queens we have in our country today. The sassy diva strutted her way to being the first runner-up in the Miss World 2008 competition, where many felt that she was robbed of the title of winning. After that, her Bollywood debut has not been too impressive. But despite that, what made me put her on the list is the fact that I still feel she has not been nurtured with a proper platform when it comes to film. When it comes to action, this tall beauty would be able to pull it off than most of her contemporary competitors and when it comes to being tempting, she would get brownie points just by strutting a walk. She is far from a damsel in distress. In fact, she would be the kind of Bond girl, who would be responsible for getting into the driver’s seat and getting into hand-to-hand combats.

10. Jesse Randhawa

It’s not only the pixie hair resemblance to Halle Berry, but supermodel Jesse Randhawa would be one 0f a kind Bond girl, which differentiates her form everyone on this list. She would be the tough cookie Bond girl who would always chose mind over heart, who would not need a man to keep herself save and one who would take charge of her actions – the kind of Bond girl, who at the end of the movie garners more fan following and success than Bond himself, much like Halle Berry did in ‘Die Another Day’.

11. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Not only she is the one of the most well-known Indian actors internationally, but her beauty has allured people around the globe for more than two decades now. From being a glamorous star to an acting powerhouse, Rai commands more attention than anyone else in a movie. And we did see her getting into stunt mode in ‘Doom 2’. The 1994 Miss world would be the quintessential Bond girl, who is gorgeous, smart and lethal. There’s no doubt that this drop dead diva would be one of the most iconic Bond girls we have ever seen on screen.

12. Sagarika Ghatge

Many might still consider her a rookie among the powerhouse in this list, but Sagarika Ghatge made sure that she gets noticed from her debut film ‘Chak De India’, a film simultaneously saw the debut of 15 other women. She would be the Bond girl who would take no nonsense from anyone. She has the looks, she has the attitude and she undoubtedly has the x-factor that we look in a Bond girl.

13. Lara Dutta

Source

Miss Universe 200 Lara Dutta has all the check-boxes corrected when it comes to be a Bond girl. She can pull off the action role better than anyone else in Bollywood, she is sultry, and can use her beauty and brain to its fullest. She would be the kind of Bond girl who would demand equal command like her male counterpart and would play equal role in completing a mission. And, her androgynous looks would only add dimensions to her character. A complete bad-ass, she would make sure that the word heroine is defined when she plays the character. A heroine who inspires people. And Lara might just be the next perfect Bond girl we are looking for.

10 Great Reasons To Not Get Married – Shove It Into Those Who Object Your Choice

We live in a society where marriage is as equivalent as education, employment or healthcare. To not get married is still unconventional and unwise according to many. Anyone who chooses to not get married is either seen as bohemian or lunatic or even gay and diseased. So, here’s presenting 10 reasons for all those who don’t want to get married and couldn’t find a reason to validate their choice. Now you can pull up these 10 reasons and shove it into those who object your choice.

1. To Avoid In-Laws

Well, because we have been taught that you don’t marry one person. You also marry his/her mother, father, brother, sister, grandparents, uncle, aunt, pet, and what not!

2. To Move Away From Unnecessary Adjustments

When you are married, you do need to adjust your routine, tasks, work, leisure time, eating habits, among others according to your spouse. So save yourself the trouble.

3. You Don’t Need A Spouse To Complete Your Life

To everyone who says that life is incomplete without marriage, clearly have not seen enough life!

4. To Not Be Answerable To Anyone For Enjoying Life

Hell yeah!

5. To Not Share Your Savings With Someone Else

That just makes sense!

6. To Make Independent Career Choices

Talk to any married couple and ask them how many times they have left their job of their dream because the company couldn’t afford for the family to stay abroad, or how many times they didn’t pursue their dream job because their spouse and in-laws didn’t approve of it.

7. You Can Be Single And Be Happily Ever After

Imagine yourself being independent, without any shackles. Life isn’t that bad being a single!

8. To Not Confirm To Patriarchal Rules

What many don’t realise is marriage is an effective tool created by patriarchy to keep men and women in their positions. The concept of blood flowing in one direction, women leaving their family to live with her in-laws, arranged marriage, gender roles after marriage, men acting as the provider and women acting as housewives in itself are agendas by patriarchy. The essence of heteronormativity prevails in marriage.

9. Being In Love Doesn’t Have To End Up In Marriage

Source

To not marry doesn’t mean that you can’t fall in love. But to think that your love is successful only if you marry that person is just plain wrong. Love is in the time and feeling that you share for that person.

10. You Get To Be “You” Rather Than Being “We”

Source

Mostly what we hear from married couples are that they lose their individuality after marriage. And who wants to lose himself or herself. After all, your relationship with yourself is the only thing that you are sure is not untrue!

15 Common Indians Who Never Gave Up And Are Living Their Dreams Right Now – Inspiring Heroes

Believe in yourself a little more!

When you switch on the television, your face is either smacked with horrible news or celebrities doing celebrity things. In the end you feel miserable of living in your country at a time that you think doesn’t provide enough opportunities to excel. That’s a lie that holds you back. Don’t believe me? Read the article.

1. Nl Beno Zephine

NL Beno Zephine is India’s first 100 percent visually impaired Indian Foreign Services (IFS) officer. She is 25-years-old, blind since birth and has got a Masters degree in English. Although not enough materials are available in Braille, her parents read to her for long hours to prepare for the UPSC (2013-14) exam. Beno ranked 343th.

2. Raja Mahendra Pratap

This is Raja Mahendra Pratap. At the age of 5 due to a horrible incident his hands and legs had to be severed from ankles and knees. After his mishap, Pratap had to stay at home for 10 long years in order to recover. None-the-less Pratap vowed to live a normal life. And succeeded in doing just that.

Pratap is an MBA grad, works as a Finance and Accounts Officer at ONGC, Ahmedabad and probably earns more than I do.

3. Akkai Padmashali

Akkai Padmashali was 12 when she decided to commit suicide. Today she lives a decent life and fights for transgender rights and justice.

After struggling with her gender identity, Padmashali finally took a leap forward but her family rejected her for what she was. Following 4 years of slaving in the sex industry, she told herself enough is enough and launched a battle for recognition and respect. In October 2014 she was invited in Tokyo by the International Bar Association to speak about the legal rights of sexual minorities. Padmashali was also invited by the President of Indian to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Justice of India.

4. Dashrath Manjhi

Dashrath Manjhi is an ordinary man who lost his wife – the love of his life because a mountain stood between her and the hospital. Following his great loss he made sure that other people reach the doctor in time. Manjhi broke the mountain into two. He used a hammer, a chisel and crowbars to carve a path in-between  the mountain. by splitting the mountain into half. It took him 22 years to do it.

5. Poonam Shroti

Poonam Shroti is an educated and talented short heighted woman who had been declined employment by many companies. Ultimately one smart employer hired her and with some liberties she worked for them for 6 years. Unsatisfied with what she was doing, Poonam understood her urge and founded Uddip Social Welfare Society. Today, this MBA grad is breathing life into many individuals like her as their role model and living her dream of creating a giant stature of herself.

6. Roshni Bairwa

At the age of 14, Roshni Bairwa refused to become a child bride and started a crusade that has saved many young girls from becoming child brides in her village and beyond. Her fight against regressive traditions has earned her many enemies but she’s made friends too who are now helping her in her endeavours. Roshni is completing her BA and wishes to continue reforming lives by becoming a teacher.

7. Alka Dhupkar

Akla Dhupkar suffers from psycho-somatic skin disease that caused rashes all over her skin but that didn’t stop her from becoming a news anchor at a TV channel.

She suffered a lot (obviously) but instead of ducking her head into the sand she dealt with the problem head-on. And for people who ask her how, with such skin problems, she’ll manage to get a husband, Akla tells them she reads a lot and has gone through enough sh*t to understand that one doesn’t need to be married to feel fulfilled or happy.

8. Chikkarangappa S

At a tender age Chikkarangappa S a farmer’s boy joined the Golf Resort as a worker but was so fascinated by the game that he began practising with a tree branch. It so happened that one day he got noticed by a certain coach and as they say the rest is history. Chikkarangappa won his first trophy at the age of 11 and is one of India’s rising golf stars.

9. Sashank Vaibhav Allu

For Sashank Vaibhav Allu just when life was going perfect, he fell off his balcony and sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralysed neck down. But then slowly, owing to strong support and medication, he recovered. And now he’s following his great dream of pursuing a Master degree in Robotic. In fact the LAST I heard he had already qualified for the MS program at Purdue University, U.S.A. Writing for the exams and daily scribbling of notes is a heavy task but Sashank’s up for any challenge. Following his Masters he wished to enrol for a Ph.D. program.

10. Sanjukta Parashar

Sanjukta Parashar is one courageous IPS officer posted in Assam. She ranked 85th in UPSC exam, has got a Ph.D from Jawaharlal University and is mother of a 2 year old.  This ‘iron lady’ didn’t let any anything hinder her life’s choices, no matter how dangerous they are and is managing quiet well with it. Besides kicking ass of Bodo militants, Parashar also spends time in relief camps.

11. Anand Kumar

Anand Kumar was born in a poor family who couldn’t afford to send him to a private school. Nevertheless, Anand developed his love for Mathematics and secured admission into Cambridge University. But due to his father’s untimely death and poor financial health, he couldn’t pursue his passion. After toiling helplessly for years, Anand founded his own institute, the Ramanujan School of Mathematics (RSM).

His famous ‘Super 30’ programme in Patna, Bihar provides coaching to economically backward students for IIT-JEE.  In past, Anand had been invited by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University to speak on his struggle and success.

12. Sandeep Maheshwari

Sandeep Maheshwari was a college dropout freelance photographer who failed and failed and kept failing until he succeeded. The story goes that in the early 2000s he started his own company with a couple of friends which went down the gutter in just 6 months. Next he founded a consulting firm which was an utter failure too. What is Sandeep doing now? Managing a website called ImagesBazaar that has 10 Crore turnouts per year. Don’t forget to check out his official website for motivational stuffs.

The following video is from the ‘LAST Life-Changing Seminar’ where  Sandeep shares his struggles and failed dreams. He tells us how he had refused to give-in and instead made a point to learn from every mistake, until eventually he found success.

 

13. Prem Ganapathy

Prem Ganapathy, born in a poor family, came to Mumbai, was deceived and left penniless. Being a passionate cook he started a tiny food shop named ‘Prem Sagar Dosa Plaza’ where served Dosas and Idlis to college students. He experimented with cooking and introduced more than 105 different items Dosa. Today, Dosa Plaza has 45 outlets in India and 10 overseas. Dosa Plaza’s estimated worth is Rs. 30 Crores.

14. Pi Sangkhumi

Having witnessed the miserable lives of Mizoram’s women, Pi Sangkhumi raged a lifelong war against archaic laws, illiteracy and century’s old defamatory customs. In 2014, the State Law Commission finally reviewed The Mizo Marriage Bill, 2013, The Mizo Inheritance Bill, 2013, and The Mizo Divorce Bill, 2013. And following four decades of heart-melting struggle 60-years-old Pi Sangkhumi can finally see the lives of Mizo women getting reforming for good.

15. Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Source

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a Bollywood actor who had been living on rejections, not because he couldn’t act but because he was dark skinned, short and not a teen-favourite chocolate boy type. None-the-less he made it into B-town’s most honourable list. Today he has earned both popular as well as critical accolades and was even noted with praise by esteemed film critic Roger Ebert.