Mahabharat Fame Balram: BR Chopra’s ‘Mahabharata’ (1988) is a page in the history of Indian television, every character of which has become immortal. You must remember the powerful character of ‘Balram’, the elder brother of Lord Shri Krishna and the incarnation of Sheshnag in the show. The name of this actor who, holding a mace, calmed down even the warriors like Duryodhana and Bheem with his strong voice on screen, is Sagar Salunke. But do you know that this actor who played the role of God on screen was a very strict police officer in real life? Let us know where these actors are now after 36 years of ‘Mahabharata’ and how they are spending their days.
Very few people know that God is dressed in velvet and heavy attire. Balram Sagar Salunke, who played the role of, used to wear khaki uniform in real life and rescue criminals. Before entering the world of acting, Sagar Salunke held a highly respected position in the police department. He was Assistant Commissioner of Police i.e. ACP in Mumbai Police and was posted in the famous Santa Cruz Police Station of Mumbai.
Shooting of ‘Mahabharata’ was done with special permission
Sagar Salunke had a great passion for acting since childhood. Even amidst his busy and stressful police job, he always found time for theater and acting. When BR Chopra’s team selected him for the role of Balram in ‘Mahabharata’ after watching some of his plays, he was faced with a big challenge between job and hobby. Since he was holding a big government post, he took special permission from the government and the department and came in front of the camera as Balram.
‘Villain’ in Madhuri Dixit’s film
‘Mahabharat’ proved to be a blockbuster as soon as it came on TV and Sagar Salunkhe’s very first character made him a star overnight. As Balram, he got tremendous popularity not only in the country but also abroad. After this immense success, Sagar decided to make his hobby his full-time career. He took premature retirement (resignation) from his post in the police department.
After this he became completely active in films and TV shows. He played the role of a dreaded villain in Bollywood’s ‘Dhak Dhak Girl’ Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor’s superhit film ‘Zindagi Ek Jua’, which was liked a lot. Apart from this, he left his acting mark in dozens of Hindi films and many TV serials.
What is the condition of ‘Balram’ now after 36 years?
Today almost 36 years have passed since the telecast of ‘Mahabharata’. Many artists are no longer in this world today, while many are lost in oblivion. But Sagar Salunke is still living his life with great enthusiasm. Sagar is still active in the world of acting and whenever he gets a good role, he does not shy away from coming in front of the camera. Along with this, keeping pace with the changing digital world, he also runs his own YouTube channel and remains connected with his fans. On this channel we share unheard stories from the era of ‘Mahabharata’. His journey from being a police officer to Lord Balram and then becoming a YouTube creator really inspires everyone.
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