The Mahabharat special episode on The Kapil Sharma Show has triggered off a Mahabharat of its own among its cast. Recently, Nitish Bharadwaj, Gajendra Chauhan, Arjun, Gufi Paintal and Puneet Issar, who were a part of the mythological, came together for a special episode of the comedy show. Mukesh Khanna stirred up a hornet’s nest when he commented on the quality of Kapil’s show and why he chose to not be a part of the reunion on it. In turn, Gajendra said it was a case of sour grapes for Mukesh because he was not invited on the show. He also referred to him as a “flop actor”, who does not have a PhD in Mahabharat.

This has not gone down well with the rest of the Mahabharat team. Nitish Bharadwaj, who played Krishna, expressed his unhappiness over the turn of events in an exclusive chat with BT. He said, “Five of us, who comprise the top cast of the show, are extremely unhappy with what is going on between Mukesh Khanna and Gajendra Chauhan. Firstly, I feel that every person is entitled to his or her views. If Mukesh had a view on Kapil Sharma’s show, it is his view, and if anyone has the right to react, then it should be Kapil and his team. Why is Gajendra talking on Kapil’s behalf or defending his show?”

He further added, “It is Mukesh’s view or choice why he did not want to be a part of the show. There was no need to belittle him or deride him and indulge in personal slander. Mukesh’s role as Bhishma Pitamah has surpassed all his other roles, and he played it to perfection.”

The actor finds this war-of-words between his co-actors distasteful. He elaborated, “It is not in good taste to comment on anyone’s performance or career. We have all seen how Gajendra has performed in films, politics and also, as FTII chairman. By commenting on Mukesh and his knowledge and performance, he is only venting out his frustration. All these years, the actors of Mahabharat have never been embroiled in any controversy, and we should maintain that decorum. All of us may not agree with Mukesh’s views, too, but this kind of personal slander was not required.”

Nitish concludes with a word of advice, “We, as artistes, should only take positives of others and move on, rather than focus on negative points. I would say that Gajendra should imbibe the restraint of his on-screen character, Yudhishthir, in his real life, too.”