"I stood up when he called. He was a legend for me — nothing less than Satyajit Ray," recalls Issar. He played a string of negative roles in Bapu’s Sri Bhagavatam, a television series produced by Ushakiran Movies.

It was 1988 when noted actor Puneet Issar became a household name with his portrayal of Duryodhana in B.R. Chopra's Mahabharat. He literally immortalised the iconic character and brought the literary figure into life with his passionate performance exuding depth. Issar didn’t just deliver Duryodhana’s lines, he made the audience believe the character was part of the contemporary society, far beyond the pages of Ved Vyasa’s epic. That role brought him fame, recognition, and an identity that still clings to him 37 years later, which he proudly embraces. It was also this very portrayal that led to projects down South with the acclaimed filmmaker and painter Bapu.

Before Mahabharat, Issar had already made national headlines in 1982 when a stunt had gone wrong during the shooting of Coolie, which nearly took Amitabh Bachchan’s life. But it was Mahabharat that gave him the second chance he needed. Today, we haven't connected with Issar for his past or television reruns, it’s his latest theatrical magnum opus, ISHWAR, written and directed by Atul Satya Koushik, that’s scheduled for a premier in Mumbai on May 17 and 18. Issar takes on the role of Ravana — the mythological king of Lanka from the Ramayana.

“This time it’s bigger and better,” says Issar, the man once synonymous with Duryodhana and now reborn as Ravana.

The Secret Life of Ravana and ISHWAR:

“Ravana is very contemporary. He is relevant even today. Anyone who has knowledge and power considers himself God — and that’s what Ravana thought about himself,” he begins.

ISHWAR is a bold, emotionally stirring play that reimagines the Ramayana through the inner world of Ravana. It explores his ambitions, moral dilemmas, and personal sense of justice. The play questions the black-and-white portrayal of good and evil. It offers a nuanced, layered understanding of one of mythology’s most vilified figures.

When you speak to Puneet Issar, there’s a quiet authority and a natural reservoir of knowledge. His age and experience give strength to every word he speaks. A conversation with him feels like a tour into Indian mythology, literature, and philosophy. You don't want to interrupt as each sentence is full of insight.

“He is beyond a villain. The play is names Ishwar because he thought he had superpowers and could change everything. The play is an introspection — Ravana confronting himself, leading to self-realisation,” explains Issar.

An Actor Prepares:

Issar has breathed life into many iconic characters, but Ravana, he says, is among his favourites. He believes he’s at the right age, and the role has come at the right time.

“I have done a lot of research on Ravana since I worked with Bapu Garu in 1992. There’s no book left that I haven’t read about him. I understand the character really well, and my personality and voice suit the role,” he says confidently.

His preparation for ISHWAR dates back to 1991, when he first played Ravana under Bapu’s direction in Sri Bhagavatam. “I used to listen to Bapu Garu a lot. I learned so much from him and then started reading deeply about Ravana. That research helped me understand his internal conflicts.”

How has his perspective changed over the years? “The character has evolved, and so has my understanding. I have the maturity now. I am growing every day as an actor. My interpretations change. I don’t just play the character, I live it. There’s a difference,” he stresses.

A Tough Act to Follow:

For decades, stories of the Ramayana have centred around Lord Ram — the ideal hero. But with ISHWAR, Issar says the narrative is shifting. “We are showing the inner conflicts of Ravana, how he grew so arrogant with power that he thought he was God. The play is trying to convey that power isn’t about being God, but a way to reach God,” he reflects.

Despite having portrayed two iconic antagonists — Duryodhana and Ravana — Issar sees no emotional or philosophical parallels. “Duryodhana was childish, obstinate, jealous, and full of complexes. He was fighting for his right to the throne. Ravana, on the other hand, is intelligent and driven by ambition to challenge the natural order. I relate to his introspection and self-actualisation,” he explains.

Being a Showstopper:

Issar has had an illustrious career across television and cinema, but not many know his love for theatre. He has written, directed, and acted in several successful plays, including a stage version of Mahabharat that ran for over 60 shows across India. With time, his bond with theatre has only grown stronger.

“There’s no comparison between the digital medium and watching a play live. It’s a mesmerising experience,” he says.

He recalls one instance during a Mahabharat performance in Delhi. “The audience gave us a standing ovation for more than ten minutes. They said I showed them a different side of myself. When you see a live performance, you see the full persona of an actor — the voice, the emotions, the intensity. It’s a humbling experience,” he shares.

It’s More Than Speaking Lines:

What does he hope the audience takes away from ISHWAR? “They’ll learn to recognise what’s right and wrong. How to suppress the bad and nurture the good within themselves.”

Besides ISHWAR, Issar is researching several historical and mythological figures, hoping to bring them alive on stage. “I feel these are more historical characters than just mythological and nobody is working on them.”

And what advice would he give to young actors playing Ravana in today’s TV shows?

“I would urge them to read. Most TV actors are just speaking the lines. They don’t understand the character. There is a lot of external preparation — the look, the costume — but no internal connect. I spent two years researching Duryodhana before Mahabharat. That kind of dedication is missing today. Television is an idiot box,” he signs off bluntly.

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