Puneet Issar

Puneet Issar, born on November 6, 1959, in Amritsar, Punjab, is a multifaceted Indian actor, director, writer, and dialect coach. He began his career in the entertainment industry with the 1983 film Coolie, where he portrayed a villainous role opposite Amitabh Bachchan. However, it was his portrayal of Duryodhana in the epic television series Mahabharat (1988–1990) that brought him widespread recognition and established him as a prominent actor in Indian television .

Beyond his acting career, Issar has directed and produced several films, including Garv: Pride and Honour (2004), starring Salman Khan. He has also appeared in numerous television shows such as Junoon, Bharat Ek Khoj, and Choti Sarrdaarni. In 2014, he participated in the reality TV show Bigg Boss Season 8, where he was one of the finalists, showcasing his versatility and resilience .

One of Issar's notable quotes is: “Every antagonist is a protagonist in his own right”, reflecting his perspective on the complexity of characters and the nuances of storytelling . Another insightful remark is: “What is wrong is wrong but there has to be a layered narrative. And that is what makes 'Mahabharat' timeless. People find its characters realistic. They could see their reflection in people even today”, emphasizing the depth and relatability of the characters in the epic .