Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Puneet Issar Remembers Rahi Masoom Raza’s Mentorship and Wisdom
Puneet Issar remembered the writer Rahi Masoom Raza, whom he deeply respected.
They first met when Issar auditioned for the film Rocky.
Raza liked Issar’s way of speaking Urdu and Hindi poetry.
Years later, they met again when the television show Mahabharat was casting actors.
Issar was offered the role of Bheem, but he wanted to play Duryodhan.
Raza supported his choice, and Issar got the part.
The role helped Issar’s acting career become successful.
Issar said Raza was a wise teacher who believed people could have both good and bad sides.
Puneet Issar recalled meeting writer Rahi Masoom Raza during auditions for Rocky and Mahabharat.
Raza recognized Issar’s Urdu pronunciation and encouraged him to recite Hindi poetry during auditions.
Although initially offered Bheem, Issar persuaded the Mahabharat team to cast him as Duryodhan.
Issar said Mahabharat transformed his career after years of being typecast following Amitabh Bachchan’s injury on Coolie.
Issar continued visiting and honoring Raza, praising his writing and nuanced view that people are not entirely good or bad.
- Who
- Actor Puneet Issar recalled his professional and personal bond with writer Rahi Masoom Raza.
- What
- Issar described Raza’s role in his auditions, Mahabharat casting, acting development and continued mentorship.
- When
- Their association began around Issar’s audition for Rocky and continued through Mahabharat’s three-year production and until Raza’s death; the tribute was made in Raza’s centenary year.
- Where
- They met during auditions and worked together on Mahabharat, which aired on Doordarshan; Issar also visited Raza at his home in Bandra.
- Why
- Issar shared the recollection to honor Raza’s wisdom, encouragement and contribution to his career and writing.
- Remembered by
- Puneet Issar
- Honored figure
- Writer Rahi Masoom Raza
- Major collaboration
- The television serial Mahabharat
- Issar’s role
- Duryodhan
- Initial role offered
- Bheem
- Earlier audition
- Rocky
- Other cited work
- Raza wrote dialogue for the 1986 film Aakhree Raasta