Roopa Ganguly, who portrayed Draupadi in the classic Doordarshan series Mahabharat, has revealed that the iconic Cheer Haran scene was filmed in just one take. The actress shared that the emotional intensity of the moment was so overwhelming that she could no longer control her feelings after the director called cut.
Roopa Ganguly explained that the makers had prepared for the scene with great seriousness, understanding its significance in the Mahabharat storyline. She had rehearsed mentally, but when the camera started rolling, she allowed herself to fully immerse into Draupadi’s pain and helplessness. This emotional commitment resulted in a performance that needed no retakes.
The actress said that despite giving the shot with complete control, she lost her composure once the scene ended. The emotional weight of Draupadi’s humiliation and suffering hit her deeply, and she broke down in front of the entire crew. According to her, the set fell silent, and several crew members approached her to offer comfort as she continued to cry.
The Cheer Haran sequence remains one of the most powerful and unforgettable scenes in Indian television history. It depicts the turning point in the Mahabharat saga, where Draupadi is humiliated in the Kaurava court, prompting divine intervention and eventually leading to the great war. Roopa Ganguly’s portrayal in this sequence continues to be acknowledged as one of the most impactful performances on television.
The actress also shared that she wore a specially prepared saree that was nearly 250 meters long for the scene. This saree was designed in a way that allowed the makers to capture the illusion of endless fabric during the divine rescue moment. The preparation behind the sequence, combined with Roopa Ganguly’s emotional depth, made it a landmark moment in Indian television.
Even decades after its release, the scene continues to resonate with audiences. Viewers often recall Roopa Ganguly’s expressions, powerful dialogue delivery and emotional intensity as defining features of her performance.