Renowned actor Manish Wadhwa is back on television, stepping into one of the most iconic roles in Indian epic history—Bhishma Pitamah—in Sony SAB’s magnum opus, Hastinapur Ke Veer. Produced by Peninsula Pictures, the show is capturing hearts for its entirely fresh take on the Mahabharat, zooming in on the childhood and formative years of the Pandavas and Kauravas.
For Manish, returning to the small screen wasn’t about the medium, but the sheer gravity of the character.
Talking about his return to television, Manish says, “First of all, I never left television—I was just busy with other commitments. When I was approached for the role, we found a schedule that worked for everyone. What truly attracted me was the role of Bhishma Pitamah. It’s an iconic character that doesn’t come to an actor very often. If a character excites me, challenges me, and gives me joy, I want to do it.”
What I always tell the young kids on the show: you’re playing a character, but you are not the character. Leave the role on the set.
Talking about the role, he says, “Bhishma Pitamah is a deeply layered character with many shades. What feels fresh in this portrayal is that, for the first time, audiences will see the Kauravas and Pandavas as children rather than adults. Bhishma is not biased toward anyone. He sees all children as equal—like wet clay that can be shaped by the influences around them.”
“While remaining fiercely impartial to the growing rivalries, Bhishma serves as the silent anchor of the palace. He constantly observes what is happening and does his best to guide them in the right direction. I believe this nurturing and protective side brings a completely new dimension to the character,” he adds.
Manish speaks highly of his young co-stars, calling them “talented, sincere, and incredibly natural.” However, as a seasoned veteran, he also ensures they learn the crucial art of switching off. “What I always tell them is: you’re playing a character, but you are not the character. Leave the role on the set. When I step in, I leave Manish Wadhwa behind and become Bhishma Pitamah; when I leave, I become Manish again. The same goes for them—be Arjun or Duryodhan on screen, but be yourself off screen.”
Manish draws a firm line between spectacle and soul. While acknowledging that technological advancements have their place, he believes the core of storytelling remains strictly human. “AI is here to stay, and it can certainly make things look more spectacular. But what it cannot replace is human emotion, instinct, and natural expression,” Manish asserts.
“An actor and a director together can discover endless shades of emotion that no machine can predict. AI can enhance a story, but authenticity can only come from real human performances. It may add to the beauty of a show, but the soul of it will always remain human.”
