The Emotional Impact of the TV Show 'Mahabharat' on a Secularist

I have been heavily invested in the TV show "Mahabharat" on Star-Plus, listening to the theme songs and watching the episodes compulsively. It has been a difficult time for me as I am unable to stop thinking about the show and how it has affected me emotionally. I have never been so attached to a TV show before. When one thinks of mythology, they may think of stories about gods and demigods with incredible strength or special abilities who go on epic adventures to uphold the dharmic ethical way and fight against adharma. These characters are often loved for their personality and are seen as symbols of the vital energy of the universe. People find comfort and trust in the predictability of these demigods, even if they don't admit it. Mythology creates a necessary foundation for us to turn to when everything feels uncertain. Mahabharat is considered an epic of great magnitude. I have read the story before, but never felt so connected to the characters. While I typically do not enjoy mythological stories, I have come to appreciate Mahabharat for the powerful emotions it evokes. There is more to myth than just heroic legends, as shown by the character of Karna in Mahabharat, who sacrifices everything to uncover the truth about his life despite facing difficult circumstances. The various tales and legends within the epic are also captivating. Despite the themes of infidelity and deceit in mythology, I have found solace in the show and its characters. It has helped me find a way to make a part of myself immortal and better understand myself. Even though I am a secularist, I now enjoy mythological stories. Star-Plus invested a large amount of money in the production and marketing of Mahabharat, with a budget of 100 crore for the show and an additional 20 crore for marketing. The show has been in development for four years and has received significant promotion, with an outdoor campaign in over 100 cities across India. The show has had a record-breaking premiere and high ratings. The costume design for the show was handled by Bhanu Athaiya, an Oscar-winning designer. The music for the show was composed by Ismail Darbar, Ajay and Atul, and features the use of traditional instruments like the dholak, tashe, trumpet, and flute. The title track and character intro theme tracks are particularly noteworthy, with the Krishna's flute theme by veteran musician R. Shahstri being a standout. Overall, Mahabharat has been a deeply impactful show for me and I am grateful for the experience.