Shri Krishna is the iconic mythological drama directed by Ramanand Sagar, which first aired on Doordarshan Metro (DD‑2) in July 1993 and later moved to DD National in 1996. The series ran until 1997, spanning 221 episodes that traced Krishna’s life—from divine birth to guidance in the Mahabharata’s battlefield.
Shree Krishna Telecast & Re‑broadcast History
- Original Channel: Doordarshan Metro (later DD National), from July 18, 1993 to October 1997.
- Re-telecast: During the 2020 lockdown, DD National re-broadcast it daily at 9:00 PM IST, bringing folklore back into urban homes with nostalgia.
- Other Networks: Due to overwhelming popularity, the show was later aired on Zee TV, Sony, and Star, making it accessible to a wide audience by 1999–2001.
Shree Krishna Cast & Characters
- Sarvadaman D. Banerjee portrayed Adult Krishna, delivering a calm, meditative, and dignified performance that audiences still remember devoutly.
- Swapnil Joshi featured as Teenage Krishna, whose mischievous charm and youthful energy made him an instant household name.
- Ashok Kumar Balkrishnan played Child Krishna in early episodes.
- Deepak Deulkar was Balrama, Krishna’s loyal elder brother.
- Pinky Parikh took on multiple divine and mythic roles—Rukmini, Yamuna, Saraswati, Durga, and others.
- Reshma Modi became beloved as Radha, Krishna’s eternal consort, while characters like Sunil Pandey, Mukul Nag, and Sandeep Mohan portrayed key figures from the Mahabharata era.
Shree Krishna Story & Themes
Spanning the major legends of Krishna’s life, the show blends beloved folklore with philosophical guidance:
- From Krishna’s divine birth to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura to his early life in Vrindavan—his butter‑stealing, Kaliya serpent dance, Govardhan lifting, and more.
- His confrontation with Kamsa, defense of dharma, and upward journey to rulership in Mathura and Dwarka.
- Pivotal events of the Mahabharata—Kurukshetra War, his role as Arjuna’s charioteer, and the divine discourse of the Bhagavad Gita.
Legacy & Why It Endures
- Devotional resonance: Created by Ramanand Sagar, the show elevated devotion through poetry, music, and visual storytelling.
- Iconic performances: Sarvadaman’s Krishna became a spiritual reference for many viewers, while Swapnil’s teen Krishna remains fondly remembered.
- Cultural reach: From DD to Zee, Star, and Sony, Shri Krishna transcended generations, sparking family rituals and repeated reruns.
- Philosophical depth: The series presented the Bhagavad Gita teachings in accessible narrative form, enriching viewers’ spiritual understanding.
Finally, Shri Krishna isn’t just a TV serial—it’s a spiritual saga, a devotional pilgrimage captured through drama. Whether it’s the playful child, the wise teacher, or the cosmic guide, every portrayal held deep resonance. Catch reruns on Doordarshan National, and revisit this mythic journey with family or online.