Puneet Issar stepped into the world of Indian cinema in the early 1980s, full of ambition and hope. However, a single tragic incident on a film set in 1983 altered the trajectory of his professional journey for years to come. In Manmohan Desai's action-drama *Coolie*, Issar was cast as the primary antagonist opposite the legendary superstar Amitabh Bachchan. During the filming of a crucial action sequence, the two actors had to perform a choreographed fight. The scene required Issar to throw a punch at Bachchan. Tragically, the punch went misaligned, resulting in Bachchan suffering a life-threatening abdominal injury. The superstar had to be rushed to the hospital in a critical condition, leaving the entire nation in shock and putting his life on the line.
The Industry's Backlash and the Actor's Long Struggle
While Bachchan fought for his life in the hospital and eventually recovered, Issar faced a severe invisible ban within the Hindi film industry. In various candid interviews later in his career, Issar shared the profound emotional and professional trauma he endured during this phase. A strong negative perception had solidified in the minds of filmmakers and actors alike. Producers were genuinely terrified that working with Issar might lead to physical injuries for other lead actors. This psychological fear directly hit his livelihood. Despite being a newcomer who had just started his career, Issar found himself virtually blacklisted. He lost numerous film offers and spent several years struggling constantly to secure even minor roles, watching his promising career slip away.
The Epic Rebirth as Duryodhana in Mahabharat
Just when his career seemed completely stalled, a monumental opportunity emerged in 1988. Master filmmaker B.R. Chopra was casting for his ambitious television adaptation of the epic *Mahabharat*. Chopra recognized the immense screen presence, powerful voice, and towering physique of Issar and offered him the iconic role of Duryodhana, the primary antagonist of the epic. Understanding that this was a do-or-die opportunity, Issar left no stone unturned in his preparation. He underwent an intense physical transformation to look convincing as the legendary warrior. To match the grandeur of the character, Issar gained a massive 22 kilograms, bringing his total body weight to approximately 108 kilograms. His thunderous portrayal of Duryodhana became a massive hit across the nation, permanently etching his name in Indian television history.
A Versatile Career in Acting and Direction
Following the monumental success of *Mahabharat*, Issar's career found its second wind. He went on to portray diverse roles in several blockbuster Hindi movies, proving his range as an actor. Some of his notable cinematic works include *Ram Jaane*, the patriotic war drama *Border*, the superhero film *Krrish*, the romantic comedy *Bachna Ae Haseeno*, *Ready*, *Son of Sardaar*, and the critically acclaimed drama *The Kashmir Files*. Beyond acting, Issar also ventured into filmmaking. In 2004, he made his directorial debut with the action-thriller *Garv: Pride and Honour*, which starred superstars Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty. He also directed the film *I Am Singh*. Furthermore, Issar remained active on television, even participating as a contestant in the popular reality television show *Bigg Boss 8*, where he survived inside the house for a significant period.
