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Puneet Issar (born 6 November 1959)[2][3] is an Indian actor, writer, director, producer and dialect coach best known for his works in Hindi films and television shows.[4] Issar started his acting career as a villain in Manmohan Desai's 1983 film Coolie,[5] but gained recognition with the portrayal of Duryodhana in B. R. Chopra's television series Mahabharat (1988–1990).[3]

Key Information

Following Mahabharat, Issar acted in notable films including Chandra Mukhi (1993), Prem Shakti (1994), Ram Jaane (1995), Border (1997), Refugee (2000), Krrish (2006), Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), Ready (2011), Son of Sardaar (2012) and The Kashmir Files (2022).[6] His first directorial was Salman Khan starrer cop film Garv (2004), for which he co-wrote the screenplay with wife Deepali.

Besides Mahabharat, Issar also went on to be part of television shows like Param Vir Chakra (1987), Bharat Ek Khoj (1988), Junoon (1993-1998), Noorjahan (1999-2000), Mahabharat (2013), Parchhayee: Ghost Stories by Ruskin Bond (2019) and Choti Sarrdaarni (2021).[7] He was a contestant in the reality television show Bigg Boss 8 (2014–2015), hosted by Salman Khan. Formerly, he worked as dialect coach at various acting institutions, and his expertise included speech, diction and physical gestures.

Personal life

[edit]

Puneet is the son of film director Sudesh Issar.[1] He is also a trained artist and an 8th degree black belt holder.[5]

He belongs to a Punjabi Hindu family which migrated from Pakistan following the 1947 partition.[8]

He is married to Deepali, the daughter of actor Daljeet Puri and sister of actor Satyajeet Puri. She has written the films Garv: Pride and Honour (2004) and I Am Singh (2011) both directed by Puneet.[1][9] The couple has two children, daughter Nivriti Issar and son Siddhant Issar.[10] Siddhant is also an actor.[11]

Issar is a fitness and gym enthusiast. He also made some positive headlines for fitness at the age of 60.[12][2]

Career

[edit]

Issar has starred as a villain in over 150 films, such as Zakhmi Aurat, Kal Ki Aawaz, Palay Khan, Teja, Prem Shakti and opposite stars like Mohanlal, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. He also played a villain in the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Ram Jaane. He appeared in the hit war film Border.[13] He played the role of Parashurama in 2013 Mahabharata and Duryodhana in the epic TV series Mahabharat (1988–1990) which brought him mainstream popularity.[14][15]

He played the Indian Superman, a Bollywood version of the Hollywood films.[16] He played the second lead in the cult Indian horror film Purana Mandir in 1983.[17] Later he did many other horror movies such as Tehkhana in the 1980s.[18]

He also starred in movies such as Krrish, Partner, Aryan, Bachna Ae Haseeno and many more in the 2000s.

In 1982, he was involved in an on-shoot incident with Amitabh Bachchan during the shoot of Coolie. He accidentally injured Amitabh, nearly fatally, and suffered the industry's backlash due to it. He later admitted that he had to face a lot of problems in getting roles in movies and he also lost 7-8 films due to the notoriety of the incident.[19] He also went out of work for 6 years.[5]

He has also directed TV serials such as Hindustani and Jai Mata Ki starring Hema Malini.[15] He has starred in over 12 TV serials such as Junoon, Sahil, Noor Jahan, Vikram Aur Betaal and many more. He has appeared in over 1800 episodes on Indian television. He played the role of King Bimbisara in the feature film Gautama Buddha – The Life and Times of Gautama Buddha. He also starred in Left Right Left of the Indian Channel Sab TV. He has also worked in several Punjabi films such as Rab Ne Banayian Jodiyan[20] and in a few Telugu films. He has also given a brilliant display of his acting skills in the mythological film Suryaputra Shanidev, which was released in 1997.

In 2004, Issar directed the film Garv: Pride and Honour starring Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty in lead roles. The opening collections of the film were good, and overall it was declared "Above Average" at the box office.[21] His latest directorial venture I Am Singh, the story of which is also written by him, released in December 2011.[22][23] It is based on the stories about the Sikh immigrants in the USA after the 11 September attacks.[24]

Issar in 2010 on the sets of his film I Am Singh

In the Indian TV reality show Bigg Boss season 8, in 2014/2015, Issar was one of the 7 finalists. He was evicted from the show on 3 January 2015. Issar lasted in the house for 105 days. At 56, he was the oldest contestant to do so and lasted the entire season in the house. He played the role of "Daar ji" in Choti Sarrdaarni.[25]

In 2022, Issar played DGP Hari Narain in The Kashmir Files, a film based on the Exodus of Kashmiri Pandits.[26]

Filmography

[edit]
Key
† Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released

Films

[edit]

Hindi

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1983 Coolie Bob
1984 Raja Aur Rana
Purana Mandir Anand
1985 3D Saamri
1986 Janbaaz
Palay Khan Amar Singh
Dahleez
Tahkhana
1987 Pyar Ki Jeet Darshan Patel
Hathyar
Superman Shekhar/Superman
Bhai Ka Dushman Bhai
Watan Ke Rakhwale Akbar
Awam
1988 Akhri Muqabla
Zakhmi Aurat Sukhdev
Zalzala
Main Tere Liye
Kasam
Maar Dhaad Police Inspector Sangraam /Jaggu
1989 Elaan-E-Jung
1990 Haar Jeet
Maa Kasam Badla Loonga[27] Inspector Kishan Singh
Roti Ki Keemat D'Souza
Tejaa
Jaan Lada Denge
1991 Sanam Bewafa Afzal Khan
Meet Mere Man Ke
Paap Ki Aandhi
1992 Kal Ki Awaz
Jaagruti
Suryavanshi Mahesh
1993 Shri Krishna Bhakta Narsi
Chandra Mukhi Zoohla
Ashaant Raana
Anmol
Khal-Naaikaa Dr. Rajan Bakshi
Kshatriya Shakti Singh
Zakhmi Rooh
1994 Prem Shakti
Yaar Gaddar
Kranti Kshetra Shaitaan Singh
Cheetah
1995 Ram Jaane Inspector Chewte
Haathkadi Chakku Pandey
Jallad Bola
1996 Muqadar Parashuram
1997 Border Subedar Ratan Singh, VrC
Suraj Mangal Singh
Daadagiri Dhanraj
Jodidar Poacher
Suryaputra Shani-dev Shani dev
Krantikari
1998 Sher-E-Hindustan Police inspector Khulbhushan
Chandaal Police inspector Khurana
1999 Jaalsaaz Pratap Singh
2000 Refugee
2001 Zakhmi Sipahi Chhota Chaudhary
Bhairav Jindal
2004 Vajra-The Weapon
2005 Bunty Aur Babli
Kasak
2006 Aryan Ranveer Singh Bagga
Krrish Komal Singh
Humko Deewana Kar Gaye
2007 Partner Rana from Haryana
2008 Gautama Buddha Anguli Mala Also shot in Telugu
Bachna Ae Haseeno
God Tussi Great Ho
The Wheel of Action Highway
2011 Yamla Pagla Deewana Tejpaal Singh
Ready Ishwar Chaudhary
I Am Singh Fateh Singh
Chhutanki
2012 Qayamat Hi Qayamat
Son of Sardaar Sardar
2013 Mahabharat Aur Barbareek Duryodhana
2022 The Kashmir Files DGP Hari Narayan
Jayeshbhai Jordaar Amar Tau
2025 The Bengal Files Rajesh Singh
2026 Border 2 Subedar Ratan Singh, VrC Cameo

Telugu

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1997 Master Devaraju aka DR, a mafia don
2002 Indra Shoukat Ali Khan
2003 Tagore Police Commissioner Balbir Singh
2004 Guri Minister
2005 Allari Pidugu Major Chakravarthy
Narasimhudu JD
2007 Chandrahas Liaqat Ali Khan [28]
2008 Gautama Buddha Anguli Mala
2016 Eedu Gold Ehe Mahadev
2018 Sarabha Chandraksha
2019 iSmart Shankar Kasi Viswanath
Captain Rana Pratap

Punjabi

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2006 Rab Ne Banaiyan Jodiean
2009 Jag Jeondeyan De Mele
2012 Best of Luck Jarnail Singh
2014 Fateh Pratap Singh
2020 Teri Meri Gal Ban Gayi

Kannada

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1994 Samrat
Chinna
Rasika
Time Bomb

Bengali

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1995 Bhagya Debata
2008 Satyamev Jayate
2010 Josh
2015 Besh Korechi Prem Korechi

Tamil

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1993 Uzhaippali Duriyodhanan
I Love India
1994 Athiradi Padai

Malayalam

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1992 Yoddha Vishakha (black magician)
1994 Pingami Edwin Thomas

Marathi

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2012 Jai Maharashtra Dhaba Bhatinda Jas's Father
2026 Ranapati Shivray: Swari Agra Mirza Raje Jai Singh [29]

Television

[edit]
Year(s) Title Role Notes
1987 Param Vir Chakra Naik Jadu Nath Singh
1988–1990 Mahabharat Duryodhan
1993–1998 Junoon Saudagar Singh
1988 Bharat Ek Khoj Maharana Pratap
1997–1997 Betaal Pachisi Kabira
1997–1998 Mahabharat Katha Duryodhan
1999–2000 Jai Mata Ki Mahishasur
Noorjahan Sher-e-Afghan
2006–2007 Left Right Left Brigadier Chandok
2007 Love Story
2008 Neeli Aankhen
2011 Dwarkadheesh Bhagwaan Shree Krishn Jarasandh
Kahaani Chandrakanta Ki King Shivdutt
2013 Bani Ishq Da Kalma Gurudev Singh Bhullar
Mahabharat Parshurama
Sri Bhagavatam Ravana and Hiranyakashyap Telugu Mythological serial on ETV
2014–2015 Bigg Boss 8 Contestant 6th place
2018 Namune Dhanaji
2019 Parchhayee: Ghost Stories by Ruskin Bond Maharaja Digambar Singh
2021 Choti Sarrdaarni Beant Singh Gill [7]
2022 Channa Mereya Rajwant Singh
2023–2024 Vanshaj Bhanupratap Mahajan "Dada Babu"
2025 Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyaag Tandav Ravana [30]

Other credits

[edit]
Year Title Director Writer Producer Notes
1997–1998 Hindustani Yes No No
1999–2000 Jai Mata Ki Yes No No [31]
2004 Garv: Pride & Honour Yes Yes No
2011 I Am Singh Yes Yes Yes

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Puneet Issar

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from Grokipedia
Puneet Issar (born 6 November 1959) is an Indian , director, writer, and producer primarily known for his work in and television, particularly his iconic portrayal of the antagonist in B.R. Chopra's epic series Mahabharat (1988–1990). Issar debuted in Bollywood as a villain in Manmohan Desai's (1983), opposite , where a fight scene gone wrong resulted in Bachchan sustaining severe injuries that nearly proved fatal, leading to widespread public accusations and death threats against Issar, who was falsely blamed for intentional harm. Over his career spanning decades, he has acted in more than 150 films and over 100 films, frequently essaying negative or mythological characters, while also directing films like Garv: Pride & Honour (2004) starring and serving as a coach. Issar gained further visibility through , including participation in season 8 (2014), where he was embroiled in on-show conflicts, and has received accolades such as nominations for for supporting roles in serials like Channa Mereya.

Early life and education

Family background and upbringing

Puneet Issar was born on 6 November 1959 in , , into a well-to-do Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Sudesh Issar, was a renowned known for collaborations with artists such as and for directing films in the Punjabi and circuits. This familial connection to the film industry provided an early environment steeped in cinematic influences, fostering Issar's childhood interest in and . Issar's upbringing transitioned from to during his school years, reflecting the family's relocation likely tied to his father's professional pursuits in the Hindi film hub. He attended St. Lawrence High School in for his primary and secondary education, followed by graduation from in the city. This urban shift exposed him to a more cosmopolitan setting amid Mumbai's burgeoning entertainment ecosystem, contrasting with his roots in Punjab's cultural landscape.

Training in performing arts and martial arts

Puneet Issar developed an early interest in and during his college years at in , where he pursued studies leading to graduation. This inclination prompted him to enroll in a formal course at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in , providing structured training in performance techniques. Following his own education, Issar served as an acting professor at FTII, specializing in speech, diction, and , which underscores his foundational expertise in the . In parallel with his performing arts pursuits, Issar underwent extensive training in martial arts, achieving proficiency across disciplines including karate, kung fu, boxing, and wrestling. He holds a black belt of advanced degree, with reports varying between fourth and eighth dan, reflecting rigorous long-term dedication to physical combat forms that enhanced his on-screen action capabilities. This martial arts background, combined with his acting foundation, equipped him for roles demanding intense physicality and dramatic intensity.

Personal life

Marriage and immediate family

Puneet Issar is married to Deepali Issar, of Punjabi Daljeet Puri and sister of Satyajeet Puri. The couple has two children: son Siddhant Issar, an known for roles in television series such as Shaitani Rasmein, and Nivriti Issar.

Lifestyle and personal achievements

Issar maintains a disciplined fitness routine that includes running 8-10 kilometers daily, two-hour sessions in the , and practice, sustaining this regimen well into his sixties. During the , he converted his garage into a home equipped with machines and gear to continue his uninterrupted. He holds an eighth-degree black belt in martial arts and has long incorporated disciplines such as , kung fu, , and wrestling into his physical conditioning, crediting these activities for his robust build and endurance. At age 66, Issar described himself as "fit ek dum" (absolutely fit) on a television appearance, emphasizing ongoing workouts and as key to his health.

Career

Entry into films and initial struggles

Puneet Issar entered the film industry in 1983 with a villainous role in Manmohan Desai's , starring . His casting was influenced by his imposing physical stature, standing at six feet three inches tall, which suited the character's demands. During the filming of an action sequence for on September 12, 1982, Issar accidentally delivered a punch that caused severe internal injuries to Bachchan, including a splenic rupture; Bachchan was clinically dead for three minutes before being revived. This incident, which occurred while Issar was performing a scripted fight scene without safety precautions typical of the era, drew intense media scrutiny and public backlash against him. The fallout severely hampered Issar's nascent career; producers and filmmakers, fearing association with the controversy or superstition surrounding the near-fatal accident, dropped him from seven to ten signed projects overnight. He remained largely unemployed for the next six years, struggling to secure meaningful roles despite appearances in lower-profile films such as the Purana Mandir (1984), Dehleez (1986), Superman (1987), and Main Tere Liye (1988). These early ventures failed to establish him as a leading , as the industry perception of him as "cursed" or intimidating persisted, limiting opportunities in mainstream cinema.

Breakthrough in television with Mahabharat

Puneet Issar gained national prominence through his portrayal of , the primary antagonist and eldest prince, in B.R. Chopra's epic television series Mahabharat, which marked his breakthrough in the medium after earlier appearances as a . The series, adapted from the ancient epic, featured Issar in a physically demanding role that showcased his background and commanding screen presence, distinguishing him from over 150 villain roles he had accumulated by then. During casting in 1986, producer initially offered Issar the heroic role of , the strongest , citing his robust build, but Issar advocated for , arguing it better aligned with his ability to embody complex antagonism rooted in envy and ambition. Shooting commenced in mid-1988 at Mumbai's Film City, with the series premiering on on October 2, 1988, and running for 94 episodes until June 1990, primarily on Sunday mornings to capture family audiences. Issar's interpretation emphasized 's psychological depth, portraying him not merely as a but as a product of royal entitlement and rivalry with the , which resonated through dialogues drawn closely from the epic's text. The role's physical intensity peaked in sequences like the Kurukshetra war's mace duel with , played by wrestler ; Issar sustained real injuries, including bruises across his body, as the production prioritized authentic combat over stunt doubles to heighten dramatic realism. This commitment contributed to the character's memorability, with Issar's delivery of iconic lines—such as challenges to Krishna or boasts of invincibility—becoming cultural touchstones. Mahabharat's unprecedented viewership, often halting urban activity during airings, propelled Issar's career forward, transforming him from a supporting into a recognized lead in television and easing access to subsequent projects. Issar later reflected that the series "gave me the stamp of an ," crediting it with broadening his opportunities beyond typecast villainy in over 150 films. The portrayal's enduring legacy is evident in Issar's reprises of in stage adaptations and the 2013 Star Plus , underscoring its foundational role in his professional trajectory.

Directorial and production ventures

Puneet Issar made his directorial debut with Garv: Pride & Honour in 2004, a Hindi action-crime-drama-thriller that he also penned the , story, and dialogue for. The film starred as a involved in encounter killings, exploring themes of and ethics, and featured and in supporting roles. It received mixed critical reception for its screenplay and direction but was commercially modest at the . In 2011, Issar directed and wrote , an English-language film addressing post-9/11 discrimination against in the United States, drawing from real-life incidents of and hate crimes following the terrorist attacks. Starring Inder Chahal as a Sikh immigrant seeking justice for his brother, the film included performances by and Issar himself, with production emphasizing Sikh-American experiences and contributions to society. Critics noted its earnest intent but critiqued the execution as melodramatic and unevenly paced. The movie released on December 2, 2011, in select markets. Issar's third directorial effort, Born to Be King (2015), was a Punjabi-language action-drama focusing on youth combating drug trafficking and across and the . Featuring Ateesh Randev, Sonam Bajwa, and Issar in key roles, the film highlighted cross-border struggles against narcotics and systemic graft, running for approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes. It received limited theatrical release and modest audience response, with emphasis on motivational themes for communities. Issar has been credited as a in industry profiles, though specific standalone production credits beyond his directorial projects remain undocumented in primary sources; his ventures often integrated writing and oversight roles in these films. No major associated exclusively with him has been identified, suggesting self-financed or collaborative efforts tied to his acting network.

Later career and reality television

Issar directed the action thriller Garv: Pride & Honour in 2004, which featured Salman Khan in the lead role and focused on themes of police encounters and corruption. He continued taking on character roles in Hindi films, portraying antagonistic figures in Krrish (2006), where he played the villainous Dr. Siddhant Arya, and supporting parts in Partner (2007) and Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008). In the 2010s, Issar appeared in Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), I Am Singh (2011), and The Kashmir Files (2022), the latter depicting the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, in which he played a pivotal supporting role. Upcoming projects include Return of Tarzan, scheduled for release on December 6, 2025. On television, Issar reprised his role as Duryodhana in the 2013 reboot of Mahabharat on Star Plus, which aired from September 16, 2013, to August 16, 2014. He also featured in serials such as Junoon (1993–1998) and Noorjahan (1999–2000), maintaining a presence in mythological and dramatic genres. Issar entered reality television with Bigg Boss 8, participating as a contestant from September 21, 2014, to January 31, 2015, on Colors TV, where he was noted for his strategic gameplay and physical confrontations, including a notable altercation with contestant Ali Quli Mirza. Following the show, he expressed interest in dance-based competitions like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, citing his background in martial arts and fitness as preparation, though he did not confirm participation in subsequent seasons.

Challenges and controversies

The Coolie set accident and immediate fallout

On July 26, 1982, during the filming of a fight sequence for the Hindi film Coolie (1983) at the AVM Studios in Chennai, actor Puneet Issar, portraying the antagonist Jimmy, delivered a punch to co-star Amitabh Bachchan as per the scripted choreography. Bachchan, playing the lead role of Iqbal, had reportedly requested Issar to strike with greater force to enhance realism, but a mistimed jump caused Bachchan to collide with the corner of a table instead of landing atop it, resulting in a ruptured spleen and severe internal bleeding. He was rushed to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where he was briefly declared clinically dead before resuscitation and emergency surgery. Issar, overcome with guilt, visited Bachchan in the hospital alongside Bachchan's wife, Jaya Bachchan, who reassured him that the incident was unintentional. Bachchan himself later comforted Issar, stating, "Relax, you didn't mean it," amid the latter's distress. However, public backlash was immediate and intense; Issar received death threats and abusive calls, with some accusing him of being paid to harm Bachchan or labeling him a "murderer." Producers withdrew him from several signed films, fearing fan reprisals or association with the tragedy, leading to an abrupt professional hiatus. Issar later attributed part of the injury's severity to medical negligence, claiming that initial treatment delays and improper handling exacerbated Bachchan's condition, though this remains his personal account without independent corroboration from medical records. The incident, while not directly injuring Issar physically, marked a pivotal shift in his career trajectory, amplifying his villainous image in public perception.

Career recovery and long-term impacts

Following the 1982 Coolie accident, Puneet Issar encountered significant professional in Bollywood, remaining unemployed for approximately six years as producers and filmmakers avoided associating with him amid widespread rumors of intentional harm. He reported losing around 10 projects overnight, with industry figures expressing fear of reputational risk from collaborating with the linked to Bachchan's near-fatal injury. Despite public forgiveness from , who emphasized the mishap's accidental nature and even carried Issar on his shoulders during reshoots, the stigma persisted, compounded by death threats and accusations that Issar had been paid to injure Bachchan. Issar's career recovery began around 1988 through a pivot to television, where he secured the iconic role of in B.R. Chopra's Mahabharat, a serial that aired from 1988 to 1990 and achieved massive viewership across . This breakthrough not only restored his visibility but established him as a staple in mythological and action-oriented TV roles, leveraging his physical presence and intense screen persona developed during his film villain phases. He supplemented this by directing plays and pursuing theater work during the lean period, which helped maintain his skills and network outside mainstream cinema. Long-term, the incident redirected Issar's trajectory away from Bollywood leads toward supporting antagonist roles, television dominance, and ventures in directing and production, such as his 2011 film . He never collaborated with again but appeared alongside in projects like Paa (2009), signaling partial reconciliation within the family. The episode instilled resilience, as Issar later reflected in interviews, viewing it as a test of focus amid adversity, though it entrenched a public association with controversy that occasionally resurfaced in media retrospectives. By the , his participation in reality shows like (2014) further diversified his profile, compensating for the early film career truncation.

Public statements on cultural and national issues

Puneet Issar has publicly advocated for stronger national unity and support for the amid geopolitical tensions. In May 2025, during heightened Indo-Pakistani border conflicts involving Operation Sindoor, Issar criticized Bollywood celebrities for their silence on the matter, urging them to voice solidarity with the rather than remaining neutral or indifferent to challenges. He emphasized the need for public figures to prioritize over personal or industry considerations, highlighting a perceived disconnect between entertainment elites and broader societal duties during crises. On legal and cultural uniformity, Issar endorsed the implementation of a across in October 2020, arguing it should apply nationwide to promote equality and coherence in personal laws. He linked this stance to defending Hindu community interests, specifically praising media outlets for highlighting encroachments and rights violations against Hindus in regions like , where demographic shifts and land disputes have raised concerns about minority-majority dynamics. This position reflects his broader emphasis on safeguarding indigenous cultural and religious frameworks against uneven legal applications. Issar has also critiqued contemporary Bollywood trends for diverging from mass-appeal storytelling rooted in traditional Indian values. In April 2025, he praised films like Animal for portraying strong, alpha-male protagonists and defended depictions of violence as integral to narratives drawn from epics like the Mahabharata, contrasting them with what he sees as an overemphasis on urban, niche themes such as LGBTQ+ stories that cater to limited audiences rather than the wider populace. He advocated for more content akin to South Indian cinema's robust, culturally resonant heroes, implying a need to revive masculine archetypes over specialized, cosmopolitan fare that may alienate mainstream viewers.

Professional output

Film roles

Issar debuted in Hindi cinema with a minor role in Coolie (1983), directed by Manmohan Desai, though his involvement ended prematurely due to an on-set injury. His early supporting roles included the second lead in the cult horror film Purana Mandir (1984), where he portrayed a key character in a story involving a demonic curse on a royal family. In 1987, he took the lead as Shekhar, an alien-raised superhero with powers akin to the Western archetype, in Superman, a low-budget Bollywood production blending action and fantasy elements. Post-television fame from Mahabharat, Issar appeared in action-oriented supporting roles, such as in Chandra Mukhi (1993), Prem Shakti (1994) opposite Govinda, and Ram Jaane (1995) with Shah Rukh Khan. A prominent part came in the Indo-Pak war drama Border (1997), directed by J.P. Dutta, depicting military valor during the 1971 conflict; his performance as an officer contributed to the film's critical acclaim for patriotic themes. Subsequent credits encompassed Refugee (2000), Krrish (2006) as a minor antagonist named Komal, and Garv: Pride & Honour (2004), which he also directed. In later years, Issar continued with character roles in multilingual projects, including (2012) as Inspector Sardar, (2010) as Rudra, and I Am Singh (2011), where he directed and played Fateh Singh in a narrative addressing post-9/11 Sikh discrimination. Recent appearances feature (2022) as DGP Hari Narain, portraying a senior police officer amid the 1990 Kashmiri exodus, and (2022) as Amar Tau in a social comedy on gender preferences. His film work often emphasized authoritative or villainous figures, aligning with his physically imposing screen presence developed through .
YearFilmRoleNotes
1984Purana MandirSupporting leadCult horror classic
1987Shekhar / SupermanLead superhero role
1997Army officerWar drama on 1971
2006KomalAntagonist in superhero film
2011Fateh SinghActor-director dual credit
2022DGP Hari NarainSenior cop in historical drama

Television appearances

Puneet Issar began his television career in the mid-1980s with appearances in anthology series such as (1985), where he portrayed characters including the thief Mulraj and a brave man in various episodes. He followed this with the lead role of Shekhar, the titular superhero, in the action series (1987). Issar's breakthrough came with the epic series Mahabharat (1988–1990), in which he played the antagonist , the eldest prince, across 94 episodes. The role, directed by , required intense physical preparation, including bodybuilding to embody the character's warrior physique, and earned Issar widespread recognition for his portrayal of Duryodhana's ambition and rivalry with the . In the and early , Issar appeared in several long-running serials, including Junoon (1994–1998) as the character Saudagar Singh, a pivotal figure in the show's narrative of obsession and crime. He also featured in Noorjahan (2000), portraying Sher Afgan Khan in the historical drama depicting the life of Mughal empress . Issar returned to mythological television with Mahabharat (2013), the Star Plus remake, where he essayed the role of Parashurama, the sage-warrior and guru to key figures like Bhishma and Karna. In reality television, he participated as a contestant in Bigg Boss season 8 (2014), entering the house but facing ejection in week 7 following a physical altercation with fellow contestant Aarya Babbar during a task, though he briefly returned before elimination. More recently, Issar has taken on patriarchal roles in family dramas, including "Daar ji" in Choti Sardarni (2018–2022) and Bhanupratap Mahajan, known as Dadababu, in Vanshaj (2023–present), a series centered on disputes within a business dynasty. These appearances highlight his versatility across genres, from action and mythology to contemporary family sagas, amassing over 1,800 episodes in Indian television.

Other credits including writing and directing

Puneet Issar ventured into directing with Garv: Pride and Honour (2004), a starring as a combating and . He also penned the story, , and dialogue for the film. In 2011, Issar directed and co-wrote the for , a addressing post-9/11 discrimination against in the United States, featuring actors such as and Amy Richardson. He contributed to the story, , and dialogue. These projects represent Issar's primary credits in writing and directing, expanding his career beyond acting into creative and production roles in Indian cinema. No additional feature films under his direction have been released as of 2025.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0411539/bio/
  2. https://starsunfolded.com/puneet-issar/
  3. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/was-paid-to-kill-amitabh-bachchan-got-death-threats-puneet-issar-coolie-accident-aftermath-10101894/
  4. https://www.livemint.com/entertainment/puneet-issar-left-amitabh-bachchan-clinically-dead-lost-10-films-went-out-of-work-for-6-years-11748102777745.html
  5. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/puneet-issar-reveals-he-received-threatening-calls-after-amitabh-bachchans-coolie-accident-people-said-i-was-paid-to-kill-him/articleshow/122210490.cms
  6. https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/puneet-issar/1742
  7. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0411539/
  8. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bigg-boss-8-puneet-issars-controversies/photostory/45575151.cms
  9. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0411539/awards/
  10. https://www.cinemaazi.com/people/puneet-issrar?ctr=848&filterBy=p&people=&search=
  11. https://filmyfocus.com/celebs/puneet-issar
  12. https://mabumbe.com/people/puneet-issar-age-net-worth-family-relationships-career-highlights-more/
  13. https://www.cinemaazi.com/people/puneet-issrar?ctr=684&filterBy=p&search=&people=
  14. https://www.bhavansalumni.com/newsroom/news/In-conversation-with-Mr-Puneet-Issar---Importance-of-Mental-Physical-Health-in-Challenging-Times
  15. https://starclinch.com/puneet-issar
  16. https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/bigg-boss-8/4183551/puneet-issar-8th-degree-black-belt
  17. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/even-after-crossing-60-i-run-around-8-10-kms-work-out-for-two-hours-in-the-gym-and-do-martial-arts-puneet-issar/articleshow/91000458.cms
  18. https://www.facebook.com/bollywoodgold/posts/happy-65th-birthday-to-puneet-issar-born-12-september-1958-he-is-an-indian-actor/1074718227998401/
  19. https://chiloka.com/celebrity/puneet-issar
  20. https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/siddhant-issar-marries-costar-surbhi-shukla-63222
  21. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/this-is-how-actor-puneet-issar-is-staying-fit-and-healthy-during-the-pandemic/articleshow/78392466.cms
  22. https://www.hindustantimes.com/fitness/at-60-puneet-issar-works-out-like-a-maniac-this-is-his-story/story-W3Bw13ocJbgR5w8nefE9xL.html
  23. https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/fitness/puneet-issar-duryodhan-mahabharat-fitness-martial-arts-66-farah-khans-cooking-show-benefits-9790482/
  24. https://www.cinemaazi.com/people/puneet-issrar
  25. https://www.india.com/entertainment/meet-actor-puneet-issar-who-got-his-first-role-due-to-his-height-debuted-with-amitabh-bachchan-gained-recognition-through-mahabharat-career-sank-after-working-with-amitabh-bachchan-7429541/
  26. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/puneet-issar-reveals-he-was-unemployed-for-six-years-after-his-punch-left-amitabh-bachchan-clinically-dead-on-coolie-people-were-scared-of-me/articleshow/120431404.cms
  27. https://www.india.com/entertainment/meet-actor-whose-career-got-ruined-after-working-with-amitabh-bachchan-lost-10-films-overnight-had-no-work-for-6-years-his-name-is-puneet-issar-7766424/
  28. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/puneet-issar-on-accidentally-injuring-amitabh-bachchan-i-lost-7-to-8-films-until-mahabharat-came-my-way/articleshow/77111109.cms
  29. https://www.indiatoday.in/television/celebrity/story/mahabharat-actor-puneet-issar-br-chopra-wanted-me-to-play-bheem-i-chose-duryodhan-1671740-2020-04-27
  30. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/hyderabad/ive-played-duryodhana-for-so-long-now-i-feel-like-im-his-reincarnation/articleshow/72532350.cms
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0158417/
  32. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/puneet-issar-on-playing-duryodhan-mahabharat-6438693/
  33. https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/puneet-issar-on-playing-duryodhan-in-mahabharat-my-body-turned-black-and-blue-after-climax-fight-scene-with-bheem/story-clVOooyjbmBmQV6mDxaz9K.html
  34. https://caravanmagazine.in/reviews-and-essays/show-shows
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1504687/
  36. https://variety.com/2011/film/reviews/i-am-singh-1117946686/
  37. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/03/movies/i-am-singh-directed-by-puneet-issar-review.html
  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5015836/
  39. https://tv.apple.com/in/movie/born-to-be-king/umc.cmc.1wi7rem0148bwy0wlj76pnjf4
  40. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/puneet-issar/credits/3000233217/
  41. https://www.facebook.com/Cinemaazi/posts/a-versatile-actor-director-writer-and-producer-puneet-issar-is-known-for-his-pow/1342524441214162/
  42. https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/puneet-issar/upcoming-movies.html
  43. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/post-bigg-boss-8-puneet-issar-to-try-his-luck-in-dance-reality-show-next/
  44. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/55-year-old-puneet-issar-to-dance-in-jhalak/articleshow/47385059.cms
  45. https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/puneet-issar-wants-to-go-on-dance-reality-show-1.1436212
  46. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/puneet-issar-whose-accidental-punch-left-amitabh-bachchan-clinically-dead-says-he-lost-all-his-films-after-the-incident-people-were-scared-9953024/
  47. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/amitabh-bachchans-accident-on-coolie-set-worsened-due-to-doctors-negligence-claims-puneet-issar/articleshow/122211303.cms
  48. https://www.news18.com/movies/amitabh-bachchan-comforted-guilty-puneet-issar-after-near-fatal-coolie-accident-relax-you-didnt-mean-it-9057381.html
  49. https://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/amitabh-bachchan-was-once-declared-clinically-dead-how-he-and-jaya-bachchan-reacted-to-puneet-issar-after-the-coolie-accident/articleshow/122222955.cms
  50. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-almost-died-due-to-doctors-negligence-puneet-issar-recalls-coolie-accident-asked-him-to-hit-him-timing-went-off-10101862/
  51. https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/how-a-stunt-by-amitabh-bachchan-going-wrong-on-coolie-set-left-him-clinically-dead-8871117
  52. https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/puneet-issar-on-being-called-murderer-after-amitabh-bachchans-accident-on-coolie-65423
  53. https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/puneet-issar-reveals-jaya-bachchans-reaction-to-amitabh-bachchans-near-death-experience-ws-l-9418531.html
  54. https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/puneet-issar-expresses-disappointment-silence-big-celebs-operation-sindoor-540
  55. https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/puneet-issar-expresses-disappointment-over-silence-of-big-celebs-on-operation-sindoor-972132
  56. https://www.patrika.com/en/tv-news/puneet-issars-anger-erupts-questions-some-actors-silence-on-indian-army-praise-19607300
  57. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7x5fr2
  58. https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/puneet-issar-calls-ranbirs-animal-amazing-defends-violent-alpha-male-films-kya-lesbian-gay-par-hi-films-banaye-101745905735836.html
  59. https://www.ottplay.com/features/duryodhan-bana-superman-puneet-issars-superhero-flick-is-a-b-movie-fans-dream/e3e0cb9886523
  60. https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/puneet-issar/1742/filmography
  61. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/110144-puneet-issar
  62. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0432637/fullcredits/
  63. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0415003/
  64. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/puneet-issar
  65. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1520808/characters/nm0411539
  66. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0297416/
  67. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11554244/characters/nm0411539
  68. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3833618/fullcredits/
  69. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/puneet-issar-parshuram-mahabharat-br-chopra-star-plus-duryodhan/articleshow/22928353.cms
  70. https://bigbrother.fandom.com/wiki/Puneet_Issar
  71. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10895898/
  72. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/puneet-issar-to-play-a-tough-patriarch-in-vanshaj/articleshow/99710764.cms
  73. https://www.facebook.com/groups/338789696961715/posts/1991960211644647/
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