Throwback Thursday: Remember Mahabharat’s Fiercest Villain With The Baritone Voice And Towering Presence?

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There are actors you recognise instantly not because they smiled their way into your heart, but because they glared, roared, and made you believe in their power. His was that face. Strong, fierce, unforgettable. He played one of television's most feared villains and yet earned the respect of an entire generation of viewers.

Today, on 6 November, 2025, many fans celebrate his birthday though some records also list 12 September as the date. The man we're talking about is Puneet Issar.

Photo Credit: Filmibeat

From A Director's Son To The Man Everyone Recognised

Born in 1959 to film director Sudesh Issar, Puneet grew up surrounded by cinema. He studied in Mumbai and trained in acting before stepping into the world of films. With his tall frame, commanding voice, and martial arts training, he fit naturally into the strong, action-oriented roles that dominated the 1980s.

His film debut came with Coolie (1983). But an unfortunate accident during its shoot changed everything. During an action sequence, Amitabh Bachchan was seriously injured and Puneet, who was involved in the scene, faced the consequences of public perception. Though the incident was purely accidental, it shadowed his early career, making it hard to find work.

When Television Became His Turning Point

Just when the film offers slowed down, television came calling and it turned his fortunes around. Puneet was cast as 'Duryodhana' in B. R. Chopra's 'Mahabharat' (1988-1990).

And that role became a defining moment. His portrayal of Duryodhana - proud, intense, and layered gave audiences a character they could understand, even if they didn't agree with him. For many, he became the face of Duryodhana forever. Even decades later, reruns of the show still bring that same reaction where people pointed at his character and said, "That's Puneet Issar."

The Villain Who Became A Hero In His Own Way

Puneet eventually found his footing by embracing the roles others might have avoided - villains. His frame, voice, and presence made him the perfect on-screen antagonist. From scheming rivals to fierce warriors, he brought conviction and nuance to every character.

From Villain To Filmmaker

After Mahabharat, Puneet continued acting across languages - Hindi, Punjabi, Malayalam, and Tamil. Not just villain roles, he also showed his range in other genres. In 'Ready' (2011), Puneet took on a lighter, more comedic role alongside Salman Khan, a refreshing change from his usual intense characters.

In 2004, he had also stepped behind the camera to direct and co-write Garv: Pride & Honour, again with Salman Khan. The film's disciplined tone and strong action sequences reflected Puneet's deep understanding of cinematic structure and character intensity.

His last work on screen was 'The Bengal Files' (2025), where he played Rajnath Singh which proves that even after decades in the industry, he remains active and relevant.

Reality TV And A New Audience

In 2014, Puneet Issar joined the reality show Bigg Boss 8, which introduced him to a younger audience who had mostly known him for his on-screen villainy. However, his stint on the show was short-lived, he was briefly evicted after an incident involving physical aggression toward another contestant. Despite the controversy, his time on Bigg Boss showcased his commanding personality and old-school discipline that had long defined his career.

Family, Legacy And The Man Beyond The Screen

Puneet is married to Deepali Issar, daughter of actor Diljit Puri. The couple has two children - Siddhant and Nivriti. Siddhant has followed his father's path in writing and performing, often collaborating with him on stage and creative projects.

Despite being typecast as the "villain" early on, Puneet has always approached his roles with conviction and dignity. His characters may have been fierce, but off-screen, he's known for his humility and warmth in the industry.

A Career Worth Revisiting

Looking back, Puneet Issar is an actor who went from a setback early in his career to becoming one of the most iconic faces on Indian television. His 'Duryodhana' remains a benchmark for mythological roles, a blend of strength, charisma, and complexity that few have matched since.

On this Throwback Thursday, his journey reminds us that sometimes, life's toughest roles are the ones that define us. Puneet Issar didn't just play a villain, he made history by turning it into a legacy.