Two Major Villains of Hindu Mythological Characters: Kans and Ravan, Played by Three Actors

Hindu mythology is centuries old and remains a subject of research worldwide. In the current era, big-budget films are being made on mythological subjects like Ramayana and Mahabharata, but in the past, TV serials were the primary medium for bringing these stories to every household. Through TV serials, audiences got to see the characters of epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata up close. Two of the most notable villains among these characters are Kans and Ravan. Interestingly, three actors from the Hindi TV world have played both of these characters during their careers. These actors are Goga Kapoor, Vilas Raj, and Raj Premi. In Hindu mythological stories, Kans and Ravan are known as two villains who played significant roles in the lives of Lord Shri Krishna and Lord Rama. Kans was the tyrannical king of Mathura, while Ravan was the king of Lanka who initiated the Ramayana by abducting Sita. Both characters were presented so effectively through TV serials that their images became ingrained in the minds of the audience. Although different actors played these characters, three actors had the privilege of playing both roles during their careers. First is Vilas Raj. Vilas Raj was a versatile actor who played various diverse roles throughout his career. He portrayed Kans in the popular TV serial 'Krishna' produced by Ramanand Sagar. This serial was based on the life of Lord Krishna and depicted Kans as a cruel and tyrannical king. In the same vein, Vilas Raj also played the role of Ravan, in addition to playing the character of Lavanashur. Lavanashur was a demon king who was killed by Lord Krishna. The second actor is Raj Premi. He brought to life both major villains of Hindu mythology through his acting. Raj Premi played Kans in the TV serial 'Jai Shri Krishna', which focused on the life of Lord Krishna and effectively showcased Kans' atrocities. On the other hand, Raj Premi played Ravan in the serial 'Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman'. In this serial, Ravan was presented as a learned but tyrannical king who abducted Sita. The third actor is Goga Kapoor. Goga Kapoor was a well-known actor in the Hindi film and TV industry, who proved his acting prowess in numerous films and serials. He played Kans in the epic 'Mahabharata' produced by B.R. Chopra. This serial was extremely popular and depicted Kans as a tyrannical king. Goga Kapoor also played Ravan in the TV serial 'Jai Veer Hanuman'. In this serial, Ravan's character was portrayed as a learned and powerful king who posed a challenge to Lord Rama. Goga Kapoor played diverse roles throughout his career, including working in big films like Amitabh Bachchan's 'Toofan'. His acting journey was filled with variety and depth. Vilas Raj and Raj Premi were also prominent actors of their time, who brought Hindu mythological characters to life through TV serials. These three actors presented the villainous characters of Kans and Ravan so effectively through their acting that their images remain alive in the minds of the audience even today. TV serials based on Hindu mythology not only entertained but also connected people with their religious and cultural values. Through these serials, audiences got to know the stories of epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata closely. The three actors who played the villainous characters of Kans and Ravan have made these characters immortal through their acting. Even today, when these characters are mentioned, the memory of these actors who brought them to life becomes fresh.