WHAT? Story of Padmavati has been explored before and late Om Puri played Alauddin Khilji : Bollywood News

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his grand films and now his latest ambitious venture Padmavati is all set to release next month. While the film is facing backlash from Rajasthani activists, let us tell you that it is not a story that is explored for the first time in the entertainment industry.

WHAT? Story of Padmavati has been explored before and late Om Puri played Alauddin Khilji

During the late 80s and early 90s, when Doordarshan explored several historic themes, one amongst them was a popular saga titled ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’. Based on the several tales that form an integral part of ‘Discovery of India’, the serial explored the epics of Ramanayana, Maharabharata along with several dynasty rulers who were pivotal in shaping up the country. Amidst all these stories, one of them also explored the rule of the Delhi Sultanate, and the third episode of this Sultanate series featured the episode of the tyrant ruler Alauddin Khilji and his association with Padmavat.

From his treachery to him being mesmerized by the beauty of Rani Padmini when he visits Raja Rawal Ratan Singh, the 45 minute episode covered some important and intriguing elements of this tale. While Alauddin Khilji was played by the late veteran actor Om Puri, Rani Padmini’s role was essayed by Seema Kelkar and Rajendra Gupta was seen as Raja Rawal Ratan Singh.

While that also showcased Khilji’s greed for the Chittorgarh’s treasures and its richness too, the forthcoming film Padmavati is based on the epic poetry titled ‘Padmavat’ that talks about Khilji’s obsession with Rani Padmini’s beauty that led to the destruction of the Chittorgarh empire.

Padmavati features Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmini along with Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh as Raja Rawal Ratan Singh and Alauddin Khilji respectively. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film is slated to release on December 1.