''Naagarjuna – Ek Yoddha'' (''Naagarjuna – A Warrior'') is an Indian Hindi fantasy action drama television series which premiered on 30 May 2016 on

Life OK Life OK was an Indian pay television channel owned by Star India. It was launched on 18 December 2011 replacing Star One. It also started airing in the United States on 1 March 2012, and in the United Kingdom and Ireland on 28 May of that s ...

. Produced by

Yash A Patnaik Yash A Patnaik (born 12 March 1974) is an Indian television and film producer and screenwriter. He founded Indian media company Beyond Dreams Entertainment in 2007 along with his writer wife Mamta Yash A Patnaik. Under the banner of Beyond D ...

of Beyond Dreams Entertainment, it starred Anshuman Malhotra, Pearl V Puri,

Pooja Banerjee Pooja Banerjee (born 8 November 1991) is an Indian actress who appears in Hindi television. She began her television career as a contestant in '' MTV Roadies'' and subsequently starred as Tejal Majumdar in her first lead show, '' Ek Doosre Se ...

and

Nikitin Dheer Nikitin Dheer is an Indian actor who primarily works in Hindi and Telugu films, and Hindi television. Dheer made his acting debut in 2008 with the film ''Jodhaa Akbar''. He is best known for portraying Astika in '' Naagarjuna – Ek Yoddha'' ...

. Jeet Gannguli composed the soundtrack, which was sung by

Jubin Nautiyal Jubin Nautiyal (born 14 June 1989) is an Indian playback singer and live performer. In June 2022, he won the IIFA award for "Playback Singer (Male)" for the song "Raataan Lambiyan" from '' Shershaah'' and "Upcoming Male Vocalist of the Year" a ...

and

Shankar Mahadevan Shankar Mahadevan (born 3 March 1967) is an Indian singer and composer who is part of the Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy trio that writes music for Indian films. In 2023, he was awarded an honorary doctorate (''honoris causa'' degree) by Birmingham Ci ...

. The show was written by

Robin Bhatt Robin Bhatt is an Indian screenwriter who works in Hindi films. He is the younger half-brother of Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt and son of Nanabhai Bhatt. He has written many films and was nominated thrice and won an award for '' Baazigar''. ...

and

Akash Khurana Akash Khurana is an Indian actor, screenwriter, director, author, theatre artist and entrepreneur. His first screen appearance was in Shyam Benegal's '' Kalyug''. He has appeared in nearly 60 films, including ''Ardh Satya'', ''Saaransh'', ''N ...

while

Nitin Chandrakant Desai Nitin Chandrakant Desai (6 August 1965 – 2 August 2023) was an Indian art director, production designer, and film and television producer. He was most known for his work in Marathi and Hindi Films, World Cultural Festival 2016 at Delhi and fi ...

designed the sets. The show's first look was launched in

Mumbai Mumbai ( ; ), also known as Bombay ( ; its official name until 1995), is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Mumbai is the financial capital and the most populous city proper of India with an estimated population of 12 ...

on May 24, 2016.

Plot

The show starts with a flashback. Arjun sits on a snake-shaped rock and the voice over starts. Astika indulges in a fight with Nagdev, kills him and takes the Naagmani and give to his king Maharaj Takshak. Takshak wants to attack the humans and wants the domination of snakes all over the world. It is then revealed that Astika has bewitched Pranali who does not know that he is a Naag. Pranali gives birth to his son and Astika comes to demand his son from her. Pranali somehow escapes from Astika's clutches and sets her son sailing in a river so that Astika can not get a hold over him. Vasuki, also a snake, is responsible for maintaining peace and balance between the prithvi lok and naag lok. He steals the Naagmani from Takshak's abode so that it is not misused and finds Arjun. It is then revealed that Astika's human son is the bearer of the Naagmani. Arjun is found by a couple who adopt him. The story shifts to the present where Arjun is grown up and works in a garage as part-time job. He is a simple, innocent, hardworking lad who is hated by his family, except his parents and younger sister Chhutki for being adopted. His best friend is Aslam. He meets Noori and starts feeling for her. The next day, at the temple, Vasuki comes face to face with Arjun and touches his feet, puzzling Arjun. Astika's informant sees this and Vasuki kills him, letting Astika know that he is in Amroli. Now, Astika is in search of the Naagmani and his son, but is not aware that both are at the same place. He even comes in front of Arjun, but does not recognize him. Where Noori and Arjun's friendship increases and Noori's father was not happy with that. Meanwhile in search of Vasuki and his son, Astika mixes poison in Prasad; everyone except Arjun faints. Astika believes Vasuki takes this new form to safeguard his identity. Vasuki discloses secret that Arjun is his son to Astika. Shankhachurna, Arjun's half-brother who wants Nagmani and hated his father, who always neglected him and his mother for his missing son. He comes to PrthiviLok and takes the identity of ACP Rajveer Singh. His mother Mohini also joins him. Arjun realises he was not ordinary and has some supernatural powers. Astika befriends Arjun and discusses his special abilities. Pranali meet Arjun and his family and so happy for taking care of his son to Yashosha. Before she reveals the truth about Arjun's birth to Yashodha, she is killed by Astika. Shankhachurna and Mohini find that Arjun is Astika's son and Nagmaani bearer they decide to kill him but fail every time. Noori's father want to get married her to Rajveer where Rajveer finds that Arjuns weakness was Noori and accept his proposal. Arjun tells the truth about Rajveer to Noori's father where Rajveer kills him and Noori's Father asks Arjun to protect Noori and take care of her. Rajveer tells Noori that her father's dying wish is to get her daughter married to him. Arjun tries to explain Rajveer's identity but it backfires. Noori emotionally breaks up with Arjun and accepts to marry Rajveer because of her father's last wish. Meanwhile Arjun knows that Astika is her father and Rajveer is his step-brother and he was angry at Astika for keeping this secret. Vasuki explains to Arjun about story of Nagmani and cause of his birth. He overcomes various monsters sent by Rajveer and other enemies. Tina - Arjun and Aslam best friend return to her village after many years to investigate her town's mysteries. Takshak wakes up from his curse and try to get Nagmani back he captures Noori soul and threatens Arjun to complete task by saving her soul. After saving Noori's soul, Arjun's soul becomes trapped and he becomes Naagrakshas and threatens his hometown. After a few attempts Arjun's younger sister Chhutki notices his soul was in his chain where Naagraksha's holding. Vasuki sacrifices himself saving Arjun. Arjun was become normal with a new face Pearl V Puri and more powerful and he becomes Naagarjun. Arjun's parents do not believe his new face because of the enemies' plan. Arjun's mother notices he was her son after he become emotional by seeing Noori. Rajveer fumes anger by Arjun by getting more powers. They bring a powerful Naag where he was killed by Arjun. They hatch a plan and awaken the powerful evil serpent Maskini to say about his brother's death. She avenges her brother's death. Meanwhile Arjun and Noori patch up and confess their love and not to leave each other. Maskini comes to Earth posing as an innocent girl who loses her memory. Arjun's sister Chhutki saves her and brings her home and named Pari. Maskini attacks Arjun but each time she is defeated. Meanwhile she attracted to his powers. Finally Arjun knows that Maskini was behind all the attacks and he shows that he didn't kill her brother but leaves him by warning to get back her world. She realizes Rajveer's betrayal and falls deeply love with Arjun. She schemes, but Arjun learns her real identity and warns her and sends her back to her world where Arjun and Noori get married. Seeking vengeance, Maskini abducts all the villagers to her world, challenging Arjun and Tina to save them. Arjun, assisted by his father, enters Maskini's world. Tina in village, searches for a portal to enter Maskini world to save the villagers. Maskini kills Aslam making Arjun grief. She tortures Arjun's family. Tina and some police officers enter Maskini's world through a secret portal. They all die where Tina and ACP remaining. Rajveer joins with Arjun and Astika to save villagers while he has other plans for Arjun. Astika is separated from the duo in the attack. Tina reaches the hidden villagers and with help of Astika she saves them. Maskini kills Mohini making Rajveer angry and she also kills Astika. Arjun and Shankhachurna are saddened by their parents' death where Rajveer was sorry to Arjun by lust of Nagmani and Joins with Arjun to defeat Maskini. Finally, Arjun defeats Maskini, kills her, and returns to his hometown with his wife and family. After three months, Noori gets pregnant and she has nightmares about her unborn child being attracted to evil powers. Arjun consoles her and she gives birth to a healthy boy continuing Arjun's legacy.

Cast

Main

* Pearl V Puri as Arjun "Naagarjun" Shastri ** Anshuman Malhotra as Young Arjun Shastri *

as Noorie Shastri *

Karishma Tanna Karishma K. Tanna (born 21 December 1983) is an Indian actress and model who predominantly works in Hindi films and television shows. She made her television debut with ''Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'' in 2001. She is well known for her roles ...

as Maskini *

as Astika

Recurring

Mrunal Jain Mrunal Jain (born 9 January 1985) is a former Indian television and Bollywood film actor and the co-founder of the Tennis Premier League (TPL), Asia's biggest tennis tournament,. He is best known for his role of Hiten, Sameer and Akash in the ...

as Shankhachurna/A.C.P. Rajveer Singh *Sudeepa Singh as Mohini * Shruti Ulfat as Yashodha Shastri, Arjun's foster mother *

Abigail Jain Abigail Pande is an Indian television actress best known for her lead role in the series ''Humse Hai Liife''. She also has a lead role in the Hindi television drama '' Kya Dill Mein Hai'' and in '' Zindagi Wins''. Early life and career Jain ...

as Tina *Aman Vasishth as Aslam *

Rishina Kandhari Rishina Kandhari is an Indian actress whose major roles include Princess Khyati on ''Devon Ke Dev... Mahadev'', the Goddess Laxmi in ''Tenali Rama'', Empress Hamida Banu Begum Hamida Banu Begum (Persian: حمیده بانو بیگم; ...

as Naag Maya * Puneett Chouksey as Inspector Aditya Dixit *

Rehaan Roy Rehaan Roy is an Indian actor and model who has performed many roles in various Hindi and Bengali television shows. He is known for the lead role of Ishaan in '' Ogo Bodhu Sundori'', Rishi in '' Sajda Tere Pyaar Mein'', Ajgaar in '' Naagarjuna ...

as Ajgaar * Ishita Vyas as Cheemi * Nawab Shah as S. P. Baldev Singh *

Chetan Hansraj Chetan Hansraj (born 15 June 1972) is an Indian film and television actor. Career Hansraj started his career as a child actor in 1980, doing over 250 press advertisements and 30 ad films, and his debut film ''Kook Doo Koo'' was selected for th ...

as Nag Dev, King of Naaglok many generations after Shesh Naag, King of all the Nagaas. *

Keerti Nagpure Keerti Nagpure is an Indian actress who primarily works in Television in India, Hindi television. She made her acting debut in 2010 with ''Olakh'' portraying Vibhavari Talwarkar. Nagpure is best known for her portrayal of Siddhi Malik Chopra in ...

as Pranali, Naagarjuna's biological mother *Saar Kashyap as

Agni Agni ( ) is the Deva (Hinduism), Hindu god of fire. As the Guardians of the directions#Aṣṭa-Dikpāla ("Guardians of Eight Directions"), guardian deity of the southeast direction, he is typically found in southeast corners of Hindu temples. ...

Rajesh Khera Rajesh Khera (''Rājēśa Khērā'') is an Indian television actor and voice actor who has acted in many Hindi films and is remembered for the role of fashion designer Maddy in '' Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin''. He was recently seen as a contender ...

as Takshak *

Manish Wadhwa Manish Wadhwa (born 1972) is an Indian actor and voice actor. He is best known for his roles Chanakya in ''Chandragupta Maurya'', Balaji Vishwanath Bhatt in ''Peshwa Bajirao'', Kans in '' Paramavatar Shri Krishna'', Amal Nanda/Dansh in '' ...

as Vasuki *

Richa Mukherjee Richa Mukherjee is an Indian television actress known for her roles as Uttarā in Mahabharat, Guddi Thakur in ''Begusarai'' and Aarati Srivastav in ''Mere Angne Mein Mere Angne Mein is an Indian soap opera that aired on Star Plus from 15 J ...

as Urmi *Arjun Singh Shekhawat as Digant, Arjun's brother *

Kishori Shahane Kishori Shahane Vij is an Indian classical and folk dancer and actress who works in the Marathi and Hindi movies and television. She is married to Hindi filmmaker Deepak Balraj Vij. She is a producer who helped to make a film about the life ...

as Goddess

Manasa Manasa () is a Hindu goddess of snakes. She is worshipped mainly in Bihar, Odisha, Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam and other parts of northeastern India and in Uttarakhand, chiefly for the prevention and cure of snakebite, and also for fertility and ...

Vishal Karwal Vishal Karwal is an Indian television-film actor. He has played some famous serials like ''Dwarkadheesh Bhagwaan Shree Krishn'', ''Rishton Se Badi Pratha'', ''Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai'' and ''Rangrasiya''. He participated in ''MTV Roadi ...

Krishna Krishna (; Sanskrit language, Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God (Hinduism), Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, c ...

* Rahul Sharma as

Arjuna Arjuna (, , Help:IPA/Sanskrit, �ɾd͡ʒun̪ə is one of the central characters of the ancient Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. He is the third of the five Pandava brothers, and is widely regarded as the most important and renowned among them. ...

* Salman Shaikh as Ashvasena * Iris Maity as

Chitrāngadā Chitrangada () is a character in the ancient Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. She is introduced as the princess of region named Manipura or Manalura, and the only heir of King Chitravahana. During his exile, the Pandava prince Arjuna fell in love w ...

*Arshee Khan as

Loka Loka () is a concept in Hinduism and other Indian religions, that may be translated as a planet, the universe, a plane, or a realm of existence. In some philosophies, it may also be interpreted as a mental state that one can experience. A prima ...

*Srishti Jain as

Draupadi Draupadi (), also referred to as Krishnā, Panchali and Yajnaseni, is the central heroine of the Indian epic poetry, ancient Indian epic ''Mahabharata''. In the epic, she is the princess of Panchala Kingdom, who later becomes the empress of K ...

*Esha Chawla as

Ulupi Ulupi (), also known as Uluchi and Ulupika, is a Naga princess mentioned in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. Ulupi is the daughter of the king Kauravya, and is the second wife of Arjuna. She also finds a mention in the ''Vishnu Purana'' and the ...

* Ahmad Harhash as Babhuram Malhotra

Production

Development

The show is going to be produced by

under the banner of Beyond Dreams Entertainment. In March,

was signed to portray the role of the lead

antagonist An antagonist is a character in a story who is presented as the main enemy or rival of the protagonist and is often depicted as a villain.Pearl V Puri in September 2016 . Anshuman's real life girlfriend Sanaya Pithawalla was initially signed to star opposite him. But she was replaced by

at the last minute.

was signed to portray the second lead in the fantasy series. He will now be seen as a warrior, with grey shades, from the times gone by in the series.

was signed to star opposite him.

Nawab Shah (actor) Nawab Shah is an Indian actor, who works in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada-language films and television series. Before entering into films, he played character roles in television serials. Career Nawab Shah debuted his acting care ...

has been signed to play the role of a cop in the series. Nitanshi Goel was signed to play the role of Anshuman's kid sister Chutki. In May,

Sheela Sharma Sheela Sharma ( David) is an Indian film and television actress in Hindi and Gujarati cinema, best known for the films '' Nadiya Ke Paar'' (1982), '' Hum Saath Saath Hain'' and '' Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai''. Early life Born in Valsad district, ...

, Gujarati actress Anandi Tripathi, model Arjun Singh and Ajay Kumar Singh have been roped to play prominent roles in the series.

and

have also been finalised for prominent roles in the series. As of July 2016,

entered the show as Anshuman's childhood friend Tina. On 5 Dec 2016, ''

The Times of India ''The Times of India'' (''TOI'') is an Indian English-language daily newspaper and digital news media owned and managed by the Times Group. It is the List of newspapers in India by circulation, third-largest newspaper in India by circulation an ...

'' reported that actor Rehaan Roy was signed to play a villainous role in the show.

Character and looks

Nikitin Dheer plays an unusual anti-hero character in the show. He is also the reel father to Malhotra, the lead character. He trained himself in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and sword fighting for six months. Pooja has gone for a makeover of sorts for the show. The actress plays a simple girl-next-door character called Noorie in the show. Earlier, Pooja’s role was supposed to be played by Anshuman’s real life girlfriend Sanaya Pithawala but somehow the deal did not work out and Pooja bagged it at the last minute. Anshuman is four years younger to Pooja and to ensure they look approximately around the same age, she was asked to chop off her long tresses. Mrunal is seen in dual role, as a super villain, who will double up as a cop called Rajbir, in the show. Explaining the intricacies of playing such a role, he says, "My character Shankachurna is different compared to what I have done in the past." The costume that he will be wearing has a lot of elements, including claws jutting out from the right shoulder."It takes the actor over an hour just to get into the look of the character, complete with the costume and a wig, which he is wearing for the first time. Nitanshi will be playing the role of Chutki. She will be very cute, naughty and intelligent and will love and care for her brother a lot. Earlier Veera girl Harshita Ojha was finalized to play this character. However it is Nitanshi who had managed to bag this prized role now. Actor Arjun Singh will be playing a grey shade, Anandi will be seen as Anshuman's mother, Ajay will be Anshuman's father and Sheela would play his aunt in the show. Rishina will be playing the role of Nag Maya who will protect the Naglok. Her character will foresee the future. Pearl has been made to wear thick green-coloured lenses for his 'Naag' look.

Shooting locations

The show has been shot at intriguing districts of

India India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of countries by population (United Nations), most populous country since ...

Kerala Kerala ( , ) is a States and union territories of India, state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile ...

Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh (; Sanskrit: ''himācāl prādes;'' "Snow-laden Mountain Province") is a States and union territories of India, state in the northern part of India. Situated in the Western Himalayas, it is one of the thirteen Indian Himalayan ...

and

Kashmir Kashmir ( or ) is the Northwestern Indian subcontinent, northernmost geographical region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term ''Kashmir'' denoted only the Kashmir Valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir P ...

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nagarjuna-Ek Yoddha 2016 Indian television series debuts 2017 Indian television series endings Hindi-language television shows Indian fantasy television series Life OK original programming