The Mahabharata and The Ramayana: Two full-cast BBC Radio dramatisations based on the classic Indian epics

Full-cast dramatised retellings of the two most important epic Sanskrit poems of ancient India

The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are literary classics, the longest epic poems in world literature, as significant as the Bible, the Qu'ran and the works of Shakespeare. Estimated to have been composed over a period of time around the 3rd and 4th centuries BC, they encompass some of the greatest stories ever told - tales of the deeds of gods and men, and the eternal battle between good and evil. Included here are full-cast BBC Radio adaptations of both, directed by award-winning producer Claire Grove and with original music by acclaimed composer Niraj Chag.

Viewed from the perspective of one of the central characters, Yudhishtra, The Mahabharata recounts the struggles of a divided family as they fight over their inheritance and destroy the very thing they seek most - a peaceful and harmonious land. Exiled for 13 years, Yudhishtra knows his cousin will never give up the throne. War is inevitable - but which side will Krishna be on? Paul Battacharjee, Nitin Ganatra and Raad Rawi star in this intimate, accessible reimagining by Jatinder Verma and Claudia Mayer.

One of the world's most popular love stories, The Ramayana centres around the separation and reunion of Rama and Sita. When Sita first glimpses the beautiful Prince Rama, she determines to marry him or die. She wins his heart - but his stepmother's plot sees him banished from his position as heir to the throne. Exiled, he retreats to the forest, where Sita is abducted by a ruthless warlord. Rama enlists the help of an army of monkeys to get her back - but has she betrayed him with the evil ruler of Lanka? Manjinder Virk stars as Sita, with Lloyd Thomas as Rama in Amber Lone's distinctive modern version of the ancient legend.

Also included is the 5-part series Let's Talk About Rama and Sita, in which award-winning poet and broadcaster Daljit Nagra takes stories from The Ramayana into his community and finds the ancient tales alive with contemporary Asian dilemmas. Are Rama and Sita useful role models for men and women nowadays? How is the duo's relationship relevant to marriage today? And what lessons can the Indian epic teach us about loyalty and betrayal?

Produced and directed by Claire Grove Music composed by Niraj Chag

The Mahabharata Yudhishtra - Paul Bhattacharjee Krishna - Nitln Ganatra Bhishma - Raad Rawi Dhirtrashtra - Sam Dale Duryodhana - Zubln Varla Arjuna - Paul Bazely Bhima - Danny Sapani Draupadi - Sasha Behar Gandhari - Sudha Buchar Kunti - Indira Joshi Shakuni - Jude Akuwudike Uttara - Saikat Ahamed Dramatised by Jatinder Verma and Claudia Mayer First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4-18 February 2007

The Ramayana Sita - Manjinder Virk Rama - Lloyd Thomas Lakshman - Adeel Aktar Ravan - Paul Bhattacharjee Surparnaka - Sasha Behar Dasarath/Sugreeva - Jude Akuwudike Sister/Mandodari - Deeivya Meir Bharat - Saikat Ahamed Hanuman - Kulvinder Ghir Kush - Omar Kent Lava - Neil Reynolds Dramatised by Amber Lone First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 31 October-7 November 2010

Let's Talk About Rama and Sita Presented by Daljit Nagra First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24-28 February 2014

© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

© 2023 BBC Digital Audio (Lydbog): 9781529910247

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Lydbog: 13. april 2023