Ramanand Sagar: From Partition Hardships to Creating the Legendary ‘Ramayan’

Legendary director and producer Ramanand Sagar, best known for his iconic TV series ‘Ramayan’, was no stranger to adversity. Today, on his birth anniversary, we look back at his extraordinary journey—from enduring the hardships of Partition to creating one of India’s most-watched television shows.

Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born as Chandramouli Chopra in 1917 in what is now Pakistan, Sagar grew up in a family marked by personal complexities—his father had two wives, and Sagar was a half-brother to filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra. His passion for writing led him to work as a journalist at Lahore’s Daily Milap before Partition, where he eventually became an editor. His writing gained recognition, earning him offers from filmmakers like Mahboob Khan. However, Sagar turned down early film writing opportunities in pursuit of acting, which at the time was more lucrative than writing.

Partition and the Harrowing Journey to India
During Partition, Sagar’s family faced immense difficulties. While visiting Lahore, he realized the subcontinent was being divided, and communal violence had broken out. Fleeing with his wife and young son Prem Sagar, the family traversed Amritsar and Tangmarg to reach safety in Jammu, witnessing widespread chaos along the way.

The family endured extreme hardship; for four days they went hungry, and when food was finally obtained, it was a deeply emotional moment. To ensure sustenance, Sagar sold some of his wife’s jewelry upon reaching Delhi, providing food for several days. Their survival journey even involved a dramatic episode with a large chest containing Sagar’s books and the script of his film ‘Barsaat’, which officials initially refused to allow on the plane. Sagar insisted the chest go with them, threatening that no family member would board without it.

From Novelist to Filmmaker
Sagar’s experiences inspired him to write a novel on the India-Pakistan war titled ‘Aur Insaan Mar Gaya’, chronicling firsthand accounts of the turmoil. His career in films also flourished, with notable projects including ‘Prithviraj-Sanyukta’, where he played the role of Abhimanyu, and collaborations with prominent filmmakers of the era.

Creating ‘Ramayan’
Sagar’s legacy reached its pinnacle with the creation of ‘Ramayan’, which captivated viewers across India and beyond. Within just 25 days of its broadcast, the series amassed 850 million views and earned a place in the Guinness World Records as the most-watched television show. Sagar, however, humbly noted that the show’s planning was influenced by the guidance of others, including Professor Chandrashekhar Pandey, who used to recite the ‘Ramcharitmanas’ to students weekly.

A Legacy Remembered
Ramanand Sagar passed away on 12 December 2005, leaving behind an unparalleled contribution to Indian television. His journey from the struggles of Partition to becoming a celebrated creator is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and enduring impact on Indian culture.

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