When Swastik Productions launched the grand television epic Mahabharat on Star Plus back in 2013, it faced the monumental task of living up to legacy adaptations. Yet, the show became an overnight phenomenon, running from September 16, 2013, to August 16, 2014.

While the high-end VFX and ensemble cast were highly praised, the absolute soul of Siddharth Anand Kumar's directorial masterpiece was actor Saurabh Raaj Jain, whose portrayal of Lord Krishna remains a benchmark in Indian television history. Even today, videos of his calm monologues and gentle expressions routinely go viral on social media.

Beyond the creative accolades, reports indicate that his iconic performance also earned him a record-breaking financial payout. Here is a look at the rejection that started it all, his massive per-episode salary, and his legacy across mythological television.

1. The Rejection That Set Up a Comeback

Saurabh Raaj Jain’s journey to donning the peacock feather was not a straightforward success story. Years before landing his definitive role, the actor had actually auditioned for Ekta Kapoor’s distinct 2008 adaptation of the epic (Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki).

He was outright rejected during those initial rounds. However, fate came full circle when the very same casting director recognized his growth years later, calling him back to audition for the Swastik Productions version—a callback that would alter the trajectory of his career.

2. Breaking Records: The Per-Episode Paycheck

Portraying a central deity in a mega-budget Indian television series demands long shooting hours, heavy costume compliance, and flawless dialogue delivery. Saurabh's unique blend of a comforting smile, a serene voice modulation, and a perfectly suited screen presence made him an indispensable asset to the network.

According to industry reports, his commanding performance made him the most expensive actor to ever play Lord Krishna on Indian television.

• The Estimated Fee: Saurabh Raaj Jain charged a premium of ₹2.50 Lakh to ₹3.00 Lakh per episode.

• The Total Scale: Given that the show ran for a total of 267 episodes over a span of nearly a year, his cumulative earnings from the project firmly established him at the peak of the television salary hierarchy.

3. The Ultimate Mythological Chameleon

While his portrayal of Shri Krishna remains a definitive fan favorite, Saurabh's distinct facial structure and deep acting range allowed him to achieve a rare "divine hat-trick" on Indian television across competing networks. He seamlessly slipped into various major divine forms:

Viewer Guide: Reliving the Epic in High Definition

If you want to experience the storytelling, music, and performance that defined an era of television, the entire catalog is fully preserved for modern streaming.