The Indian historical comedy-drama “Tenali Rama” was one of SAB TV’s most beloved shows, running successfully from July 11, 2017, to November 13, 2020. Produced by Contiloe Entertainment, the show brilliantly blended humor, wisdom, and historical drama to tell the legendary tales of Pandit Ramakrishna, popularly known as Tenali Rama.
Inspired by the folklore surrounding the court poet and witty advisor to King Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara, Tenali Rama offered a refreshing mix of entertainment, moral lessons, and laughter. Let’s explore the full cast that brought this vibrant and wise world to life.
Main Cast
Krishna Bharadwaj as Tenali Rama / Pandit Ramakrishna
The heart and soul of the show, Krishna Bharadwaj played the titular role of Tenali Rama. His portrayal of the intelligent and witty Rama, who used humor and intellect to solve complex court matters, won viewers’ hearts. Krishna’s performance was praised for its comic timing, emotional depth, and relatability. His depiction made Tenali Rama not just a historical figure but a living, breathing character that audiences rooted for.
Manav Gohil as King Krishnadevaraya
Veteran actor Manav Gohil portrayed King Krishnadevaraya, the benevolent and just ruler of the Vijayanagar empire. His character balanced authority with kindness, often setting up the scenarios where Tenali Rama’s wisdom shone. Manav’s majestic presence and nuanced acting added gravitas to the show.
Pankaj Berry as Timmarusu
Pankaj Berry played Timmarusu, the Prime Minister of Vijayanagar and one of Krishnadevaraya’s most trusted advisors. A wise and strategic figure, Timmarusu often provided critical counsel in both political and personal matters. Pankaj Berry’s performance added a layer of wisdom and seriousness amidst the show’s comedy.
Vishwajeet Pradhan as Tathacharya
One of the standout performances of the series came from Vishwajeet Pradhan, who portrayed Tathacharya, the royal priest and a primary antagonist in the initial episodes. Tathacharya’s character was often involved in plotting against Tenali Rama out of jealousy but would end up being humorously defeated by Rama’s wit.
Supporting Cast
Nimisha Vakharia as Laxmi Amma
Nimisha Vakharia played Laxmi Amma, Tenali Rama’s loving and supportive mother. She was portrayed as wise and deeply rooted in traditional values, playing a significant role in shaping Tenali Rama’s character.
Priyamvada Kant / Niyaa Sharma as Sharda
Priyamvada Kant initially portrayed Sharda, Tenali Rama’s cheerful and supportive wife. Later, Niyaa Sharma took over the role. Sharda was shown as the perfect partner, who understood and admired Rama’s cleverness and often encouraged him in his pursuits.
Ayaan Zubair Rahmani as Bhaskar
Young actor Ayaan Zubair Rahmani played Bhaskar, the adorable son of Tenali Rama and Sharda. His innocent mischief and curiosity added light-hearted family dynamics to the story.
Extended Cast and Court Characters
Sonia Sharma as Chinna Devi
Sonia Sharma played Chinna Devi, one of King Krishnadevaraya’s queens. She was shown as intelligent, graceful, and supportive of her husband and the court matters.
Nikita Sharma as Tirumalamba
Another of Krishnadevaraya’s queens, Tirumalamba, was portrayed by Nikita Sharma. She often engaged with court affairs and had a charming on-screen presence.
Gautam Hegde as Mahamantri Kaikala
Gautam Hegde played Kaikala, another minister who sometimes found himself caught between the wit of Tenali Rama and the schemes of Tathacharya.
Tarun Khanna as Senapati Sher Khan
Tarun Khanna portrayed Senapati Sher Khan, an important military figure. His character often added tension to political and strategic discussions.
Ajay Chaudhary as Bandra Gang/Badshah Khan
Ajay Chaudhary played a dual antagonist role, bringing thrilling twists to the narrative by challenging Tenali Rama’s intelligence through external threats to the empire.
Deepak Wadhwa as Vikramaditya (Special Appearance)
Deepak Wadhwa made a special appearance as Vikramaditya, creating an interesting crossover of two iconic Indian historical characters for a short storyline.
Guest Appearances and Notable Characters
The show also had numerous guest appearances from other famous TV actors portraying historical, mythological, and even fictional characters. Some episodes involved story arcs where Tenali Rama would meet thieves, rival poets, foreign envoys, or magical characters, adding variety and excitement.
Show Format and Legacy
- Genre: Historical Comedy Drama
- Language: Hindi
- Produced by: Contiloe Pictures Pvt. Ltd.
- Broadcast Network: SAB TV
- No. of Episodes: 689
- Original Release: July 11, 2017 – November 13, 2020
Tenali Rama masterfully combined historical references with humor, presenting important life lessons and wisdom tales that are still relevant today. It wasn’t just a children’s show — adults also enjoyed the witty exchanges, smart storytelling, and brilliant performances.
The series remains one of SAB TV’s longest-running and most loved historical comedies, second only to Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah in popularity during its time.
Final Thoughts
Meri Bhavya Life continues today’s fascination with strong storytelling, but Tenali Rama remains a landmark for merging folklore with entertainment in modern Indian television.
The casting choices, led by Krishna Bharadwaj, Manav Gohil, Vishwajeet Pradhan, and a strong supporting ensemble, breathed new life into the centuries-old tales. Tenali Rama is still remembered fondly for its sharp wit, moral messages, and heartwarming moments.
If you haven’t watched it yet, Tenali Rama is available on various OTT platforms and is perfect for family viewing!