In 1995 HH Bhakti Charu Swami embarked on the monumental service of creating, writing, producing and directing a biographical video epic on Srila Prabhupada’s life. The serial, based on the biography, Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta, by HH Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami, was entitled Abhay Charan (Srila Prabhupada’s birth name.) Maharaja intended to do more than just glorify Srila Prabhupada. He wanted to present Srila Prabhupada’s life and achievements through a screenplay that would bring out his struggles, triumphs, and disappointments, and tell his story in detail.
The series was originally shown on Indian national television (Doordarshan) in episodes of twenty-five minutes. The first episode aired on September 7, 1996, the day after Srila Prabhupada’s Centennial appearance day. The episodes were broadcast every Saturday, reaching millions of people all over India. It was then edited for global distribution, first as video cassettes, in English, Hindi, Bengali and Tamil and later as an 18 volume DVD set.
"I remember looking at a book on the greatest personalities of this century. To my great disappointment I found Srila Prabhupada’s name missing. Although Srila Prabhupada is the greatest personality of this age, how many people know him as such? Very few people give him the recognition he deserves. So I felt I should do something to make Srila Prabhupada known worldwide. Because audio-visual media are the most effective, most prominent media today, I thought the best way to do it would be to present a film of Srila Prabhupada’s life and his contribution to the world.
At first I thought of making a film, but when I discussed the idea with the movie star Hema Malini, she suggested I make a TV serial instead, so I could properly convey Srila Prabhupada’s life and achievements in greater detail, over a longer period of time.
Krishna wants His pure devotee, Srila Prabhupada, to be glorified. It is only by Krishna’s mercy that I have been able to do whatever has been done. It is He who made all the arrangements for this project to become a reality”
(c) copyright by Bhakti Charu Swami
