Chandrakanta was a "stepping stone" that helped Irrfan run his household while he waited for his big break in cinema. It showcased his early ability to "weave magic" even in loud, fantastical settings—a far cry from the subtle, naturalistic acting he later became famous for. For many 90s kids, these dual roles were their very first introduction to the "intense eyes" of Irrfan Khan.

Irfan Khan played the role of the evil (sorcerer) who served the sinister Queen Iravati (played by the late Shama Deshpande). While Iravati was the brains behind the coup in Vijaygarh, the Tantrik was the brawn of black magic. With his ash-smeared arms, wild eyes, and a deep, resonant voice that sent chills down young spines, Irfan Khan’s sorcerer was the primary source of supernatural dread in the series.

To distinguish the two, the production used visual cues: Badrinath had black hair, while Somnath returned with reddish, shoulder-length hair and exaggerated eye makeup. Despite the "jazzy" costumes and loud makeup, Khan brought a unique depth to these fantasy archetypes.

This confusion arises simply due to the phonetic similarity of their names and the fact that both worked in Hindi television/film during the 90s.

Note: This article clarifies the common confusion between the late, legendary actor (who was not in this show) and the actor Irfan Khan who played the iconic villain.

For years, a persistent myth has circulated on the internet. Many fans mistakenly attribute this role to the late ( Piku , The Lunchbox , Slumdog Millionaire ). This is incorrect.

(1994) remains one of his most fascinating early career milestones. The Role: Chandrakanta

When Irrfan once asked about the future of his character, the director reportedly mocked him, asking if he thought he was "Dharmendra".

Irrfan later played Badrinath’s evil twin brother, Somnath . While Badrinath had black hair, Somnath was distinguished by reddish, shoulder-length hair and bold eye makeup. Early Career Struggles Despite his later fame, Irrfan’s time on Chandrakanta was marked by the typical struggles of a newcomer:

In Chandrakanta , Irrfan Khan took on the demanding task of playing , Badrinath and Somnath.

Irfan Khan was an Indian actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career. One of his notable roles was in the popular TV series "Chandrakanta," which was a fantasy drama series that aired on Zee TV.

Sadly, Irfan Khan passed away in 2020, but his legacy lives on through his body of work, including his memorable performance in "Chandrakanta."

Unlike the campy villains of the era, Irfan Khan played the role with a chilling sincerity. He wasn't there to make you laugh; he was there to make you believe that Tona-Totka (black magic) could actually bring the palace down.