Tenali Rama, the timeless Indian genius - What makes him relevant still?

MUMBAI : In today’s fast-paced world where we turn to the internet and technology for solving our daily issues, a man who used his wit and intelligence offering smart solutions way back in the 16th century is still revered. The tales and life of Tenali Rama—the beloved advisor to the king of Vijayanagar offers valuable lessons which are relevant in modern day as well. Known for his sharp wit, compassion, and creative problem-solving, Tenali, one of the greatest geniuses that India has ever seen, remains an icon whose legacy is timeless. Bringing Tenali’s evergreen stories to television audiences is Sony SAB as they return with new episodes of their celebrated show Tenali Rama, showcasing how his wisdom resonates even today.

Tenali’s brilliance

Vijayanagar, under Krishnadevaraya’s leadership, was a beacon of prosperity, culture, and diplomacy, and Tenali’s contributions were instrumental in sustaining its greatness. His sharp intellect and creative problem-solving earned him respect not only in the royal court but also among the common people. Outwitting neighboring kingdoms with clever strategies or resolving internal disputes with humor and fairness, Tenali’s unique blend of wisdom, wit, and empathy made him an irreplaceable advisor.
Abhimanyu Singh, CEO Contiloe Entertainment and the producer of Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama, reflects on Tenali’s genius, saying, “One of Tenali’s greatest feats was his ability to outwit invading kings without resorting to violence. For instance, when a king threatened Vijayanagar, Tenali devised a clever ruse involving disguised soldiers to trick the enemy into retreating. This shows that brainpower can often defeat brute force—something that remains true in our world today.”

Tenali’s Core Values: Empathy and Humor

Abhimanyu describes Tenali as a rare combination of intelligence, humor, creativity, and empathy. “Tenali wasn’t just a problem-solver; he navigated complex situations with his heart. His ability to relate to everyone, from royalty to commoners, makes him a hero for all generations. Beyond his wit, Tenali’s empathy for the marginalized set him apart.” Abhimanyu said highlighting a lesser-known tale, “Tenali defended a poor farmer against unjust taxes by using satire to expose the flaws in the system. His solution inspired change, proving that even serious issues can be tackled with compassion.”
He continued, “Another remarkable trait of Tenali was his use of humor to defuse conflict. When a neighboring kingdom mocked King Krishnadevaraya’s court, Tenali responded with a witty riddle that not only silenced critics but also fostered mutual respect. This ability to resolve tension through humor, rather than anger or force, is something we can all learn from.”

Why Tenali’s Wisdom Matters Today

Abhimanyu explains, “Tenali’s values—justice, resilience, and thinking outside the box—are universal. In a world where we often face polarization, his ability to find common ground offers hope.” He further added, “When offered a choice by Goddess Kali between wealth and wisdom, Tenali amusingly requested both, reasoning that wisdom without resources—or vice versa—would be incomplete. This balance is a guiding principle even in modern life. Even in the show we continuously strive to combine historical authenticity with contemporary storytelling. While costumes and settings reflect the grandeur of the Vijayanagar Empire, the narratives are crafted to resonate with modern challenges. For instance, in the upcoming season, Tenali mentors a group of children, teaching them discipline and creativity without being overly strict—a lesson relevant to parenting in modern times.”

A Hero for All Ages

Above all, Tenali Rama’s story is one of resilience. Rising from humble beginnings to becoming a trusted advisor to King Krishnadevaraya, he faced ridicule and challenges, yet never lost his sense of purpose. “For younger audiences, Tenali is like a mentor,” says Abhimanyu. “He offers guidance with a touch of amusement, showing that solutions don’t have to be rigid or severe. His wisdom inspires creativity and courage, especially in moments of doubt.”

Tune in to watch Tenali Rama this December at 8 PM only on Sony SAB