New Delhi: The vibrant and joyous festival of Janmashtami, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, has concluded, but its profound impact continues to resonate deeply with television actors such as Sahil Uppal, Monalisa, Aayush Shrivastava, and Lakshay Khurana. These actors recently opened up about their personal experiences, cherished memories, and the invaluable lessons they have gleaned from Krishna’s timeless teachings.
Sahil Uppal, known for his role as Gagan in Sun Neo’s popular show ‘Saajha Sindoor’, shared a special childhood memory that remains close to his heart. “I haven’t had the opportunity to portray Krishna on screen yet,” Sahil mentioned, “but I have a cherished memory from my childhood when I dressed up as Krishna for a celebration. I’ve always admired Krishna’s depth and grace, and I aspire to play his character someday with the utmost respect and dedication.” Reflecting on Krishna’s teachings, he added, “Lord Krishna’s philosophy of staying true to oneself and performing one’s duties selflessly has deeply influenced me. His message from the Bhagavad Gita about focusing on our actions rather than the outcomes has helped me stay grounded and motivated in both my personal and professional life.”
Monalisa, another renowned TV actor who has become a household name through her powerful performances, expressed her deep connection to Janmashtami and Krishna’s teachings. “The teachings of Lord Krishna from the Geeta have been my guiding light,” she said. “Janmashtami holds a special place in my heart because it’s a time when I can express my devotion. Every year, I decorate the palana (cradle) and make new clothes for Laddu Gopal ji. The abhishek ceremony is done with immense love, and if time permits, I visit the temple to participate in the bhajans and the devotees’ dance during the Aarti.”
Monalisa’s approach to her craft is heavily influenced by Krishna’s wisdom. “One lesson from Krishna ji that is deeply ingrained in me is the notion that ‘You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.’ This mantra has guided me through my career, whether in my 125 films, reality show performances, or my role as a Daayan in fiction shows. I concentrate on giving my best to each role without expecting anything in return, and the sweetest reward I receive is the audience’s love and appreciation.”
Aayush Shrivastava, who stars in Shemaroo Umang’s supernatural show ‘Shamshaan Champa,’ recounted how Janmashtami evokes a sense of childhood nostalgia for him. “Janmashtami is very special to me, bringing back a flood of childhood memories,” Aayush shared.
. “Growing up in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, I was surrounded by vibrant celebrations. We organized ‘matki phod’ with friends, sang bhajans, and embraced the festive spirit completely. Even today, my family continues to celebrate Krishna’s birth at midnight, and singing ‘Achutam Keshavam’ remains one of my favorite parts of the celebrations. The festival is a beautiful reminder of the joy and devotion that Krishna brings into our lives.”
Lakshay Khurana, who plays Aditya in Sun Neo’s show ‘Ishq Jabariya’, nostalgically recalled his portrayal of Krishna in a school play. “Playing Krishna in a school play was a memorable experience,” Lakshay stated. “Wearing the peacock feather crown and holding the flute, I felt a special connection to Krishna’s playful yet wise nature. The applause from the audience and the feeling of portraying such a beloved character still bring a smile to my face. It was a role that left a lasting impression on me.”
Though the celebrations of Janmashtami have come to an end, these actors’ heartfelt reflections highlight the festival’s enduring impact and the timeless relevance of Krishna’s teachings in their lives. For Sahil Uppal, Monalisa, Aayush Shrivastava, and Lakshay Khurana, Janmashtami is not just a festival but an integral part of their spiritual and personal growth. These teachings of Krishna, especially focusing on duty without worry about outcomes, being true to oneself, and embracing joy amidst life’s turmoils, continue to inspire them.
Such celebrations offer a profound reminder of the cultural and spiritual heritage of India and how its timeless messages still resonate in contemporary lives. The actor’s narratives show an intersection of personal belief with professional life, providing them with a spiritual compass that helps navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry. Their commitment to celebrating Krishna’s birth and adhering to his teachings speaks volumes of the intrinsic value these lessons hold in shaping better human beings and professionals.
As Krishna’s profound teachings from the Bhagavad Gita remain a beacon of wisdom and guidance, the reflections from these actors serve as a testament to its lasting impact. The joy, devotion, and inspiration from Janmashtami live on in their hearts, a testament to Krishna’s timeless and eternal influence.
