New Delhi: Janmashtami, the grand festival celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth, has drawn to a close, but its profound impact continues to resonate deeply with television actors Sahil Uppal, Monalisa, Aayush Shrivastava, and Lakshay Khurana. These actors have opened up about their personal experiences, treasured memories, and the enduring lessons they have gleaned from Krishna’s timeless teachings.
Sahil Uppal, known for his portrayal of Gagan in Sun Neo’s series ‘Saajha Sindoor’, shared a cherished memory from his childhood, “While I haven’t had the opportunity to portray Krishna onscreen, I fondly remember the time I dressed as Krishna for a local celebration during my childhood. I’ve always admired the depth and grace of Krishna and would love to bring his character to life onscreen. If given the chance, I would approach the role with immense respect and dedication, aiming to capture his essence faithfully.”
Expounding on Krishna’s teachings, he added, “The messages of Lord Krishna, particularly those centered around staying true to oneself and performing one’s duties selflessly, have had a significant impact on me. His advice from the Bhagavad Gita, to focus on actions rather than outcomes, has kept me grounded and motivated both personally and professionally.”
Monalisa, a celebrated name in the television industry, spoke about Janmashtami’s special place in her life. “Krishna ji and his teachings from the Geeta have been a guiding light for me. This is why Janmashtami is such a significant festival for me. Every year, I decorate the palana (cradle) and craft new clothes for Laddu Gopal ji. After performing the abhishek, I lovingly place him in the cradle. I also enjoy visiting temples, partaking in the bhajans, and reveling in the dance during the Aarti if time permits.”
Monalisa’s deep connection to Krishna’s teachings is evident in her approach to her career. “Having spent around two decades in the industry, one of Krishna’s teachings that has subconsciously stayed with me is, ‘You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.’ This principle resonates with me profoundly. Whether it’s my 125 movies, performances in reality shows, or playing the role of Daayan in fiction series, I always give my best to each role without expecting anything in return. The sweetest reward is the love and appreciation from the audience.”
Aayush Shrivastava, star of Shemaroo Umang’s supernatural show ‘Shamshaan Champa,’ reminisced about his childhood memories of Janmashtami. “The festival holds a special place in my heart, bringing back a flood of cherished memories.
. Growing up in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, I was immersed in vibrant celebrations, organizing ‘matki phod’ events with friends, singing bhajans, and embracing the festive spirit. Even now, my family continues the tradition of celebrating Krishna’s birth at midnight, and one of my favorite bhajans to sing is ‘Achutam Keshavam.’ Janmashtami is a beautiful reminder of the joy and devotion Krishna brings into our lives.”
Lakshay Khurana, who plays Aditya in Sun Neo’s show ‘Ishq Jabariya’, fondly recalled his own special experiences, “I once played Krishna in a school play, and it was an unforgettable experience. Wearing the peacock feather crown and holding the flute, I felt a unique connection to Krishna’s playful yet wise nature. The applause from the audience and the joy of portraying such a beloved character still brings a smile to my face. It was a role that left a lasting impression on me.”
Despite Janmashtami’s conclusion, the heartfelt reflections of these actors underscore the festival’s lasting impact and the timeless relevance of Krishna’s teachings in their lives. The actors shared how they continue to draw inspiration from Krishna’s life and teachings long after the celebrations end.
Sahil Uppal emphasized the importance of internalizing Krishna’s messages, “His teachings on remaining true to oneself and fulfilling one’s responsibilities without attachment to results have fostered personal growth and resilience in me. The Bhagavad Gita’s focus on action over outcome is a lesson I carry with me in all aspects of life.”
For Monalisa, Krishna’s guidance has shaped her professional journey, “Lord Krishna’s words in the Geeta have deeply influenced my approach to acting and life. The ideology of focusing on actions without expecting rewards has been instrumental in my sustenance and success over the years.”
Aayush Shrivastava continued to reflect on the emotional connections to the festive season, “The spirit of Janmashtami, with its emphasis on shared joy and devotion, is something I have always carried with me. These memories and the values imparted by Krishna enrich my life and keep me spiritually anchored.”
Lakshay Khurana concluded with nostalgic warmth, “Playing Krishna as a child remains one of my dearest memories. The role embodied Krishna’s wisdom and playfulness, leaving a significant impact on my outlook towards life. The continued adoration for Krishna’s character reminds me of the profound and enduring nature of his teachings.”
In conclusion, while the divine celebration of Janmashtami has come to its annual end, the reflections and heartfelt memories shared by these actors serve as a testament to the festival’s profound and lasting influence on their lives. The teachings of Krishna continue to inspire and guide them, highlighting the timeless relevance of his wisdom beyond the festive days.
