New Delhi: As the curtain falls on Janmashtami, the vibrant celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth, the festivities may have ended, but the spirit and significance of the occasion continue to reverberate among the television fraternity. Popular TV actors such as Sahil Uppal, Monalisa, Aayush Shrivastava, and Lakshay Khurana have shared their cherished memories, profound experiences, and the timeless lessons they’ve derived from Krishna’s teachings, providing a poignant reminder of the festival’s enduring influence.
Sahil Uppal, best known for his role as Gagan in Sun Neo’s show ‘Saajha Sindoor’, opened up about his deep-seated connection with Krishna. “Although I haven’t had the privilege to portray Krishna on screen yet, I hold a cherished childhood memory of dressing up as Krishna for a celebration. Krishna has always been a figure of immense depth and grace to me,” he reminisced. “Playing his character someday would indeed be a dream come true. I would approach it with immense respect and dedication, aiming to truly capture his essence.”
Sahil also reflected on Krishna’s teachings that have left an indelible mark on his life. “Krishna’s messages about staying true to oneself and carrying out one’s duties selflessly, especially as articulated in the Bhagavad Gita, have greatly influenced me. His philosophy of focusing on our actions rather than their outcomes has helped me remain grounded and motivated in both my personal and professional journeys.”
Renowned actress Monalisa, famed for her powerful onscreen performances, shared her heartfelt sentiments on Janmashtami’s significance in her life. “Lord Krishna’s teachings from the Gita have been my guiding light, and that is why Janmashtami is so special to me. Each 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. Whenever I can, I visit the temple to immerse myself in the devout atmosphere, the bhajans, and the devotees’ dances during the aarti,” Monalisa elaborated.
Her commitment to Krishna ji’s teachings resonates through her dedication to her craft. “Having spent around two decades in the industry, there is one teaching of Krishna ji that has stuck with me: ‘You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.
.’ This mantra of focusing solely on the efforts, irrespective of the outcome, is something I live by. Be it my 125 films, performances on reality shows, or playing iconic roles like that of a Daayan in fiction shows, I put my heart and soul into every role without expecting anything in return. And the love I receive from the audience is the most rewarding fruit of my labor,” she said.
Aayush Shrivastava, the star of Shemaroo Umang’s supernatural show ‘Shamshaan Champa,’ delved into his nostalgic memories of Janmashtami. “This festival holds a very dear place in my heart. Growing up in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, I was surrounded by incredibly vibrant Janmashtami celebrations. Friends and I used to organize ‘matki phod,’ sing bhajans, and immerse ourselves wholeheartedly in the festivities. Even today, my family continues to celebrate Krishna’s birth at midnight, and ‘Achutam Keshavam’ remains one of my favorite bhajans. It’s a celebration that fills our lives with joy and devotion,” Aayush shared.
Lakshay Khurana, who portrays Aditya in Sun Neo’s ‘Ishq Jabariya’, looked back fondly on his childhood memories of Janmashtami. “I once played Krishna in a school play, and that experience remains etched in my memory. Wearing the peacock feather crown and holding the flute, I felt an extraordinary connection to Krishna’s playful yet wise nature. The applause from the audience and the joy of embodying such a cherished character still bring a smile to my face. It’s a role that has left a lasting impression on me,” he recalled with a sense of nostalgia.
Although the Janmashtami festivities have concluded, the heartfelt reflections shared by these TV actors illuminate the festival’s enduring impact and the timeless relevance of Krishna’s teachings in their lives. Recollections of past celebrations and the deep-seated spiritual learnings from Lord Krishna remind us that the essence of Janmashtami transcends the boundaries of time, continuing to inspire and guide many on their life’s journey.
