New Delhi: The curtains have fallen on this year’s Janmashtami celebrations, yet the echoes of Lord Krishna’s teachings and the festival’s profound significance linger. Renowned TV actors Sahil Uppal, Monalisa, Aayush Shrivastava, and Lakshay Khurana have opened up about their personal connections to this auspicious festival, sharing cherished memories and the life lessons they’ve drawn from Krishna’s timeless teachings.
Sahil Uppal, popularly known for his role as Gagan in Sun Neo’s show ‘Saajha Sindoor’, delved into his childhood memories and dream aspirations. “I haven’t portrayed Krishna yet, but one of my most cherished memories is dressing up as Krishna for a celebration during my childhood,” Uppal recalls with a smile. “Krishna’s depth, his grace have always intrigued and inspired me. I hope to embody his essence on screen one day, approaching the role with utmost dedication and respect.”
Uppal believes that Lord Krishna’s teachings have profoundly influenced his life and career. “Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita about staying true to oneself and performing one’s duties selflessly have been pivotal for me. His message to focus on our actions rather than the outcomes has kept me grounded and motivated, both personally and professionally,” he added.
Monalisa, a household name through her impactful performances, placed significant emphasis on how Janmashtami shapes her life. “Lord Krishna and his teachings from the Geeta have been guiding lights in my life,” Monalisa shared. “Every year, Janmashtami holds a sacred place in my heart. I take great joy in decorating the palana (cradle) and crafting new clothes for Laddu Gopal ji. After the abhishek (ritual bath), placing him in the cradle is a moment filled with love and devotion. If time permits, I visit the temple to enjoy the bhajans and the divine dances performed during the Aarti.”
Monalisa’s profound connection to Krishna ji’s teachings reflects in her passion and dedication towards her craft. “Over the two decades I’ve spent in the industry, one teaching that has stayed with me, consciously or subconsciously, is where Krishna ji says, ‘You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.’ Whether it’s in my 125 movies, my reality show performances, or playing the role of Daayan in fiction shows, I focus solely on giving my best to each role without expectations. The love from the audience is the sweetest reward I receive.
.”
Aayush Shrivastava, known for his role in Shemaroo Umang’s supernatural show ‘Shamshaan Champa,’ transported us back to his childhood in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. “Janmashtami brings with it a flood of childhood memories for me. Growing up, I was surrounded by the festival’s vibrant celebrations. We organized ‘matki phod’ with friends, sang bhajans, and truly immersed ourselves in the spirit of the occasion,” he reminisced. “Even now, my family continues the tradition of celebrating Krishna’s birth at midnight. One of my favorite bhajans to sing is ‘Achutam Keshavam.’ The festival is a heartwarming reminder of the joy and devotion that Krishna brings into our lives.”
Lakshay Khurana, who portrays Aditya in Sun Neo’s show ‘Ishq Jabariya,’ shared a heartfelt memory from his childhood. “I once played Krishna in a school play, and it remains one of my most memorable experiences. Wearing the peacock feather crown and holding the flute, I felt an intimate connection to Krishna’s playful yet profound nature. The applause from the audience and the joy of playing such a beloved character still bring a smile to my face. It was a role that left a lasting impact on me,” Khurana reflected.
Though the vibrant festivities of Janmashtami may have wound down, the reflections of these actors underscore the festival’s enduring impact and the timeless relevance of Lord Krishna’s teachings in our lives. Each actor, through their stories, illustrates how deeply Krishna’s messages resonate with them, shaping not just their personal journeys but also their professional endeavors.
From Monalisa’s deep devotion and the tradition she maintains at every Janmashtami to Sahil Uppal’s aspirations of embodying Krishna’s philosophy on screen, it is evident that Krishna’s teachings continue to inspire and guide these actors. The timeless wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita serves as a beacon, encouraging them to stay true to themselves and their duties, regardless of the consequences.
In a world perpetually in need of guidance and inspiration, the life lessons from Krishna as shared by these actors offer hope and a blueprint for living a life rooted in virtue and selflessness. The echoes of Janmashtami may fade, but the festival’s spirit and Krishna’s teachings will continue to shine brightly in the lives of those who seek their wisdom.
