New Delhi: Janmashtami, the vibrant festival commemorating Lord Krishna’s birth, has recently wrapped up, but its lasting imprint and profound significance continue to be felt by many, including TV actors Sahil Uppal, Monalisa, Aayush Shrivastava, and Lakshay Khurana. These artists have shared their insights, treasured memories, and the timeless lessons they’ve drawn from Krishna’s messages.
Sahil Uppal, who essays the role of Gagan in Sun Neo’s popular show ‘Saajha Sindoor’, began by reminiscing about his own nostalgic moments. “Although I haven’t had the chance to portray Krishna onscreen yet, I fondly remember dressing up as Krishna during a childhood celebration. Krishna’s depth and elegance have always fascinated me, and portraying him someday would be a dream come true. If given that opportunity, I would dive into the role with immense reverence and strive to encapsulate his essence authentically,” Sahil expressed earnestly.
Diving deeper into Krishna’s teachings, Sahil articulated, “What stands out for me is Krishna’s doctrine about true self-expression and selfless duty. His wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the focus on actions over outcomes, has been a guiding principle for me. This philosophy has rooted me, helping me stay balanced and motivated across both personal and professional realms.”
Monalisa, a celebrated name in households due to her stellar performances, opened up about the spiritual importance of Janmashtami in her life. “Krishna and his teachings from the Geeta have always illuminated my path, making Janmashtami immensely special for me. Annually, I engage in decorating the palana (cradle) for Laddu Gopal ji, craft new garments for him, and after the abhishek (ritual bathing), I place him lovingly in the cradle. Time permitting, I delight in visiting temples, soaking in the bhajans, and witnessing the fervent aarti dances by devotees,” she elaborated.
Reflecting on Krishna’s teachings, Monalisa noted, “Spanning nearly two decades in this industry, one teaching from Krishna Ji has latched onto my consciousness: ‘You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.’ This belief has driven me through my 125 films, reality show journeys, and roles such as Daayan in fiction shows. The primary focus has always been on delivering my best without harboring expectations. The overwhelming love I receive from audiences is the sweetest fruit of my labor.”
Aayush Shrivastava, the star of Shemaroo Umang’s supernatural series ‘Shamshaan Champa’, delved into his deep-seated memories associated with Janmashtami. “The festival holds a special nook in my heart, conjuring a tapestry of childhood memories. Growing up in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, I was enveloped by the vibrant Janmashtami celebrations. With friends, we would organize ‘matki phod’ events, chant bhajans, and entirely immerse in the festival’s spirit. This tradition continues, with midnight celebrations at home.
. One of my cherished bhajans to sing remains ‘Achutam Keshavam.’ Janmashtami is an enduring reminder of Krishna’s joy and devotion,” Aayush shared warmly.
Lakshay Khurana, portraying Aditya in Sun Neo’s show ‘Ishq Jabariya’, reflected on similarly treasured childhood moments. “I once portrayed Krishna in a school play, and it was a surreal experience. Wearing the peacock feather crown and holding the flute, I felt an intrinsic bond with Krishna’s playful yet profound essence. The audience’s applause and the joy of representing such a revered character still bring a smile to my face. That role has left an indelible mark on me,” Lakshay reminisced.
Even after Janmashtami’s conclusion, the heartfelt reflections of these actors highlight the festival’s enduring impact and the timeless relevance of Krishna’s teachings in their lives.
Adding further, Sahil emphasized Krishna’s influence in maintaining one’s authenticity and dedication on stage and real life. “Krishna’s teachings on being true to oneself and operating selflessly resonate strongly with me. His Gita messages on zeroing in on actions and not just the outcomes continue to be a source of grounding and motivation,” he remarked with conviction.
Monalisa reiterated her connection to Krishna’s wisdom and its bearings on her professional endeavors. “Having spent two decades in this reel and real world, Krishna Ji’s maxim on duty without attachment to its fruits guides my every step. Be it triumphs in my extensive filmography, reality shows, or characters in fiction, my core focus remains unwavering dedication. The audience’s love epitomizes the purest reward,” she reiterated.
Aayush detailed his deep-rooted connections to Janmashtami, bringing to light his childhood festivities filled with ‘matki phods,’ devotional songs, and familial midnight vigils. “In Jabalpur, the jubilant Janmashtami atmosphere has always been vivid. Now, even more special, are the yearly home celebrations, singing ‘Achutam Keshavam,’ and reflecting on Krishna’s joy,” he added thoughtfully.
Lakshay concluded with a reminiscent note on his memorable portrayal of Krishna in a school drama, further affirming the festival’s lasting influence. “Portraying Krishna, with his iconic peacock crown and flute, was a heartwarming experience. The audience’s warm applause and embodying Krishna’s essence remain etched in my memories,” he summed up.
Conclusively, these television actors’ reflections underscore the timelessness of Krishna’s teachings and reaffirm how Janmashtami’s spirit continues to influence and inspire beyond its festive end.
