New Delhi: As the curtains fall on Janmashtami festivities, TV actors Sahil Uppal, Monalisa, Aayush Shrivastava, and Lakshay Khurana reflect on the celebrations of Lord Krishna’s birth, sharing personal stories that illuminate the enduring influence of his timeless teachings.
Sahil Uppal, who captivates audiences as Gagan in Sun Neo’s popular show ‘Saajha Sindoor,’ recalled a cherished childhood memory. “Though I haven’t yet portrayed Krishna on screen, one of my most treasured memories is dressing up as Krishna during a celebration. Krishna’s depth and grace have always fascinated me, and playing his character someday would be both an honor and a challenge. I would approach such a role with immense respect and dedication, striving to capture his true essence.”
He continued to elaborate on how Krishna’s wisdom has shaped his life, “Lord Krishna’s teachings about staying true to oneself and selflessly performing one’s duties have deeply influenced me. The Bhagavad Gita’s emphasis on focusing on actions rather than outcomes has helped keep me grounded and motivated, both personally and professionally.”
Monalisa, a household name due to her powerful performances, conveyed the special significance Janmashtami holds for her. “Lord Krishna and his teachings from the Geeta have been guiding lights throughout my life, and that’s why Janmashtami is so special to me. Every year, I lovingly decorate the palana (cradle) and sew new clothes for Laddu Gopal ji. After performing the abhishek, I place him in the cradle with immense love. Whenever time permits, visiting the temple and enjoying bhajans and the dance performed during the Aarti are my favorite rituals.”
Her deep connection to Krishna ji’s teachings is reflected in her approach to acting. “In the two decades I’ve spent in this industry, one teaching that continually resonates with me is Krishna ji’s counsel: ‘You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.’ This principle truly guides my work. Whether it’s one of my 125 movies, a reality show, or playing the role of a Daayan in fiction, I focus solely on giving my best performance without any expectation of reward. The love from the audience is the sweetest gift I could receive.”
Aayush Shrivastava, the star of Shemaroo Umang’s supernatural series ‘Shamshaan Champa,’ evoked memories of his childhood. “Janmashtami is incredibly special to me, bringing back floods of cherished memories from growing up in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The vibrant festivities, organizing ‘matki phod’ with friends, singing bhajans, and fully immersing in the celebrations have left an indelible mark on me. Even now, my family honors the tradition by celebrating Krishna’s birth at midnight, and one of my favorite bhajans to sing is ‘Achutam Keshavam.
.’ The joy and devotion that Krishna brings into our lives are truly irreplaceable.”
Lakshay Khurana, who portrays Aditya in Sun Neo’s ‘Ishq Jabariya,’ reminisced about his own special Janmashtami memories from childhood. “I vividly remember playing Krishna in a school play. Wearing the peacock feather crown and holding the flute, I felt a profound connection to Krishna’s playful and wise nature. The audience’s applause and the joy of embodying such a beloved character still bring a smile to my face. It’s a role that has left a lasting impression on me.”
Though Janmashtami has come to an end, the reflections shared by these actors underscore the festival’s enduring impact and the timeless relevance of Krishna’s teachings in their lives.
Returning to Sahil Uppal, his expression resonates a heartfelt sentiment. “The teachings of Lord Krishna on staying true to oneself and fulfilling one’s duties selflessly echo deeply with me. Krishna’s message from the Bhagavad Gita about focusing on actions rather than outcomes has provided me with a firm grounding and motivation, both on personal and professional fronts,” he reiterated, illustrating how these timeless teachings hold perpetual relevance.
Monalisa revisited her feelings regarding Janmashtami, emphasizing its enduring impact. “While Krishna’s teachings have always been a beacon of light for me, the celebration of Janmashtami brings those teachings to the forefront of my heart and actions. The annual rituals of decorating the palana and making clothes for Laddu Gopal with love, as well as immersing myself in bhajans and dance, create a spiritual rejuvenation that aligns with Krishna’s teachings,” she articulated with deep reverence.
Aayush Shrivastava also shared his ongoing connection to the festival. “The flood of childhood memories associated with Janmashtami is something I hold dear. From the vibrant celebrations in Jabalpur to the midnight rituals my family upholds even today, the festival is a beautiful tapestry of joy and devotion tied to Krishna’s profound influence in our lives,” he expressed warmly.
Lakshay Khurana added to this collective introspection by cherishing his memorable childhood portrayal of Krishna. “The experience of donning the peacock feather crown and holding the flute, epitomizing Krishna’s playful wisdom, was unforgettable. The applause and smiles of the audience still linger as a cherished memory, underscoring the lasting impact of embodying such a beloved deity,” he recalled fondly.
In summary, as these TV actors reflect on Janmashtami, their heartfelt stories and insights illuminate the profound and lasting influence of Lord Krishna’s teachings, underscoring the festival’s enduring significance in their lives.
