As the vibrant festival of Navratri fills the air with devotion and high energy, television heartthrob Paras Kalnawat is back in the limelight. After winning millions of hearts with his stellar stint in Star Plus’ popular show Anupamaa, Paras is all set to return to Star Plus with his much-awaited upcoming show, Apsara, produced by Mukta Dhond’s Malhar Content Creators.
With the festive spirit of dance, devotion, and fan connections taking centre stage, Paras opens up about his love for Garba, his unforgettable fan interactions, and his excitement as he steps into this new chapter of his career.
When it comes to the traditional rhythms of Navratri, Paras believes that the spirit of the celebration matters far more than nailing every single step. Rather than stressing over perfection, he lets the music take over. “I would say I enjoy dancing, but when it comes to Garba, the energy of the music matters just as much as getting the steps right! Once the dhol starts playing and everyone around you is dancing, you automatically get into the mood. I may not get every step perfect, but I am definitely someone who believes in enjoying the moment rather than worrying about making mistakes.”
Every dancer has that one anthem that instantly revives their energy, no matter how exhausted they are. For Paras, it is a timeless Bollywood Garba classic that sets the mood. “Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje is definitely one of those tracks that instantly lifts the energy. There is something about the rhythm that makes you want to get up and dance, no matter how tired you are. Navratri is all about celebrating together, and songs like these capture that festive spirit perfectly.”
Summing up his festive philosophy in a single, grounded sentence, Paras shares what this year’s celebration truly means to him. “My Navratri vibe this year is all about celebrating the spirit of Shakti, spreading positivity, and enjoying every moment with good music, great energy, and gratitude.”
Public pandals and festive events offer actors a rare chance to meet their admirers face-to-face. For Paras, these touching interactions remain the most rewarding part of his journey. “The most touching moments are when fans tell me how a character I have played has connected with them personally or become a part of their everyday lives. It is special to realise that something you do on screen can create such a strong emotional connection with someone you may have never met before. During Navratri, when people come together to celebrate with so much enthusiasm and devotion, their warmth feels even more special. Those moments remind me why connecting with the audience is one of the most rewarding parts of being an actor.”
