Known for his performances in shows like Suhaagan and Dahej Daasi, actor Raghav Thakur speaks candidly about spirituality, hard work, and maintaining positivity amidst life’s hustle this Janmashtami.
When asked about the key lesson he draws from Lord Krishna’s life, Raghav reflects on maintaining an unwavering smile and recognising the world as divine play. “If there is one guiding principle I deeply try to absorb from Lord Krishna’s life, it is to keep smiling and hold onto joy no matter what. I truly believe this life is temporary and everything around us is His Maya—nothing belonged to us before, and nothing will stay forever. Whatever happy moments come our way, we should embrace them fully and hold them close to our hearts, because in the end, it’s those cherished memories that truly remain ours. Everything else is fleeting.”
Managing a high-intensity filming schedule on set while remaining connected to spiritual celebrations can be demanding, but Raghav grounds himself through a core spiritual value. “When you’re shooting continuous hours on set, the schedule can get extremely intense. But I firmly live by the philosophy that your Karma is your ultimate Pooja. Even on a full shooting day during Janmashtami, I start my morning early with my daily prayers to seek Krishna ji’s blessings before stepping onto set. Starting the day with that divine energy makes His presence felt throughout the shoot, making the entire day feel deeply special despite the hectic workflow.”
Reflecting on how he used to celebrate the festival in his younger years, Raghav looks back fondly on his school days in Delhi and trips to holy cities. “My fondest childhood memories of Janmashtami go back to my school days in Delhi, where we had grand jhankis and vibrant stage performances. Children would dress up as Krishna, Shiv ji, Mata Parvati, and various divine characters, filling the day with dance and celebration. As I grew older, visiting Mathura and Vrindavan around Janmashtami became an almost annual tradition, leaving me with memories I will always treasure.”
No Janmashtami celebration is complete without traditional prasad, and Raghav has a clear favourite. “Without a single doubt, it has to be Makhan-Mishri!”
When contemplating the advice he would seek from Lord Krishna regarding his acting journey, Raghav opens up about staying dedicated while facing industry barriers. “If I could seek one piece of wisdom from Lord Krishna for my acting career, I would ask: ‘I am dedicated to giving my hard work and performing my Karma with absolute honesty. But how should I navigate a system where closed lobbies favour selected groups without offering fair opportunities to outsiders?’ I’d ask Him to show me the right path to reach those closed doors, earn trust, and create my own distinct route. Just show me the direction—the hard work will be entirely mine, supported by His blessings.”
