I made my first film in 9th standard.

When I was in standard 9th, I decided to become an actor. It happened so when once, I, along with 3-4 of my friends, made an 8 mm film of 40-50 minute duration with me in the lead role. I still remember it being a story of 3 friends named ‘Silent shout’. That made me fall in love with the entire process of film making. The enthusiasm fueling my aspiration remained intact for a long time. Fortunately, I got selected for FTII to pursue my dream career and the years spent there were nothing but sheer bliss.

In 1980-81, I got my first film, Adi Shankaracharya. And for the same director, I played the role of Swami Vivekanand in 1994-95. I find it quite enigmatic how it was carved in my subconscious that I would play the role of Swami Vivekanand. I wouldn’t call it an aspiration since I was quite confident about it, even at 17-18. In an interview with the Times of India, I answered the same upon being asked about my dream role.

Later when I got selected for the role of Krishna, I met Ramanand Sagar and promised him to sign for the role after ten days. He asked the reason, but I dodged it. Krishna is indeed a dream role. Not only for me but for every Indian man. The mysterious combination of human and Godly nature that He represents is astounding. But I realised that I had Shiva inside me and not Krishna. So I sought the ten days to pray for Him to show me His engrossing apparition, without which I would not play the role.

It was on the 8th day while I was travelling along the sea in an auto-rickshaw. The sun was bathing the sea in its light,, and numerous waves were heaving sighs. And suddenly, in each of the thousand waves, I saw Krishna and fainted. On regaining consciousness, I asked the auto driver to ride to Ramanand Sagar’s House, and I signed for the role there.

Having satisfactorily performed my dream roles, I live a peaceful retired life in Rishikesh. I had vowed that after 47-48 years, I will begin working on myself, and I am doing the same. In a tranquil corner of the nation, in my house near the forest, I meditate, Exercise spirituality, write and lead a simple yet serene life.

Sarvadaman’s story reminds us of someone who wishes to live a simple yet serene life.

Are you one of them?

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