Exclusive | Swapnil Joshi recalls heartfelt fan moment from Mahabharat days: 'They would touch my feet and think I was lord Krishna'

Swapnil Joshi

Janmashtami is celebrated as a grand occasion in Maharashtra, as fans talk about lord Krishna, one of the names that comes to their minds is Swapnil Joshi. The actor played young Krishna in Mahabharat. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, the actor got candid about his experience, the nostalgic fan moments and more.

On playing Krishna at such a young age

Whenever it's spoken about Lord Krishna on screen, Swapnil Joshi was the first one to leave fans in awe. Swapnil shared his experience shooting as a young actor, filling in those holy shoes, "Playing Lord Krishna at such a young age was an honour I didn't even fully understand back then. It was only as I grew older that I realised the depth, divinity, and responsibility that came with those "holy shoes." The love and blessings I have received over the years for that role are something I will always cherish. It shaped me, not just as an actor, but as a person."

As an artist, Swapnil has been a part of numerous notable characters, but his stint with Hindi TV still remains iconic. The actor shared his fond memories of doing TV in his initial years, "The fondest memories are of the simplicity of those days. We worked with pure passion, without the rush of numbers or trends. Long shoots, camaraderie with co-actors, endless cups of tea on set, and the joy of watching our work connect with millions - that warmth is unforgettable."

Swapnil recalls the stardom without social media

In an era without social media, Swapnil ruled TV screens with his appearance as Krishna in Mahabharat. Recalling the raw stardom back then, he said, "It was surreal. Without Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, the connection with fans happened face-to-face - in letters, in crowds that waited for hours, in people touching my feet as if I truly was Krishna. That direct human connection had a different magic… one that still gives me goosebumps."

Swapnil further went on to share his plans on celebrating Janmashtami, "For me, Janmashtami is always about being with family, visiting the temple, and soaking in the festive energy. This year will be no different - a quiet, heartfelt celebration with prayers, music, and a lot of gratitude."

Swapil has a special ritual that he follows every year for Janmashtami. "Yes, I make it a point to do a special Krishna puja at home, sing bhajans, and offer makhan-mishri as prasad. It's my way of keeping the connection with that divine energy alive."

If Swapnil were to play Krishna again, here's one thing that he would change in the role: "I think I'd bring an even deeper emotional understanding to the role now. Back then, I relied on guidance and direction; today, I'd infuse it with my own life experiences, my maturity as an artist, and my personal connection with Krishna."