Arjun Bijlani on Dussehra: Overcoming self-doubt is life's true victory
Synopsis
Arjun Bijlani's Dussehra message isn't about fireworks — it's about the inner battle. The Naagin star says conquering self-doubt, staying patient, and choosing empathy over indifference are the victories that truly define a person. A quiet but pointed reframe of what the festival actually celebrates.
Key Takeaways
Arjun Bijlani shared his Dussehra reflections on 20 October 2026 from Mumbai .
He said overcoming self-doubt has been his biggest personal battle and a victory in the true spirit of Dussehra.
Bijlani credited patience as the quality he has most consciously developed over his career.
He called for greater empathy , saying 'a little kindness can make a huge difference.' The actor said portraying morally complex characters has made him more observant and empathetic in real life.
Actor Arjun Bijlani has reflected on the deeper meaning of Dussehra, asserting that conquering self-doubt and staying anchored to one's values rank among life's most significant triumphs. Speaking from Mumbai on 20 October, the television star said the festival's message extends well beyond the symbolic burning of Ravana.
On Patience and Personal Growth
Bijlani said one quality he has consciously cultivated over the years is patience. 'I think I've learned to be more patient over the years. Not every situation needs an immediate reaction. Experience teaches you to stay calm, trust the process, and focus on what you can control. For me, personal growth is about becoming a better version of yourself every day,' he said.
Reflecting on the unpredictability of a career in entertainment, he added: 'My journey in this industry has taught me that success is never a straight line. There are good phases and challenging ones, but consistency and belief in yourself are what keep you going. I've learned that setbacks don't define you, your response to them does.'
The Biggest Personal Battle
When asked about his most meaningful personal victory, Bijlani pointed inward. 'I think the biggest battle has been overcoming self-doubt and continuing to believe in myself through every phase of life. The industry comes with uncertainties, but staying positive, holding on to your values, and continuing to do what you love is a victory in itself. For me, that's the true spirit of Dussehra,' he said.
The remark resonates with a broader conversation in the entertainment industry about mental resilience, where public scrutiny and career volatility can weigh heavily on performers at every level.
A Case for Empathy
The actor best known for his role in the popular supernatural drama Naagin also made a case for greater empathy in everyday life. 'I would say empathy. We're so caught up in our own lives that we sometimes forget to understand what others might be going through. A little kindness can make a huge difference. At the end of the day, how you make people feel is what truly matters,' Bijlani said.
Notably, the call for empathy during Dussehra — a festival traditionally centred on the victory of good over evil — reframes the celebration as an occasion for internal reflection rather than external spectacle.
Morally Complex Characters and Real-Life Insight
Bijlani also spoke about how portraying nuanced, morally layered characters on screen has deepened his understanding of human behaviour. 'Playing such characters makes you realise that human beings are not simply good or bad. Our experiences and circumstances shape our choices. As an actor, understanding a character's mindset helps you become more observant and empathetic towards people in real life,' he explained.
As Dussehra 2026 is observed across India, Bijlani's reflections add a thoughtful note to the celebrations, framing personal integrity and emotional growth as the festival's most enduring lessons.
Point of View
A candid admission about self-doubt and career uncertainty cuts through the noise. What he describes — the non-linear arc of success in Indian television — is a lived reality that audiences in the industry and beyond will recognise. The empathy angle is also worth noting; as a face associated with supernatural drama rather than social commentary, his pivot to everyday kindness is a small but genuine signal that celebrity voices can be used for something more durable than promotional copy.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Arjun Bijlani say about Dussehra 2026?
Arjun Bijlani said the true spirit of Dussehra lies in overcoming self-doubt, staying true to one's values, and continuing to believe in oneself through life's uncertainties. He described these inner victories as more meaningful than any external achievement.
What quality does Arjun Bijlani say he has developed over the years?
Bijlani said he has consciously worked on becoming more patient. He believes not every situation demands an immediate reaction, and that experience teaches you to stay calm and trust the process.
What is Arjun Bijlani's biggest personal victory?
The actor said his biggest personal battle has been conquering self-doubt. He described staying positive, holding on to his values, and continuing to do what he loves as a victory in itself.
What does Arjun Bijlani say about empathy?
Bijlani called empathy the quality most needed in today's fast-paced world. He said people are often too consumed by their own lives to understand what others are going through, and that even a small act of kindness can make a meaningful difference.
How has playing complex characters influenced Arjun Bijlani?
Bijlani said portraying morally complex roles has helped him understand that people are not simply good or bad — circumstances and experiences shape choices. He said it has made him more observant and empathetic in real life.
