Akshay Mhatre on his unforgettable first Diwali with Shrenu in Jaipur
Synopsis
Before they were even dating, Akshay Mhatre and his now-wife Shrenu found themselves celebrating Diwali together in Jaipur — far from family, on a shoot. The 'Humari Radha' actor says that accidental togetherness made it his most treasured Diwali memory.
Key Takeaways
Akshay Mhatre plays Girdhar in the daily television drama 'Humari Radha' on Anmol TV .
His family follows traditional Maharashtrian Diwali customs including Abhyanga Snan and Faral .
His most memorable Diwali was spent in Jaipur with now-wife Shrenu , when both were away from family for a shoot.
Notably, the Jaipur Diwali happened before the couple began dating, adding to its sentimental value. 'Humari Radha' airs every day on Anmol TV , with the storyline currently centred on Girdhar's growing bond with Shanaya and Radha's resolve to fight back.
Television actor Akshay Mhatre, best known for playing Girdhar in the daily drama 'Humari Radha' on Anmol TV, has opened up about his Diwali memories — including the first time he celebrated the festival away from his family, in a moment that turned out to be unexpectedly precious.
Cherished Family Traditions
Mhatre describes his household's Diwali as rooted firmly in Maharashtrian custom. 'Diwali has always been a special occasion for my family, and we celebrate it in the traditional Maharashtrian way,' he said. Central to the morning is Abhyanga Snan — an early-rise ritual involving the application of utna before a ceremonial bath. That is followed by Faral, the beloved tradition of gathering with relatives over festive delicacies prepared by his mother. 'The entire family comes together to enjoy the festive delicacies prepared by my mother, and relatives also visit us to celebrate,' he added.
A Jaipur Diwali That Became a Treasured Memory
Among all his Diwali recollections, one stands apart: a celebration in Jaipur, far from home, that he shared with his now-wife Shrenu. 'One Diwali that I will always cherish is the first one I celebrated with Shrenu in Jaipur, when we were both away from our families for a shoot,' Mhatre recalled. What makes the memory doubly meaningful, he said, is that the two were not yet dating at the time. 'This was even before we started dating, which makes that memory all the more special for us. In a way, it felt like my family was there with me,' he said. 'It is moments like these that make festivals truly memorable.'
About 'Humari Radha'
On screen, Mhatre's character Girdhar is at the centre of an increasingly fraught emotional web. He grows closer to Shanaya, played by Vaidehi Nair, while his wife Radha — played by Simaran Kaur — who was once broken by his betrayal, has resolved to fight back. The show airs every day on Anmol TV, drawing audiences into its blend of romance and conflict.
Festivity Off Screen
The actor's reflections come as many in the television industry share how festive seasons look different when shoots and schedules pull them away from home. For Mhatre, that distance from family during one particular Diwali only deepened the bonds he would eventually build — making it a celebration he says he will never forget.
Point of View
But Mhatre's account has an unusual hook: the memory he treasures most did not involve family at all, but an accidental intimacy with someone who was not yet his partner. That narrative — connection found at distance — resonates beyond the festival calendar. What mainstream coverage of such interviews typically glosses over is the production reality underpinning it: shoots running through major festivals are routine in Indian television, quietly eroding the very traditions these same shows often dramatise on screen.
NationPress
6 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Akshay Mhatre?
Akshay Mhatre is an Indian television actor best known for his role as Girdhar in the daily drama 'Humari Radha', which airs on Anmol TV. He is married to actress Shrenu.
What is Akshay Mhatre's most memorable Diwali?
Mhatre says his most cherished Diwali was the one he spent in Jaipur with his now-wife Shrenu, when both were on a shoot away from their families. He notes it was especially meaningful because the two had not yet started dating at the time.
What Diwali traditions does Akshay Mhatre follow?
Mhatre follows traditional Maharashtrian Diwali customs, including Abhyanga Snan — waking early, applying utna, and taking a ceremonial bath — followed by Faral, where the family gathers to enjoy festive food prepared by his mother.
What is 'Humari Radha' about?
'Humari Radha' is a daily television drama on Anmol TV. It follows Girdhar (Akshay Mhatre), who grows increasingly fond of Shanaya (Vaidehi Nair), while his wife Radha (Simaran Kaur) — once hurt by his betrayal — now resolves to fight back.
Where does 'Humari Radha' air?
'Humari Radha' airs every day on Anmol TV. The show features Akshay Mhatre, Vaidehi Nair, and Simaran Kaur in central roles.
