'Humari Radha' actor Akshay Mhatre on Janmashtami in Mumbai chawl
Synopsis
'Humari Radha' actor Akshay Mhatre's Janmashtami is not just a festival — it's a chawl in Ghatkopar, friends cheering at Dahi Handi, and parents who made the tradition stick. As his show brings the celebration to screen, the actor's personal story offers a rare, grounded glimpse into how Mumbai's community festivals shape their own.
Key Takeaways
Akshay Mhatre plays Girdhar in the television show 'Humari Radha' .
He grew up in a chawl in Ghatkopar, Mumbai , where he participated in Dahi Handi celebrations with friends.
His parents encouraged his participation in Janmashtami events from a young age, a tradition he continued through college.
Mhatre describes Janmashtami's energy as 'infectious', centred on community and collective joy.
The show 'Humari Radha' is incorporating Janmashtami celebrations at Radha's house into its current storyline.
Actor Akshay Mhatre, who plays the role of Girdhar in the television show 'Humari Radha', has shared warm memories of celebrating Janmashtami as a child in a Mumbai chawl, describing the festive atmosphere as 'infectious' and deeply rooted in community spirit. The actor's reminiscences come as the show prepares to weave Janmashtami celebrations into its current storyline.
Childhood Roots in Ghatkopar
Mhatre grew up in a chawl in the Ghatkopar area of Mumbai, Maharashtra, where the festival of Janmashtami took on a particularly vivid character. He recalled joining friends at Dahi Handi events — both as a spectator and as an active participant who helped break several handis. 'I spent my early years in a chawl in Ghatkopar, where the festive spirit was something else altogether. I remember going for Dahi Handi with my friends, cheering from the sidelines and even being a part of breaking quite a few handis myself!' he said.
A Family Tradition That Shaped Him
The actor credited his parents with nurturing his love for the festival from an early age. 'My parents have always encouraged me to participate in these celebrations and, in fact, they were the ones who would take me to Dahi Handi events when I was young. I continued enjoying the tradition even during my college years,' Mhatre said. This family-driven initiation, he noted, gave Janmashtami a personal resonance that has endured well into his adult and professional life.
What the Festival Means to Him Today
'For me, Janmashtami has always been about that infectious energy, the sense of community and the simple joy of celebrating together. Even today, the festival brings back so many beautiful childhood memories,' he said. Mhatre also expressed hope that the spirit of the occasion would carry a deeper meaning for audiences this year. 'This Janmashtami, I hope we celebrate the spirit of the festival with the same joy, while also taking a moment to embrace Lord Krishna's teachings and bring their timeless wisdom into our everyday lives,' he added.
The Show's Janmashtami Arc
'Humari Radha' is set to incorporate the festive occasion directly into its narrative, with Janmashtami celebrations depicted at Radha's house. The storyline reflects the show's broader cultural grounding in Hindu traditions and festivals, a theme that has resonated with its viewership since the series launched.
Point of View
Chawl-born phenomenon as it is a televised spectacle. The Ghatkopar Dahi Handi circuit has historically been one of the city's most participatory community events, and actors who grew up in that milieu bring an authenticity to festival-themed shows that is hard to manufacture. 'Humari Radha' leaning into this personal backstory is smart positioning — it grounds a mythological narrative in lived urban experience, which is precisely the kind of relatability that sustains daily soap viewership during festive seasons.
NationPress
3 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Akshay Mhatre and what show is he currently part of?
Akshay Mhatre is an Indian television actor who currently plays the character Girdhar in the show 'Humari Radha'. He is known for his roots in Mumbai's Ghatkopar neighbourhood.
What are Akshay Mhatre's memories of Janmashtami?
Mhatre grew up in a chawl in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, where he participated in Dahi Handi celebrations with friends and family. He describes the festive atmosphere as 'infectious', marked by community spirit and collective joy.
What is Dahi Handi and why is it significant in Mumbai?
Dahi Handi is a Janmashtami tradition where a clay pot filled with curd is hung at height and human pyramids are formed to break it. In Mumbai, particularly in areas like Ghatkopar, it is a major community event drawing large crowds and participants.
How is 'Humari Radha' celebrating Janmashtami in its storyline?
The show 'Humari Radha' is incorporating Janmashtami celebrations at Radha's house into its current narrative arc, reflecting the festival's cultural significance within the story.
What message did Akshay Mhatre share for Janmashtami?
Mhatre expressed hope that audiences would celebrate the festival with joy while also embracing Lord Krishna's teachings and applying their timeless wisdom to everyday life.
