Akshay Mhatre on keeping his father's Raksha Bandhan tradition alive
Synopsis
Akshay Mhatre has no biological sister — and neither did his father. Yet both built lasting Rakhi bonds with neighbourhood girls, turning a neighbourhood custom into a two-generation family tradition. As 'Humari Radha' heads toward a dramatic on-screen twist, the actor's off-screen Raksha Bandhan story is the quieter, more personal headline.
Key Takeaways
Akshay Mhatre , who plays Girdhar in 'Humari Radha' on Anmol TV , has shared his personal Raksha Bandhan tradition ahead of the festival on 28 August 2026 .
Neither Mhatre nor his father has a biological sister; both built bonds with Rakhi sisters from their neighbourhood.
His father once helped him choose gifts for his Rakhi sisters — a role now taken over by his wife .
Mhatre recalled gifting silver jewellery to his Rakhi sisters, calling the memory one of the festival's most cherished.
On screen, 'Humari Radha' is building toward a dramatic twist as Radha grows suspicious of Girdhar's relationship with Shanaya (played by Vaidehi Nayar ).
Actor Akshay Mhatre, best known for playing Girdhar in the popular daily soap 'Humari Radha', has spoken about a deeply personal Raksha Bandhan tradition — one rooted not in biology, but in chosen bonds passed down from his father. As the festival approaches on Friday, 28 August 2026, Mhatre's story offers a heartwarming counterpoint to the conventional sibling narrative.
A Tradition Rooted in His Father's Story
Akshay Mhatre does not have a biological sister, nor did his father. Growing up, girls from their neighbourhood would tie Rakhi on his father's wrist, and those relationships endured long after childhood. Moved by the warmth of those bonds, Mhatre chose to carry the same spirit forward, cultivating his own circle of Rakhi sisters over the years.
'What makes Raksha Bandhan special for me is that it has always been about the relationships we choose to cherish,' Mhatre said. 'Today, I have my own Rakhi sisters, and celebrating with them feels like a beautiful continuation of something my father began.'
How the Celebrations Have Evolved
The actor recalled that his father once helped him select gifts for his Rakhi sisters — a responsibility that has since passed to his wife. 'Earlier, my father would help me pick their gifts, and now my wife has happily taken over that responsibility,' he said. 'I still remember gifting them silver jewellery a few years ago; they absolutely loved it.'
For Mhatre, the sentiment behind the gifts matters more than the occasion itself. 'For me, that's the beauty of Raksha Bandhan — some traditions become meaningful because of the love and memories attached to them, and I'm happy to keep this one going,' he added.
About Raksha Bandhan 2026
Raksha Bandhan, popularly called Rakhi, is observed on the full moon day — or Purnima — in the Hindu month of Shravana. This year, the festival falls on 28 August 2026. The occasion marks the bond of love, affection, and protection shared between siblings, though, as Mhatre's story illustrates, its meaning has long extended beyond blood relations.
What's Ahead on 'Humari Radha'
On screen, 'Humari Radha' is heading into an emotionally charged phase. Radha's growing suspicions about Girdhar are beginning to strain their relationship, and it remains to be seen whether her doubts will lead her to uncover the truth about Girdhar's connection with Shanaya, portrayed by actress Vaidehi Nayar. The show airs daily on Anmol TV.
With festive sentiment running high and the show building toward a pivotal revelation, Mhatre's off-screen story of inherited warmth adds a personal dimension to an already emotionally resonant week.
Point of View
Not a religious ritual. In an entertainment media cycle dominated by on-screen drama, this kind of personal, values-led story tends to travel further on social platforms than a standard show promotion — which is, of course, also what makes it effective publicity for 'Humari Radha' ahead of a high-stakes plot arc.
NationPress
26 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Akshay Mhatre and what show does he appear in?
Akshay Mhatre is an Indian television actor who plays the character Girdhar in the daily soap 'Humari Radha', which airs on Anmol TV. He has recently spoken publicly about his personal Raksha Bandhan traditions ahead of the festival on 28 August 2026.
Why does Akshay Mhatre celebrate Raksha Bandhan without a biological sister?
Mhatre does not have a biological sister, but has Rakhi sisters with whom he celebrates the festival. He says this tradition was inspired by his father, who similarly formed lasting Rakhi bonds with girls from their neighbourhood while growing up.
When is Raksha Bandhan 2026?
Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on Friday, 28 August 2026. The festival is observed on the Purnima, or full moon day, in the Hindu month of Shravana each year.
What gifts has Akshay Mhatre given his Rakhi sisters?
Mhatre recalled gifting his Rakhi sisters silver jewellery on a previous occasion, which he said they loved. He noted that his father once helped him choose gifts, a role his wife has since taken on.
What is the current track on 'Humari Radha'?
'Humari Radha' is currently building toward an emotional twist, with Radha growing increasingly suspicious of Girdhar's relationship with Shanaya, portrayed by Vaidehi Nayar. Whether her suspicions will lead to a revelation remains the central dramatic question on the show.
