Actress Indira Krishna, known for playing Durgawati in the Zee TV drama 'Ganga Mai Ki Betiyaan', has opened up about the most formative influence in her life — her mother — on the occasion of Guru Purnima. Speaking on 29 July, Krishna reflected on the lessons her mother instilled in her and the deeper meaning of the word 'Guru'.

Mother as the First Guru

Krishna was candid about the role her mother played in shaping her values. 'Guru is the one who guides you, and you define that path for yourself. Every teacher teaches you about perfection and the right and wrongs of life. But to me, my mother was my first Guru,' she said. She added that her mother 'imbibed in me the habit of worshipping the Lord, taught me to respect my elders, and showed me that truth always prevails through our actions.'

The actress did not limit her gratitude to one figure, also acknowledging several learned individuals who have guided her over the years. However, she reserved a special place for what she described as the inner voice — a concept she regards as the most authentic form of guidance.

The Inner Voice as the True Guru

'I believe that every human being, at every phase of life, has an inner voice, that is the true Guru, the one that tells you whether what you're doing is right or wrong,' Krishna said. She stressed the importance of keeping that voice 'stable and balanced through meditation and inner strength.' For her, she added, 'every day is about learning, and every day is also about imparting wisdom and goodness, even in ways we may not always realise.'

Notably, this dual philosophy — honouring an external mentor while cultivating internal wisdom — reflects a perspective that resonates with the traditional meaning of Guru Purnima, a day observed across India to express gratitude toward teachers and spiritual guides.

About 'Ganga Mai Ki Betiyaan'

The show, which airs on Zee TV, also features Sheizaan Khan and Amandeep Sidhu in lead roles. The series has drawn attention for its consistent focus on hard-hitting social issues, positioning it among the more thematically driven productions in the current Hindi television landscape. Krishna's portrayal of Durgawati has been central to the narrative's emotional core.

Guru Purnima and Its Significance

Guru Purnima, observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha, is a widely celebrated occasion in India when students, disciples, and followers pay tribute to their teachers and mentors. This year, the festival offered several public figures from the arts, sports, and culture a platform to reflect on the people who shaped their journeys — a tradition that continues to resonate across generations.

As the show heads further into its run, Krishna's off-screen reflections add a personal dimension to a character whose story is itself about resilience and moral strength.