Sonakshi Batra on Janmashtami: childhood memories, Laddu Gopal, and Dahi Handi
Synopsis
Sonakshi Batra, who plays the lead in Zee TV's 'Jagadhatri', has drawn a striking parallel between Lord Krishna's ability to inhabit many roles without losing himself and the inner journey of an actor — making her Janmashtami reflection one of the more thoughtful celebrity takes on the festival this year.
Key Takeaways
Sonakshi Batra , lead actress of Zee TV 's 'Jagadhatri' , shared her Janmashtami memories on 4 September .
Her father's tradition of seeking Lord Krishna 's blessings before every stage performance shaped her bond with the festival.
Home rituals included decorating Laddu Gopal , creating jhankis, and preparing kheer and makkhan as bhog.
She drew a parallel between Dahi Handi 's teamwork and the collaborative nature of any profession.
Batra compared Krishna 's many roles — son, friend, guide, strategist — to an actor's ability to inhabit characters while staying true to themselves.
Actress Sonakshi Batra, best known for playing the titular role in the Zee TV show 'Jagadhatri', has shared warm memories of Janmashtami celebrations, drawing a heartfelt parallel between the many-faceted life of Lord Krishna and the craft of acting. The festival, observed on Friday, 4 September, carries deep cultural significance in Maharashtra, with Mumbai immersed in festive fervour.
Krishna as a Mirror for the Actor's Journey
Batra traced her connection to the festival back to her earliest years in the performing arts. 'When I was little and participated in extracurricular activities, my father would always ask me to seek Lord Krishna's blessings before I stepped on stage,' she recalled. 'I didn't fully understand it then, but today, I think I do.'
She reflected on how Lord Krishna embodied multiple roles — son, friend, lover, guide, strategist, king — without ever losing his essential self. 'Perhaps that is one of the most beautiful things about being an actor too, to become different people, to live their emotions, their journeys, their worlds and yet, somewhere beneath every character, find your way back to yourself,' she said.
Home Traditions: Laddu Gopal, Jhankis, and Kheer
The actress painted a vivid picture of the domestic rituals that made Janmashtami feel intimate and joyful in her household. 'We would lovingly decorate Laddu Gopal, bring beautiful little Krishna dresses for him, adorn him with flowers and create lovely jhankis at home,' she shared.
Food, she noted, was central to the celebration. Her mother would prepare a special bhog for Krishna, with kheer as the highlight, alongside his traditional favourite — makkhan. 'I think there is something so beautiful about dressing up Krishna, decorating his little space and preparing food for him with so much love. These little traditions make Janmashtami feel so warm, personal and joyful,' Batra said.
Dahi Handi and the Lesson in Teamwork
Batra extended her reflection to Dahi Handi, the community ritual synonymous with Janmashtami in Maharashtra, drawing from it a broader lesson about collective effort. 'A single person can reach the handi, but it takes a whole team to get there. Every hand matters, every person holds the other, and the moment one person loses balance, everyone feels it,' she observed.
She connected this directly to her professional life, noting that the principle applies across any field of work. 'You may be the one who reaches the top, but you never get there alone,' she added.
Her Janmashtami Message
Closing her thoughts with a personal wish, Batra said: 'May Krishna always guide you towards what is meant for you, give you the strength to do your part, and the faith to surrender the rest. Happy Janmashtami.' 'Jagadhatri' currently airs on Zee TV.
Point of View
But Batra's reflection stands out for its specificity — she ties the theology of Krishna's multifaceted identity directly to the psychology of performance, rather than offering a generic festive message. The Dahi Handi metaphor for ensemble work is particularly well-observed. For a show like 'Jagadhatri' that leans on mythology, this kind of on-brand personal storytelling is also smart audience engagement, blurring the line between the actress's real devotion and her on-screen persona.
NationPress
4 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sonakshi Batra?
Sonakshi Batra is an Indian television actress who plays the titular role in the Zee TV mythological drama 'Jagadhatri'. She is known for her work in Hindi television and has spoken publicly about her personal faith and cultural traditions.
What did Sonakshi Batra say about Janmashtami?
Batra shared that Janmashtami evokes her warmest childhood memories, including decorating Laddu Gopal, creating jhankis at home, and her mother preparing kheer and makkhan as bhog for Lord Krishna. She also drew a parallel between Krishna's many roles and the craft of acting.
How did Sonakshi Batra connect Lord Krishna to her acting career?
She noted that Krishna embodied many roles — son, friend, lover, guide, strategist, king — without ever losing his true self, and said this mirrors what actors do: inhabit different characters and emotions while ultimately returning to their own identity.
What is the significance of Dahi Handi according to Sonakshi Batra?
Batra described Dahi Handi as a reminder that reaching the top is never a solo achievement — every team member's contribution matters, and one person's loss of balance is felt by all. She said this lesson applies to any profession, not just entertainment.
What show does Sonakshi Batra currently appear in?
Sonakshi Batra currently stars in 'Jagadhatri', a television drama that airs on Zee TV.
