On the occasion of Guru Purnima, Sony SAB actors express heartfelt gratitude to their Gurus for their invaluable lessons

In a world that moves at lightning speed, it is often the quiet presence of a teacher, mentor, or guide that shapes who we become. On the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, Sony SAB artists Sumeet Raghavan, Ashi Singh, Krishna Bharadwaj, and Arav Chowdharry take a moment to reflect on the profound impact of the gurus in their lives, those who nurtured their spirit, inspired their journey, and helped them rise after every fall. Be it a school teacher, a parent, or a co-actor, each actor expresses deep gratitude for the priceless life lessons that continue to guide them both personally and professionally.

Sumeet Raghvan, who plays the role of Rajesh Wagle in Wagle Ki Duniya-Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey, said, “For me, the word 'guru' instantly brings to mind my father. He has been my first teacher, my strongest critic, and my constant support. He didn’t just preach values—he lived them. Watching him lead life with quiet dignity, honesty, and a strong moral compass left a lasting impact on me. He always believed that no matter how far you go, what truly matters is how grounded you remain and how you treat others. As an actor, I’ve often drawn strength from his words—‘Give your best, and let the work speak.’ Guru Purnima is about honouring those who shape us, and for me, it begins and ends with him. Everything I am today, both as a person and an artist, I owe to my father.”

Ashi Singh, who plays the role of Kairi in Ufff…Yeh Love Hai Mushkil, said, “For me, my guru is my mother. She’s my biggest cheerleader and my fiercest critic. She’s the reason I dream fearlessly and walk tall, no matter what. As an actor, I’ve also been lucky to work with senior artists who lead by example—they show you that success is nothing without humility. One such person is Shabir Sir, whose discipline and dedication on set of Ufff… Yeh Love Hai Mushkil has been so inspiring. Watching him work is a lesson in itself. On Guru Purnima, I want to thank every soul who has pushed me to become a better version of myself, professionally and personally.”

Arav Chowdhary, who plays the role of Kesari in Veer Hanuman, said, “For me, my first and most important gurus have always been my parents—they taught me discipline, honesty, and the value of staying grounded, lessons no textbook can offer. Since childhood, I’ve looked up to Bajrang Bali as my spiritual guide. I fondly remember my school teachers, especially from as early as the 7th standard, who helped shape my early learning. When I began theatre in Jaipur, my theatre gurus played a huge role in helping me grow as an actor. After moving to Mumbai, I had the privilege of learning from incredible people in the industry and renowned cinematographers, producers, directors. Each of them, in their own way, has contributed to my journey. Even today, I believe learning never stops. On this Guru Purnima, I thank all my gurus who have guided and inspired me through life.”

Krishna Bharadwaj, who essays the role of Tenali in Tenali Rama, said, “I truly believe that every person you meet in life is a teacher in some form. It doesn’t matter if they stay for a moment or a lifetime- they each leaf you with a lesson. As an actor, I’ve had the privilege of working with people from diverse walks of life—directors, co-actors, spot dadas, makeup artists—and trust me, I’ve learned something from each of them. Guru Purnima, for me, is not just about celebrating the big mentors but also acknowledging the everyday ones—the unspoken and unexpected teachers who shape our journey quietly. I strive to remain a student of life, always open, always learning. Because the day you stop learning, you stop evolving.”