Unlike many mythological shows that focus mainly on grandeur, Sony SAB's Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki- Ganesh Kartikey balances divinity with relatable human emotions, says actor Shrenu Parikh

Sony SAB’s Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki – Ganesh Kartikey takes viewers on an immersive journey into the divine world of Lord Shiv (Mohit Malik), Goddess Parvati (Shrenu Parikh), and their sons, Lord Ganesh (Ekansh Kathrotiya) and Lord Kartikey (Subhan Khan). The show beautifully blends mythology with emotion, exploring the relationships, challenges, and lessons of this celestial family. Shrenu’s nuanced portrayal of Parvati, balancing strength, grace, and maternal warmth, has been widely appreciated by viewers.

In this candid chat, Shrenu Parikh talks about her journey into the role, her preparation process, and the experiences that have shaped her portrayal of the divine mother.
What made you say yes to playing Goddess Parvati?
I have always been drawn to roles that combine strength, grace, and emotional depth, and Goddess Parvati embodies all of these qualities perfectly. When I was offered the role, I felt a mix of excitement and responsibility. Portraying a deity who is so widely revered is a rare opportunity, and I knew it would challenge me as an actor. It wasn’t an easy decision initially, but after understanding the depth of the character and the show’s vision, I felt this was a role I couldn’t miss. Growth is where you step out of your comfort zone, and this role truly pushed me to do that - emotionally, spiritually, and artistically.
How is Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki – Ganesh Kartikey different from other mythological shows?
Unlike many mythological shows that focus mainly on grandeur and spectacle, this show balances divinity with relatable human emotions. It highlights the love, struggles, and interactions within the family, making even divine characters feel approachable and heartfelt. The storytelling emphasizes life lessons and emotional arcs that audiences can connect with, which makes it stand out in today’s television landscape.

How did you prepare for the role of Goddess Parvati? Was there special research or training involved?
Preparing for Goddess Parvati was a detailed and immersive process. I deliberately stayed away from visual references to bring freshness and originality to the role. Instead, I read extensively about Shiv–Shakti stories to understand the family dynamics and mythology. We also had multiple workshops, which helped me shape my approach to the character. Episodes where Goddess Parvati experiences heartbreak, hope, and the creation of Dandpani were particularly challenging, as I had to internalize her emotions deeply. Working on these sequences has been demanding, yet incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to portray her authenticity as both a mother and a goddess.
Parvati is a goddess with immense strength and grace. How do you relate to her in real life?
I connect with Goddess Parvati’s calmness and patience. Like her, I believe in facing challenges with composure, and in balancing strength with compassion. On set and in daily life, I try to emulate her ability to lead with wisdom and love. While we may not face divine situations, the essence of her character being nurturing, wise, and strong is something I try to carry forward in my own life.
The show has beautiful sets and costumes. How does that help you get into character?
The sets and costumes are crucial in helping me step into the divine world of  Goddess Parvati. My look for Goddess Parvati began a month before shooting, with multiple look tests and minimal makeup to accentuate the attire and jewellery, focusing on her grace. When I step into the costume and see the grandeur of the sets, it immediately helps me embody her energy and aura. Each visual element, from the jewelry to the backdrop, allows me to express her poise, strength, and composure naturally on screen.
Working in a mythological show requires certain postures, dialogue delivery, and expressions. How do you practice these daily?
Every day, I dedicate time to practice specific postures, gestures, and dialogue delivery to ensure authenticity. Even off set, I try to maintain the composure and grace of Goddess Parvati. This continuous practice helps me bring consistency to the character and allows me to fully immerse myself into her persona during shooting.
Do you have a special ritual or way to get into character before shooting?
Meditation and reflection are my go-to methods. Before shooting, I spend a few minutes centering myself and visualizing Goddess Parvati’s emotions and mindset. This ritual helps me tune into her energy, focus on the emotional nuances, and deliver a performance that feels genuine and connected to the divine essence of the character.
How would you describe your off-screen chemistry with Mohit Malik, Ekansh, and Subhan? Do you share a lot of fun moments on set that help you onscreen?
We have a very warm and fun environment on set. We laugh, share stories, and support each other, which creates a positive and comfortable atmosphere. That camaraderie translates into our on-screen relationships, making the family dynamics feel natural and heartfelt. The bond we share off-screen really adds depth to the scenes we perform together.
Is there a scene or sequence that you are most excited for the audience to watch?
One of the most intense sequences I’ve worked on is the beheading of Dandpani. Portraying Parvati’s heartbreak as a mother in that moment was incredibly emotional, I had to truly feel her pain, helplessness, and sorrow, while maintaining her divine composure. It’s such a layered scene, showing her unconditional love and strength simultaneously. I believe audiences will connect deeply with her emotions, seeing Parvati as both a goddess and a deeply caring mother.