Tenali Rama’s Krishna Bharadwaj on who ignited his love for acting, says ‘Watching my father create magic on stage and screen sparked my passion’

Behind every artist lies a story of inspiration — and for Tenali Rama actor Krishna Bharadwaj, that spark was lit at home. In a heartfelt reflection, the actor credits his father, Aditya Bharadwaj, as the person who first ignited his love for acting.“My biggest inspiration has always been my father, Aditya Bharadwaj. He’s not just my parent but also an incredible actor and director. Watching him perform and create magic on stage and screen sparked my passion for acting. His dedication to the craft taught me everything — from discipline to the importance of staying grounded. Playing Rama in Tenali Rama was a dream come true, but the seed of that dream was planted by him,” he said.Krishna, who portrayed the witty and wise Tenali Rama in the hit show Tenali Rama, recalled how the opportunity changed his life on multiple levels. “I didn’t think the show would do so well and it became a big hit. No work of mine has been as big as Tenali Rama,” he said.But the transformation wasn’t just professional. “Personally, Tenali Rama made me a happier person, which I used to be before the show happened. I wasn’t this happy person.

I was sad and depressed because of certain circumstances in life. But playing Tenali Rama for three years, I realised when it ended that I am a happier person. I solved things in a much calmer manner. When you play a character which is very different from your personal energy, it psychologically affects you.

It affected me beautifully and positively.”He also opened up about his struggles before the show came into his life. “Before 2017, I was out of work for four years. I had a terrible life, no money, no social life, no nothing. I was struggling hard to survive in the industry. Coming from a small town and a humble family, I had no monetary or financial help from anybody. It was a difficult time when Tenali came to me — and beggars can’t be choosers.”