Actor Siddharth Arora, widely recognized for his role as Mahadev in the television show 'Baal Shiv', recently immersed himself in the magnificent celebrations of Dev Deepawali on the iconic ghats of Varanasi. The actor, who manages his time between Mumbai and his hometown, opened up about the festival's spiritual aura, the dual-edged sword of Varanasi's development, his strategic career pivot, and his personal passion for travel.
The Surreal Splendour of Dev Deepawali in Kashi
Experiencing the festival from a boat on the Ganga, Arora described Dev Deepawali this year as truly wonderful. He noted that the celebrations in Banaras grow grander annually. However, for him, the essence lies beyond the dazzling fireworks. The profound spiritual energy of the place, amplified by the sacred Ganga's millennia-old history, creates the real magic. The view from the river offers a breathtaking panorama: the majestic Kashi Vishwanath Temple on one side and a sky illuminated with pyrotechnics, their reflections dancing on the water and the ancient steps of the ghats.
He painted a poignant picture of the coexistence of life's extremes at the ghats. "At Manikarnika Ghat, one can witness cremations, while just beyond, there is vibrant celebration and colour. It feels like observing life and death simultaneously, the complete circle of existence," Arora reflected, calling the entire experience surreal and unforgettable.
Varanasi's Transformation: A Boon and a Bane
Discussing the changes in his city, Arora expressed nuanced views. He acknowledged that certain areas, particularly near the ghats and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, are perpetually buzzing with energy. However, he feels the core of the old city remains largely unchanged. The recent spotlight on Varanasi has led to a significant challenge: space. The ancient city, never designed for modern urban planning, now struggles to accommodate the influx of visitors and residents.
"Earlier, I could visit the temple with ease, sometimes even twice daily. Now, the crowds are so overwhelming that even locals find it difficult to gain entry," he shared. He described Varanasi's development as a double-edged sword. Economically, it's a boon; his own hotel business, started seven years ago, has flourished with increased tourism. Yet, the bane is the compromised quality of life. The city feels less residential, and congestion is so severe that even affluent residents opt for scooters over cars in the old quarters.
Strategic Shift: From Television to Films and Web Series
On the professional front, Siddharth Arora is actively balancing his acting career with his business ventures. He is currently shooting for a film with a leading production house in Mumbai, a project that has kept him busy for the past five to six months. Clarifying that he hasn't quit acting, Arora stated he has consciously taken a break from television to focus on films and web series. His last TV show was 'Dhruvtara', approximately two years ago.
The demanding schedule of television, which can lock an actor for one to two years, is the primary reason for his shift. Films and web projects offer shorter, more flexible commitments, allowing him to manage his hotel business effectively. He also expressed a clear disinterest in reality TV, emphasizing that his first love is the craft of acting itself. With a supporting role in the upcoming film and another project already in the pipeline, Arora confirmed that his future appearances will be predominantly on the big screen and digital platforms.
Embracing Solo Travel and Personal Freedom
On a personal note, the actor revealed he is currently single and has discovered immense joy in travelling. He dismisses the notion of a 'right time' for marriage, believing instead in finding the right partner. "I've found happiness not just in acting or business, but also in travelling," he said. Having explored most of India, he now takes two to three international trips annually. A recent solo journey through Italy, Austria, and Hungary in Europe stands out as a fulfilling experience. For Siddharth Arora, travelling and discovering new places has become his most significant personal escape and a source of genuine contentment.
