'Krishnavtaram' actor Siddharth Gupta recalls career crisis that made him question acting: ' Maybe I did some mistake'
ETimes June 24, 2026 04:39 PM
Actor Siddharth Gupta is currently earning praise for his portrayal of Lord Krishna in the mythological drama ‘ Krishnavtaram ’. While the role has brought him recognition and appreciation, the journey leading up to it was far from smooth. Looking back, the actor revealed that years of struggles and disappointments had conditioned him to expect setbacks rather than success.
Speaking to Mid-day about being selected for the role, Siddharth admitted that even after receiving positive feedback following his audition, he remained unconvinced that he would actually be chosen.
"The kind of journey I have had with so many ups and downs, the first thing I think is negative before even seeing its positive side." He added that despite sensing that the makers were pleased with his performance, self-doubt continued to linger. "Sir had said that he would let me know in two-three days and I knew he had liked my audition for Krishna, but I still felt I might not get the part. Maybe I did some mistake."
According to Siddharth, not fully grasping the enormity of portraying Lord Krishna initially worked in his favour. Had he understood the responsibility from the outset, the pressure might have overwhelmed him. "At the time when I got this, probably I did not know the gravity of what I was playing. And that really helped me as an actor. Not knowing."
As the workshops and rehearsals progressed, he found himself developing a stronger connection with the character. Rather than studying previous portrayals of Krishna on screen, Siddharth chose a different route. He immersed himself in literature, discussions, and spiritual content focused on understanding Krishna's teachings and personality.
"I had not seen any reference or any other actor playing it. Before sleeping, I would read for two hours or watch podcasts and discussions about him. Then through the day we used to have workshops." The actor believes that relentless preparation eventually replaced fear with confidence.
"The more I prepared, the less scared I was to play him. There comes a point when you have to just let go and let it flow. I think that's what happened eventually."
Reflecting on the experience, he also spoke about the spiritual impact the role had on him. "If you play a role in this process, Krishnaji comes close to you. And once he holds your hand, he does not leave."
Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita As part of his preparation for ‘Krishnavtaram’, Siddharth spent considerable time studying translations of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and other religious texts. The experience transformed the way he viewed the scripture. Instead of seeing it as a collection of teachings or moral instructions, he came to regard it as a practical guide for everyday living. "One thing I noticed while preparing for this film was that the Gita is not preachy. It is a way of life. It is the essence of life. It teaches you how to live life."
The actor went a step further, describing the sacred text as an invaluable resource for emotional and mental well-being. "If you read it properly and understand it, it is better than any therapist." One idea from the Gita that particularly resonated with him was the acceptance of outcomes beyond one's control. "If you have done everything right in your life, if you have done the controllables right, sometimes the result is not in your favour. That is called destiny."
The setback that nearly ended Siddharth Gupta's acting dreamWhile discussing his professional journey, Siddharth candidly opened up about a major disappointment that left him questioning whether he should continue acting at all.
"I have a very thick skin. That's why I used to think something would go wrong because of experience." He revealed that he had invested three years in a project that ultimately failed to materialise, making it the most difficult phase of his career.
"There was one project. I was with someone for three years and that thing did not happen. That was the biggest setback in my life." The emotional toll was significant. Feeling lost and uncertain, Siddharth stepped away from acting for nearly a year to reassess his future.
"Just before this project, I took a one-year hiatus to re-evaluate my acting and whether I wanted to continue this journey." During that period, he gained weight and struggled with self-belief. However, his family encouraged him not to give up on his ambitions. "My family intervened and reminded me that I am the one who has done something good."
Determined to give himself one final opportunity, he focused on improving both physically and mentally before returning to auditions. "Then I lost weight, and the first audition I gave was this one." That audition turned out to be for ‘Krishnavtaram’, the very project that would change the course of his career.
Siddharth Gupta's new outlook on lifeToday, Siddharth views his struggles through a different lens. The setbacks that once seemed devastating have become valuable lessons that shaped his resilience and outlook. The actor believes that both his personal experiences and the teachings he encountered while preparing for ‘Krishnavtaram’ have helped him approach life with greater optimism and clarity. "Now I am very positive in my life."
For Siddharth Gupta, the success of ‘Krishnavtaram’ is not merely a professional milestone but also proof that perseverance, self-belief, and patience can eventually lead to unexpected rewards.
