‘Tenali Rama’ actor Krishna Bharadwaj helps his fan beat depression

When Krishna Bharadwaj left the viewers in splits with his impeccable comic timing on the show, ‘Tenali Rama’, little did he know that he was doing much more than just bringing a smile on their face. Because, for at least one of his fans, it made a huge difference — the difference between life and death.
Recently, a 21-year-old girl messaged Krishna on his Instagram handle, explaining how watching him on screen helped her cope with depression and suicidal thoughts.The message read, “Hi Sir, I don’t know if you read this message or not. But one thing I want to tell you is you’re the one who taught me the real meaning of life. Today I’m happy with my life. I tried to commit suicide three times and was taking treatment for depression. I’m just 21 and everything was fair but I didn’t know how to appreciate the things. How to be happy for trifles. After watching your show a positive vibe entered me. I don’t know how. I have always been a pessimist and conquered to the fate that I can’t be happy in this life. But now I know my strengths and potential. And most importantly I know how to take life. Today my parents are so happy for me. For some people you are a celebrity or something. For me you’re my saviour. THANK YOU SO MUCH (sic).”
As soon as he saw the message, Krishna got in touch with the youngster through social media. He shares, “She was very happy to get a reply from me. She told me that her whole family watches the show and they love me. So, that’s the kind of love I’m getting from my audience. I don’t have many followers on social media, but the ones I have are real people, who don’t reduce an artiste to be a fashion icon. They relate to me and my character on a personal level. That could be attributed to the fact that I only share meaningful stuff and nothing fake or unreal. I never try to put on an image.”
The actor feels that he has a certain responsibility towards his audience. He adds, “I have always believed that art imitates life and vice versa. Art is all about creation — we produce things and create a world, which can inspire and influence others and change their lives. As an artiste, I have a huge responsibility on my shoulders, as people who like my work get inspired by the little things I do or say on my show. I feel fortunate to be associated with a show, which can actually influence someone to not harm herself and pull her out of her depression. In ‘Tenali Rama’, along with humour, we also impart social messages, though not in a preachy manner. If what I say on my show has a positive effect on someone, then I believe that I have succeeded as an actor. That’s real success and I’m proud of it.”