What’s in a name? Literally everything for actor Worship Khanna. While his name may seem out of the ordinary to many, he says it has not only been a great conversation starter but also a reason people remember him. The actor, who has been a part of shows like Kumkum Bhagya, Meri Doli Mere Angna, Ishq Subhan Allah, and web shows like Hello Jee, Cold Lassi Aur Chicken Masala, and will soon be seen in Pati Brahmachari, says he truly loves his name.
“People often find my name strange or unusual. Frankly speaking, my name is just Worship. It’s on my passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card and all my official government documents. My mom and dad aren’t highly educated and one day I finally asked them why I have been given this name. My mom just said that it was an English word with a beautiful meaning. It means prayer. People often tell me, ‘You must have been born with a lot of prayer and devotion around you.’,” he says.
Of course, a name such as his can attract various kinds of reactions for people, “Well, there have been many, he says, adding, “In the beginning, when people hear my name, they don’t understand it the first time. They never expect someone to be named Worship. Some people hear it as ‘Workshop’ or ‘Warship’. I always have to explain it again, and tell them the exact meaning of my name. I have to say it just like praying with folded hands so my name means that.”
Seeing them react can get quite entertaining, he laughs, adding, “People’s reactions are visible on their faces. They try to cover up how strange they feel, and say, ‘That’s quite unique. I’ve never heard this name before.’ They’ll say, ‘It’s a good name. Very positive.’” However, this was quite a challenge for him to navigate in school. “When I was a kid, it used to hurt. I was bullied a lot in school. Kids would make fun of my name asking, ‘Is this a Catholic name?’ or ‘Are you Punjabi?’ Even my mom has been questioned.”
However, he says that his name has been lucky for him. “Back then, I didn’t know I’d become an actor. And when I entered the industry, this name actually helped me. People never forget it. If they hear it once, they always remember me. Some people think I changed my name when I joined the industry, but no, this has been my name since childhood. There was one time in 12th grade I wanted to change my name to Aakash Atharv. I didn’t like my name back then. But thank God I didn’t change it. Now, I love my name. I understand the value of having a unique name. I’m really happy that my mom gave me such a special name.”
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