Krishna dons a new avatar

Actor Nittish Bharadwaj will anchor the faith-based show 'Mann Mein Hai Visshwas'.

Playing Lord Krishna in B R Chopra's TV epic 'Mahabharata' was actor Nittish Bharadwaj's claim to fame. Decades down, he still hasn't been able to shake off that halo. Being inducted into spiritual study as a child, Nittish, a Saraswat Brahman adhering to Adi Shankarya's concept of Hinduism, has always been fascinated by mythology and the scriptures. In keeping with these leanings, the actor will be hosting the show 'Mann Mein Hai Visshwas' (Sony) to be aired tomorrow.

Nittish explains the concept of the show saying, "The reality show is based on the faith that we place either in God, a guru or a shrine. It cuts across all religions. It spotlights people who have faced calamities and got relief from the supreme power." He continues, "In distress man seeks recourse from any quarter. When desperation has no colour, why should faith have any colour?"

What made the exercise of anchoring more fulfilling for Nittish was the research involved. "It's not only about anchoring but also referring to scriptures including the holy Koran, Bhagwadgita and the Bible," says Nittish who believes that faith is all about samarpan or submission.

The first episode of 'Mann Mein Hai Visshwas' will showcase the story of a Sai Baba devotee. During the upcoming Ganesha festival, Pratima from Ranjangaon, Maharashtra will share how her faith in Lord Ganesha changed her life. Nittish, who will be clad in Indian attire, adds, "Violence (referring to the recent bomb blasts) is resorted to because people are not at peace with themselves. This show is topical and has relevance, there being so much despair around us."

Ask him what his expectations from the show are and Nittish states, "I'll be happy if even one person walks up to me and says that his faith in the supreme power was restored after watching the show."

Incidentally, the show will also cover real life experiences undergone by renowned artistes including Pandit Jasraj.