Hyderabad: With Maha Shivratri 2025 approaching, millions of devotees across the globe are preparing to celebrate the sacred festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. This auspicious occasion, which honors the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is marked with great devotion, where fasting, prayers, and night-long vigils take center stage.
Over the years, Indian cinema and television have beautifully captured the essence of Lord Shiva. Several actors have portrayed this revered deity on screen, creating lasting memories for audiences. From blockbuster films to mythological TV series, their performances have left indelible impressions. Let's explore some remarkable portrayals of Lord Shiva and hear reflections from actors on the significance of Maha Shivratri.
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar made waves recently with his divine presence as Shiv Doot (messenger of Lord Shiva) in OMG 2, which was released in 2023. This film served as a sequel to OMG - Oh My God! and delivered a strong social message intertwined with devotion to Lord Shiva. His portrayal was praised for its calm demeanor and divine aura. Adding to this, Kumar is set to play Lord Shiva himself in the upcoming Telugu film Kannappa. This highly anticipated project features Vishnu Manchu as the titular character of Kannappa, the legendary devotee, whose unwavering faith and devotion to Lord Shiva have made him prominent.
Arun Govil, beloved for his portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramayan (1987), has also donned the role of Lord Shiva. His performance in Shiv Mahima, a devotional film dedicated to Mahadev, showcased the compassionate and divine nature of Shiva. Govil’s serene presence made him a cherished choice for mythological roles.
Sourabh Raaj Jain is another actor known for portraying divine characters. While he is famously recognized as Lord Krishna in Mahabharat (2013), he also took on the powerful character of Lord Shiva in Mahakali: Anth Hi Aarambh Hai (2017). This show highlighted the transformation of Goddess Parvati to the fierce Mahakali, and Jain's portrayal complemented the narrative by showcasing both the calm and fierce attributes of Mahadev.
Meanwhile, Mohit Raina's portrayal of Lord Shiva in Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev (2011–2014) remains one of the most celebrated performances on Indian television. The series depicted the divine love story between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati along with various mythological tales. Raina’s intense acting and powerful screen presence positioned him as the quintessential Lord Shiva for countless viewers.
On the lighter side, Himanshu Soni presented a modern take on Lord Shiva through the daily soap Neeli Chatri Waale, which aired from 2014 to 2016. The show features Lord Shiva as he regularly intervenes to help the life of Bhagwan Das, the common man, making spirituality accessible and relatable for viewers.
Speaking of deep personal connections with Lord Shiva, TV actor Vijayendra Kumeria shared his reflections as Maha Shivratri approaches. He emphasized the festival’s significance as not merely one of grand celebrations but as one of deep spirituality and personal connection. "Maha Shivratri isn't just a festival for me; it's a night of connection and introspection," he said. Kumeria recalled childhood memories spent celebrating the festival with family, observing rituals, and absorbing the divine energy surrounding them. "Those moments taught me to stay strong and let go when needed, just like Lord Shiva's teachings," he added.
Meanwhile, Priya Thakur, known for her role as Vasudha on Zee TV, also reflected on the festival’s importance. "Maha Shivratri is a time for reflection, devotion, and inner strength," she noted. Thakur finds peace through simple rituals like lighting diyas and chanting Shiva's name, emphasizing the personal connection one can find during this sacred time. She believes this auspicious day is perfect for expressing gratitude and seeking inner strength.
Throughout the night of Maha Shivratri, devotees immerse themselves in chanting "Om Namah Shivaya", performing the Rudrabhishek, and offering sacred bilva leaves, milk, and water to the Shivling. Many observe strict fasts, believing these rituals will lead them to overcome obstacles and find righteousness. Temples across the nation are adorned with lights as the echo of bhajans and mantras creates an energetic divine aura.
Maha Shivratri transcends being merely a festival; it serves as a poignant reminder of the strength within and the transformative power of devotion. This sacred night encourages individuals to embrace spirituality and the eternal wisdom Lord Shiva symbolizes. Ensuring the spirit of togetherness and positivity, as Thakur poignantly expressed, it is truly the perfect night for reflection, gratitude, and divine blessings. Har Har Mahadev!