TV stars fasting for Navratri despite hectic shoot schedules

With Navratri under way, we speak to actors Dilip Joshi, Parag Tyagi, Aarti Singh and Akshay Dogra, who are fasting in spite of their hectic TV show shooting schedules.

While Navaratri marks the beginning of garba and dandiya nights, several people also observe fasts during the nine-day festivities. Here, some actors, who fast while shooting for their TV shows, talk about their experiences, and what the festival means to them.

With Navratri under way, actors Dilip Joshi, Parag Tyagi, Aarti Singh and Akshay Dogra, are fasting in spite of their hectic TV show shooting schedules.

Aarti Singh says fasting during her TV show shoot does not make her tired.

Aarti Singh

I, along with my mother and sister-in-law, have been fasting during Navaratri for years now. Fasting during my shoot does not make me tired. However, my mum has asked me to fast only on the first and the last day of Navaratri. I eat fruits for breakfast and as an evening snack. For lunch and dinner, I consume coconut water and other fasting preparations.

Dilip Joshi performs performs a havan at home on the ninth day of Navratri.

Dilip Joshi

I have been fasting during Navaratri for many years now. But I fast during one meal, and eat either lunch or dinner, as it gets tough to shoot for 12 hours a day without consuming any food. It is my belief that gives me the power to fast. On the ninth day, I perform a havan at home. Earlier, I used to enjoy playing dandiya and garba. But now I don’t do that. However, I do end up playing a little when I’m shooting for my TV show.

Parag Tyagi has been fasting during Navaratri for more than 10 years.

Parag Tyagi

This one year during Navaratri, I decided to celebrate the festival, and brought home an idol of goddess Durga. I performed all the rituals, and fasted as well. Now, I have been fasting during Navaratri for more than 10 years. It teaches you self-discipline and self-control. It keeps you grounded. I start my day with a milk preparation, and then have fasting food in the evening. I don’t eat or drink anything during the day, not even fruit juices. God provides me with the strength [to fast].

Akshay Dogra fasts to break away from the constant cravings.

Akshay Dogra

For me, observing a fast is a way to break away from the constant cravings, and live a more humble life. I have been fasting during Navaratri for the past seven years now. With hectic work schedules, it gets difficult at times. But, my determination keeps me going. As my lifestyle and work schedule does not allow me to fast all day, I eat fruits through the day.