Actors revisit India`s timeless heritage on World Heritage Day
World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is observed on April 18 every year to raise awareness about the richness of cultural heritage and the urgent need to preserve it for future generations. On this occasion, &TV artists reflect on their most memorable visits to some of India’s iconic heritage sites. These include Neeta Mohindra (Kailasha Bua, Bheema), Yogesh Tripathi (Daroga Happu Singh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Neeta Mohindra aka Kailasha Bua from Bheema shares, "India’s cultural beauty is deeply rooted in its vibrant history, and this is most vividly brought to life in its heritage cities. I had the pleasure of visiting Jaipur, and I was enchanted by its timeless charm. Often called the ‘Pink City’ due to the distinctive rose-coloured sandstone buildings, Jaipur was to step into a living museum. The Amber Fort was particularly unforgettable with its grand ramparts, intricate mirrorwork in the Sheesh Mahal, and panoramic views of the Aravalli Hills. The Hawa Mahal, with its iconic honeycomb façade and hundreds of jharokhas (small windows), offered a glimpse into royal life and architectural brilliance. The City Palace, with its courtyards, museums, and regal architecture, reflected the opulence of Rajasthan’s royal legacy. But beyond the monuments, it was the people, their traditions, colours, and hospitality that made my journey extraordinary. Jaipur was not just a travel destination for me; it was an immersion into history that still breathes today.”
Yogesh Tripathi aka Daroga Happu Singh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan recounts, "Every monument in India tells a tale, and visiting them is like walking through the pages of history. One of the most unforgettable experiences of my life was visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra. Recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj is an architectural marvel of white marble, symmetry, and artistic finesse built as a symbol of eternal love by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. I did the iconic tourist photo of ‘holding the dome,’ which still makes me smile! Strolling through the lush Mughal gardens and watching the mausoleum’s reflection shimmer in the long water channels was surreal. The delicate pietra dura inlay work, the intricate carvings, and the aura of the entire complex left me awestruck. The Taj Mahal is more than a monument; it symbolises passion, artistry, and India's rich Mughal legacy. Being there filled me with immense pride for our country's heritage." Shubhangi Atre, aka Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, reflects, "As someone deeply connected to spirituality and Indian traditions, my visit to Varanasi was profoundly moving. Believed to be one of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi is a sacred tapestry of devotion, culture, and ancient wisdom. I had the divine opportunity to offer prayers at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and among the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sanctity and spiritual energy within the temple left me speechless. A sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River was another soul-stirring experience. As the mist lifted and the sun painted the sky, the ghats came alive with morning rituals, chants, and the timeless rhythm of life. Witnessing the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where thousands gather to witness the mesmerizing synchrony of devotion, was an ethereal moment. The floating diyas, ancient alleys, and stories embedded in every stone made me realize that Varanasi is not just a city but a living embodiment of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. It’s places like these that inspire us to cherish and protect our legacy."
