Family on a pious mission

For an agnostic like Rishi Karthik, 21, participating in Star Plus’s new reality show Mahayatra —Rishton Ka Anokha Safar, a show that combines spirituality and adventure, was quite an experience. The young Hyderabadi and his family were in fact, the only South Indians in this pan-India contest.

“I’m not a spiritual person and I did the show only for my parents. I wasn’t really enthusiastic about the show when we were selected. But when we visited the temples during the shooting, I realised that this journey was going to be special one. It was an emotional journey for us. My parents are very religious and this was a big deal for them. I want to win just to make them happy,” says Rishi.

On the show, 12 families embark on a journey where the 12 youngsters will perform difficult tasks and attempt to fulfill their parents’ dream to complete the Char Dham Yatra. “The concept is interesting and involves innovative tasks which are centred around Indian mythology. The experience is also physically and emotionally tiring and I’ve lost 10 kilos during the show,” says the city boy.

Since Rishi and his parents are the only ones from the South, they have a tough time mingling with the rest of the contestants, “The only problem we had is Hyderabadi Hindi, which is crude when compared to the polished North Indian Hindi. There were a few hiccups and there were times when I had everyone laughing because of my usage of gender-specific words. All the youngsters came here with one aim — to fulfill their parents’ wish. I give my best because am not fighting for myself but fighting for my parents.”

The show ignites the feeling of familial love and the show has bought him closer to his parents. “It has taught me to be a better judge of people and situations. I have learnt to understand my parents better and appreciate them more.”