Mumbai: For more than two decades, Akashdeep Saigal has been a familiar face across Indian entertainment. From winning the prestigious Gladrags Manhunt title and becoming one of the country’s leading male models to making his mark in films, television, reality shows and regional cinema, his career has been defined by versatility and reinvention. Viewers fondly remember him from the original Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, one of Indian television’s most iconic shows, and he is now back in the much-awaited new chapter of the franchise, reconnecting with audiences who have followed his journey over the years.
Beyond the glamour, Saigal’s life has undergone a profound transformation. A period away from the spotlight led him towards meditation, spirituality and a deeper understanding of purpose. Today, he believes success is no longer measured by fame or applause but by the ability to inspire, serve and spread compassion. As he returns to the small screen with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi while also preparing for Naagin 7, the actor reflects on his remarkable journey, the lessons learned along the way, and why he believes this new phase of his career is divinely timed.
Q. Can you tell us about your journey from winning Gladrags Manhunt to entering the world of acting?
Akashdeep Saigal:
My journey began in fashion. Winning Gladrags Manhunt opened the doors to international campaigns with brands like Bombay Dyeing, Chiclets and Coke, music videos, and eventually being featured by ELLE among India’s seven sexiest men alongside Milind Soman and Salman Khan. Fashion taught me presence before acting taught me performance.
From there, everything evolved naturally. Music videos gave me confidence in front of the camera before I made my film debut with Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi. I went on to work in films like Supari, the Tamil blockbusters Ayan and Kavan, Sultanat and several other projects across industries. Every film introduced me to a different audience and challenged me in a unique way.
Television became a defining chapter of my career. Kkusum, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Time Bomb 9/11, Kuchh Is Tara, Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki, Sher-e-Punjab: Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Naagin, and now Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Naagin 7 have all been important milestones.
I also loved exploring reality television because it reveals who you are beyond a script. Whether it was Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Fear Factor India, Bigg Boss 5, Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao, Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket, Comedy Circus, Kaho Na Yaar Hai or Zor Ka Jhatka: Total Wipeout, every experience pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me grow, not only as an actor but also as a person.
Looking back today, I don’t see modelling, films, television and reality shows as separate chapters. I see them as one continuous journey. Every experience, every success, every setback and every pause prepared me for the person I have become today.
Q. After your film debut, you explored reality television and many different formats. What motivated you, and apart from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which work are you most proud of?
Akashdeep Saigal:
I’ve always believed that growth begins where comfort ends. I never wanted to be known for just one genre or one image.
After films, I consciously explored every medium available. Reality shows tested me without the protection of a character. Mythological dramas demanded discipline. Historical roles required a completely different mindset. Romantic characters needed vulnerability, while negative roles demanded intensity.
Playing Kans in Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki, Ranbir in Kuchh Is Tara, my characters in Time Bomb 9/11, Sher-e-Punjab, and my work in Tamil cinema with Ayan and Kavan, along with my return through Naagin 7 and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, have constantly reminded me that an actor should never stop reinventing himself.
But today, when I look back, I’m proud of something much deeper than any individual project. I’m proud that after all these years, people still remember my work with affection. That kind of love cannot be manufactured. It can only be earned over time.
Q. Right from modelling and reality shows to serials and films, you’ve done almost everything. What would you like to share about such a versatile journey?
Akashdeep Saigal:
When I started modelling, I thought success meant becoming recognised. Today I understand that recognition was simply the vehicle.
Every campaign, every runway, every commercial, every music video, every television show and every film expanded my reach, but more importantly, they expanded me.
There came a phase when I consciously stepped away from the race because something within me was calling me towards a deeper understanding of life. Meditation became central to my journey. I immersed myself in studying spiritual traditions, exploring consciousness and writing The Scripture, a work inspired by my experiences with the Divine Mother.
During those years, I realised that my life’s purpose wasn’t only to entertain people—it was to serve them.
Through meditation I received a profound understanding of what I call Lok Dharma—living a life dedicated to service. For me, that service is to share the wisdom, love and compassion of the Divine Mother in a way that people from every background can relate to.
That’s why I feel the timing of returning through Naagin 7 and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is not accidental. I genuinely believe it is divinely aligned. Ekta Kapoor has always shared a deep devotion towards Mata, and my own spiritual path has been guided by Mata Rani. I don’t care what others think about that. I have immense respect and affection for Ekta Kapoor, and I look forward to personally conveying my mother’s divine blessings to her very soon.
Today, I don’t see fame as the destination. I see it as a responsibility.
If my work as an actor gives me a larger platform to spread love, compassion, unity and the message of the Divine Mother, then every stage of my career—from modelling to films, from reality television to fiction—has fulfilled its purpose.
Success, for me today, isn’t about applause. It’s about alignment. And I truly believe I’m finally walking the path my soul came here to walk.
