Ishtam Mathram actor Akhil Anand on attending Maha Kumbh Mela: It's a priceless moment, even my grandkids won't be able to witness it

With just two days remaining before the conclusion of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, devotees continue to pour into Prayagraj. Among the millions of attendees is Malayalam TV actor Akhil Anand, who also participated in the ceremony and took a dip in the sacred Sangam. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Akhil opened up about his extraordinary experience at the world's largest religious gathering.
"Words can't capture the feeling. What an unforgettable moment! We travel to other countries and admire their culture, but you can't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in our own country. This year's Kumbh Mela occurs only once in 144 years—forget about my kids, I don't think even my grandkids will have the chance to witness it," he shared.
Discussing the massive crowd at the event, Akhil praised the efforts of the Army and natives in Prayagraj, noting that their coordination and support have been exceptional.
"The crowd is beyond imagination. I truly salute the army personnel at the venue—I can't fathom how they managed to handle it all. The locals of Prayagraj are simply amazing. They're always there to help with anything and everything. When I was running late for my train, a group of men, who were offering bike rides to pilgrims, gave me a lift to the railway station," he shared.

Reflecting on his experience of taking a dip at the Sangam, Akhil described the moment as incredibly rejuvenating.
"It was a long journey—Thiruvananthapuram to Hyderabad, then to Ayodhya, and finally to Prayagraj. After reaching Prayagraj, we had to walk for kilometers to reach the Sangam. I was completely exhausted. But after that one dip in the holy river, all the tiredness vanished in an instant. It was truly rejuvenating," he shared.
In addition to the dip, Akhil also treasures the moment when he received a special blessing from a Sadhu, making the experience even more meaningful.
"I was warned by many that there would be fake Sadhus at the Kumbh and advised not to give them any money. After taking the dip, a Sadhu came up to me and blessed me. He told me that I would have a prosperous life and be recognized by many. His aura was truly special. I took some money from my wallet and gave it to him. To my surprise, he returned whatever money he had in his hand and walked away. It was unbelievable," Akhil narrated.
On the work front, the actor is currently portraying notable roles in both Ishtam Mathram and Mahalakshmi.