Actress Akshaya Naik performs clowning for children in Malvani's red light area

Actress Akshaya Naik, known for her work in serials, OTT shows and theatre, is in the news for a different reason this time: clowning. This Ganeshotsav was special for Akshaya as she used her art to serve Bappa by performing clowning acts for children living in the red light area of Malwani in Malad.

Akshaya is associated with an organisation called Clowns Without Borders India, which brings theatre and clowning to children of sex workers, children living in red light areas, and various underprivileged communities. The initiative aims to take children away from their circumstances for a while, communicate with them, and bring them moments of happiness through art.

During this year's Ganeshotsav, the organisation worked together with an NGO called Aastha Parivar, which works in the red light area of Malwani, Malad. Following this, clowning shows for children were performed at three Ganpati mandals in the area.

Akshaya says that during Ganeshotsav, many artists present their art as "seva" at Ganpati mandals. Watching this, she often wondered how she could offer her art in service to Bappa without having learnt classical dance or music. This time she found her answer. Akshaya believes that making people laugh is also a great form of seva, and standing in Bappa's mandap to give her clowning performance was the greatest joy for her. She credited this entire experience to her director Rupesh Tillu and fellow clown Ankita Nikrad.

Akshaya shared another special aspect of the experience. The area where these performances took place is predominantly a Muslim locality, but the Ganpati mandal where the show was held was set up right opposite a mosque. Some burqa-clad women volunteers and teachers working with Aastha Parivar also brought children to the Ganpati mandap. These children came from different religions and backgrounds, but in that moment, everyone came together to be part of the joy. According to Akshaya, setting aside religion and identity to share in one another's happiness is something that happens in many small moments around us, and she believes the power to bring people together is the real strength of art and performance.

During these clowning performances, Akshaya and her fellow performers faced another challenge. Heavy rain suddenly began. The sound of the rain was so loud that they could not even hear each other, and there was no microphone facility available. Despite this, they did not stop the show and performed three shows continuously for the children.

Akshaya says that while returning home after the shows, her body was tired but she felt a different kind of energy within her. The experience made her realise once again that art is not meant only for the stage. Bringing a smile to someone's face, bringing different communities closer, and bringing moments of happiness into someone's life can also be done through art. Akshaya Naik said that being able to serve at Bappa's feet through her art this Ganeshotsav was the most beautiful thing for her.