Date: 1 June 1990 – 1 June 2003
Location: Mumbai, Santiniketan School & Krishna Orphanage
The first morning at Santiniketan School was quiet but alive with anticipation. Krishna, now five years old, held a small bag tightly and walked with Shanti aunty to the school gate. His bright blue eyes scanned the bustling streets of Mumbai—the rickshaws honking, the buses rumbling, children running to class.
"School life… again. I won't waste it this time," he thought quietly.
Shanti aunty smiled at him. "Remember, beta, listen carefully. Study well, be kind to everyone, and always stay disciplined."
"I will, aunty," Krishna replied politely. "Thank you for bringing me safely."
With that, she left him at the school gate. Krishna stepped inside, his mind calm but focused. Every small effort today would shape his future.
The classroom buzzed with chatter. Krishna entered and scanned the room. One boy, slightly bigger than him, walked up to him.
"Hey, boy! Come sit with me," he said cheerfully.
Krishna smiled politely. "Hello, I'm Krishna. What's your name?"
"I'm Manoj. Sit here; you'll like it," the boy said, pulling a bench beside him.
Krishna sat neatly, crossing his legs. Even as a small child, his posture reflected a maturity beyond his years.
The teacher entered and began the day. Krishna listened intently to every instruction, completing exercises in Hindi, mathematics, English, history, and physical training with focus and discipline.
Manoj whispered, "You're really smart, Krishna."
Krishna smiled faintly. "Practice, Manoj. Anyone can learn if they try."
By the end of the day, Krishna had taken meticulous notes and planned his self-improvement goals:
Train body daily
Study languages (English, Hindi, Marathi)
Improve communication skills
Excel academically
Even as a child, Krishna's mind worked like a clock, precise and systematic.
Growing Years: 1990–2000
From age five to fifteen, Krishna's life revolved around school, study, exercise, and disciplined play. His small body grew strong with daily exercise and sports at school. His mind sharpened with books from the orphanage library. He read poems, stories, and textbooks, excelling in both English and Hindi.
Other children admired him for his intelligence and kindness. Krishna helped younger children, listened carefully, and never argued unnecessarily.
Manoj remained his constant companion. They played together, studied together, and shared dreams. Krishna often visited Manoj's home, where he was treated warmly by Manoj's middle-class parents. Though they had little wealth, their hospitality gave Krishna a sense of family.
Date: March 2000 – Age 15
The day of Krishna's 10th-grade board exams arrived. He had prepared meticulously, revising every subject, practicing handwriting, and planning each answer.
When he handed in his last Hindi paper and walked out of the classroom, he felt a quiet satisfaction.
Manoj ran toward him, beaming. "Krishna! Your exam went great! You'll top this year for sure!"
Krishna smiled calmly. "Yes… but I need more work. This is just a step."
The results were announced a few weeks later. Krishna had scored 95%. The school awarded him a scholarship, recognizing both his brilliance and his disciplined attitude.
Now he faced a choice: Arts, Commerce, or Science?
He thought about his dreams. He wanted to become an actor, inspired by movies and the energy of cinema he had admired all his life.
"Science is logical, Commerce is practical… But my heart belongs to creativity. I want to act. I want to perform. I want to make life extraordinary."
With calm determination, he chose Arts. The scholarship made this decision easier.
With school settled, Krishna focused on building skills for the future.
He joined a nearby dance group, learning classical and modern dance. The group included older students who performed in local events to earn money. Krishna learned not only the steps but also stage presence, discipline, and confidence.
He also practiced singing whenever possible. At the orphanage, he read acting books, memorized dialogues, and watched Bollywood movies to understand emotions, expressions, and storytelling.
His evenings were reserved for writing plans in his notebook:
Learn computer skills
Learn more Indian languages
Maintain excellent academics
Master dance and acting
Exercise daily
Krishna followed his plan without fail. Discipline had become a habit.
Date: March 2002 – Age 17
After completing 12th grade, Krishna's marks were 97%, again earning recognition from teachers and peers. He had grown into a confident, intelligent, and disciplined young man. His body was strong, his posture perfect, and his eyes bright with determination.
Leaving the Orphanage
Date: June 2002 – Age 17
The time had come to leave the orphanage. Krishna said goodbye to Shanti aunty, his friends, and the caretakers who had raised him. His heart was heavy, but he was ready to face the world independently.
"I am prepared now," he thought. "No regrets this time."
Using his scholarship money and some savings from small jobs—selling stationery, helping shopkeepers, tutoring other children—Krishna rented a small apartment in Mumbai. It was modest, but it was his first step toward independence.
Date: 2003 – Age 18
Krishna's biggest goal was clear: become an actor. He applied to Barry John Acting Studio, one of India's most prestigious acting schools.
Finally, the day came.
Krishna stood outside the studio for the first time, staring at the doors that could change his life forever. The sun was bright, and the air smelled faintly of Mumbai's early monsoon.
He took a deep breath.
"This is it. My dream starts today."
Krishna walked in, heart steady, mind focused. The years of preparation, discipline, and training had led to this moment.
He smiled faintly, thinking of Shanti aunty, Manoj, and the orphanage.
"I will not waste this chance. I will become the actor I was meant to be."
The doors closed behind him, and a new chapter of his life began.