Celebrating the First Anniversary of &TV’s Atal: Neha Joshi and Aayudh Bhanushali Visit Gwalior, the Birthplace of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Gwalior, 14 December 2024: &TV’s Atal, which premiered in December last year, has earned widespread acclaim for portraying the formative years of one of India’s most iconic leaders, the late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Marking the show’s first anniversary, the lead actors Aayudh Bhanushali, who plays young Atal, and Neha Joshi, who essays the role of Krishna Devi Vajpayee, visited the legendary leader’s hometown, Gwalior. This remarkable initiative by &TV underscores its commitment to staying deeply connected to its audience. The initiative also reflects the channel’s focus on strengthening its position in the Hindi speaking markets, ensuring its stories resonate with audiences beyond metropolitan cities, and honouring the legacy of such iconic personalities. Aayudh Bhanushali, who portrays young Atal, talks about his experience of visiting Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Aayudh says, “Celebrating the first anniversary of Atal in Gwalior, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birthplace, was a heartfelt tribute to the great leader. The timing could not have been more special, as December is also his birth month. During our visit, Neha Aai (Krishna Devi Vajpayee) and I explored his ancestral home, which includes a public library and a computer training institute named after his father, Krishna Bihari Vajpayee. We were also delighted to visit Bahadura Sweets, famous for his favourite boondi ladoos—they were delicious!” He added, “What made this visit even more special was meeting the people of Gwalior. They welcomed us with such warmth. Their feedback about how closely they follow the show, their appreciation for my portrayal of young Atal ji, and their love for the story motivates me further to engage and entertain the audience.”

Neha Joshi, who plays Krishna Devi Vajpayee, reflected on the journey, “Visiting Gwalior to celebrate our show’s anniversary was an unforgettable experience. Walking through the streets and landmarks connected to Shri Atal Ji’s life, especially during his birth month, was deeply moving. From visiting the library to his favourite sweet shop, every corner of this city carried his legacy. Playing Krishna Devi Vajpayee has allowed me explore the untold aspects of his childhood, and visiting where he was born and raised felt like a profound blessing.” She further added, “The people of Gwalior made this celebration even more meaningful. Hearing their feedback and realizing how deeply they connect with our show was heartening. Their love and detailed observations about the storyline and characters have motivated us to work even harder to honour Shri Atal ji’s legacy. The visit also highlighted &TV’s commitment to creating impactful and meaningful content that resonates with audiences. Talking about the show, Neha mentioned, “Set against the backdrop of British colonial rule, &TV’s Atal delves into the childhood of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, portraying the events, relationships, and ideals that shaped him into one of India’s most iconic leaders. The show highlights his close bond with his mother, Krishna Devi Vajpayee, who instilled in him the values of unity, compassion, and perseverance. Through its powerful storytelling, Atal brings to life the inspiring journey of a boy from humble beginnings who rose to become one of India’s most revered statesmen.”