Mumbai-based comedian Navin Prabhakar is gearing up for a potential New Year getaway, breaking away from his usual work commitments that have kept him in the city during past celebrations. Known for his humor, Navin reveals that despite making plans every year, he often finds himself tied up with work. This time, however, he is determined to make it happen.
Reflecting on his previous experiences, Navin mentions, “Last year, I was shooting in Kolhapur for a Marathi film, but I managed to squeeze in a short trip near Goa in Konkan, courtesy of a friend’s invitation. This year, we are hopeful about going out of Mumbai for the celebrations, although my performance schedule is still uncertain.”
While many associate New Year celebrations with exotic destinations, Navin emphasizes that for him, the essence lies in spending quality time with loved ones. “Parties are not about destinations but about my loved ones with whom I share a good bond and spend time with them, sharing plans about the upcoming year. This is what I have been doing for the last 20 years,” he says.
Navin acknowledges the challenges of travel, noting, “Whenever we make plans to go out, most of our time gets wasted due to traveling. So, we try to stay in Mumbai and celebrate with each other’s family, engaging in meaningful conversations.” He emphasizes the impact of such interactions, even with friends’ children, where they offer guidance on careers.
Sharing insights into his past celebrations, Navin reveals, “For the past 5 years, we have been visiting our village, exploring temples, reminiscing about the good old days, bursting crackers, and welcoming the new year. This year, if time permits, we plan to visit a small village in Pune, decorate the place with lights, live in tents, and have a campfire.”
When asked about his New Year wishes, Navin’s responses reflect his genuine concern for the well-being of others. “If I ever get a magic wand, my first wish would be to make people laugh and ensure I don’t hurt anyone. I really love to see people happy,” he shares. His second wish revolves around reducing stress levels, a common concern he encounters during his programs.
Navin concludes, “My third wish is for the fruition of our hard work. I believe that if you do good for someone or help someone, God is watching, and the rewards will come. So, I wish we all engage in good deeds and extend kindness to those in need, fostering a positive start to the new year.”