India, July 10 -- O n the occasion of Guru Purnima, actor Sparsh Shrivastava reflects on the deeper meaning of a guru, saying the role goes beyond formal mentorship. Without any formal training or theatre background, Sparsh got his first break as a child actor in TV show Balika Vadhu. It was there that director Sidharth Sengupta became a guiding force. "Sidharth sir really focused on how we performed. He scolded me a lot, but it came from a place of love. That discipline helped me grow," he recalls. Years later, while filming web series Jamtara, Sparsh found another mentor in director Soumendra Padhi. "Som sir has worked with actors from all kinds of backgrounds - NSD graduates, TV actors, newcomers - but he treated all of us with equal care and patience," says the 26-year-old. Those moments, he shares, transformed his approach to acting. "I began seeing my character in Jamtara differently. Som sir's method is gentle but deeply transformative. You evolve just by being around him." Beyond his creative process, what impressed Sparsh most was Soumendra's support for fresh talent. "He gives new actors space to grow and makes sure they're seen. That's rare in this industry," he says, "Even now, when I'm unsure, I call him. He doesn't hand you answers - he reminds you to stay present, to keep living fully. That's where your memory bank as an actor truly comes from." For Sparsh, a guru is someone who not only impacts your journey but also keeps you grounded. "A guru helps you grow but also keeps your focus on the craft," he explains....