On World Environment Day, the actor opens up about weather shifts, pollution, and walking the talk when it comes to eco-responsibility.
With World Environment Day being observed on June 5, actor Shivam Khajuria isn’t interested in empty slogans or fleeting green trends. Known for his nuanced performances on screen, Shivam brings the same honesty and depth to a topic that demands more than just lip service—climate change and environmental responsibility.
Speaking exclusively, Shivam Khajuria says the climate crisis is no longer a future threat but a lived reality. “Winters don’t feel like winters anymore, and rains show up like uninvited guests,” he says, adding, “Monsoons arrive early or late, summers are brutal, and it’s all happening right in front of us. The weather is no longer small talk—it’s a warning.”
While campaigns around cleanliness have gained momentum in recent years, Shivam Khajuria feels we are still stuck at the basics. “We still litter our streets, dump garbage into water bodies, and then wonder why floods, diseases, and pollution are increasing. Real change comes when people stop thinking ‘yeh mera kaam nahi hai’ and start doing small things consistently,” he shares.
Referring to the rising air pollution levels in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai, the actor expresses concern over how the younger generation is being impacted. “When kids are forced to stay indoors because stepping outside means inhaling toxic air—that’s not normal. That’s a crisis. We’re becoming numb to it, and that’s scary,” Shivam Khajuria says.
Unlike many who talk about sustainability on social media, Shivam Khajuria believes in practicing what he preaches. His personal habits reflect a grounded approach to eco-conscious living. “I don’t use plastic bottles, always carry cloth bags, and reuse water from washing vegetables to water plants,” he shares, adding, “I make sure to separate wet and dry garbage, and if I leave a room, the lights and fans are off. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s consistent.”
Ask him whether celebrities have the power to influence the masses, and he doesn’t hesitate. Shivam Khajuria says, “Absolutely. But only when it’s authentic. People are smart—they can tell when you’re just jumping on a trend. I didn’t grow up watching actors speak about the environment. Maybe if I had, I would’ve started doing these things much earlier.”
Shivam Khajuria adds, “Don’t do it for social media. Don’t do it for applause. Do it because you want your family, your children, and yourself to breathe clean air and live a full life,” he says, adding, “No tree will tweet you back, but it will give you shade. That’s enough.”
