Kiara Advani, who’ll start shooting for her new film on Diwali in Chandigarh says she couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate the festival
Monika Rawal Kukreja (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 14, 2020)

Amid the pandemic and subsequent restrictions, Diwali this year is going to be like nothing before. However, not letting anything ruin the festive fervour, everyone is geared up to enjoy the festival of lights with full precautions. Much like others, Kiara Advani, too, will keep her Diwali celebrations “minimal and confined to my team”. The Laxmii actor is going to have a working Diwali this year. “I’m starting a new film shoot in Chandigarh, so couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate,” says Advani, adding that, she plans to make the festival special by, “staying safe and ensuring the safety of my loved ones too”.

Given the social distancing norms and virus scare, how different is Diwali going to be for you this year?
Diwali always means celebration with loved ones. While we may be away from each other, technology made it possible to stay connected and this year, we’ve been putting tech to its fullest use with virtual meets for everything. So, Diwali will also be a similar affair. I’ll be in Chandigarh for a shoot, so will celebrate with my film cast and crew and virtually with my family.

Are you going to miss the starry social gatherings and all those card parties?
I do enjoy the annual gatherings and celebrations, we usually always look forward to it, however, health precedes everything and this year, we’d give the get-togethers a miss and enjoy celebrating virtually instead. Diwali would come again next year, right? It’s only now that we need to be cautious, so a year of social distancing is acceptable.

Growing up, what have been your best Diwali memories? Any quintessential Diwali ritual you can’t get enough of?
As a child, I’m sure everyone is most fond of the delicacies, though I’ve loved everything about Diwali. The lighting up of the house used to feel so positive and warm, getting together with all my family members, celebrating together felt wholesome and those are the moments I seek and cherish.

Did things change after you came into the film industry?
Undoubtedly there have been certain changes that come in with the kind of work I do, however, that’s no different from the spirit of festivities. After all, Diwali means celebrating with your close ones. Those who know me know what a home bird I am, but I’ll make the effort on special occasions like Diwali to attend parties that I’m invited to to wish everyone from my industry as well.

Can you afford to gorge on food during festivities? How do you watch your weight?
I do relish the delicacies, after all Diwali comes once a year. But, with all healthier options of desserts, I don’t feel like cheating on my diet.

Every year there are talks about banning crackers, but we again see pollution levels rising around Diwali. What would you like to say to make everyone act responsibly and sensibly?
I don’t think our sensibilities and responsibilities should be only confined to a certain festival. We, as a society and a generation, are definitely being more cautious and aware of the environment. However, our duties are not limited only around Diwali, we from within need to realise the importance of Mother Earth’s well being, it ultimately secures our future, right?