Hot cross buns and Easter are pretty much synonymous for Ileana D’Cruz. With a mom who is quite a ninja when it comes to kitchen skills, it is not too difficult to imagine the kind of delectable Easters the actress has grown up with. Talking to us a day after Easter, Ileana says, “It was obviously a little lonely for me because my parents are in Houston, while I’m alone here. But I made it special by going out to one of my favourite bakeries and buying some Easter eggs. Since social distancing is the need of the hour, I sent it over to a couple of friends. I got some healthy ones for my friends and me. That’s how I managed to spread my own kind of Easter cheer.”

Recalling her Easter celebrations during her childhood, Ileana says, “Easter was an incredibly religious festival in our house, especially because of my mother. Every year after Mass, Easter Sundays would be a day of goodies! The best part about having a mom who can belt out scrumptious dishes like a genie is that festivals become all the more fun. She comes up with new recipes all the time. One thing that’s special, which my mother always makes for Easter, is hot cross buns.”

Getting a tad philosophical, the Raid actress shares, “The pandemic has changed not just the way we celebrate festivals, but practically everything for everybody. It definitely has muted festivals, and for good reasons. But there’s no denying that I miss our festive, family get-togethers. Last Christmas, I missed the big parties that mom would host with all her friends coming over, and everyone crowding over a massive table full of food. So, it’s different for sure, but I have a lovely big family. I have had a chance to hang out with them over the last few months. I am going to stick with those memories for now until I can spend the next festival with them.”