Boman Irani proudly puts his work aside to celebrate all the important days with his family, and the Parsi New Year (today) tops that list. “I take time off on days like these to be with my family. I don’t know how the next generation will [celebrate such days]. It’s a lot of work, which includes going to the fire temple for an hour and a half,” he says.

Since the 62-year-old values such special occasions, does he regret missing them at times due to unavoidable work schedules? “There have been occasions, but I don’t get sad about anything. My mother always said, ‘It’s good, be busy. That’s also a sign that you have an able body, celebrate it. You are earning your livelihood’,” he adds.

The Jayeshbhai Jordaar actor goes on to talk about the importance of the Parsi New Year. “There are 10 days leading up to the New Year. It’s believed that the departed souls of our dear ones come down for 10 days. Every religion has different ways of remembering their dear ones who’ve left the world. We celebrate the fact that they are in a happier place. It starts with us going to our temple. Then there is a table laid out with flowers, representing the departed souls merging with nature. It’s a bittersweet culmination to the day. Then there’s darshan in the house,” Irani explains.