While Diwali is still a few days away, for actor Abhay Verma, after the success of Munjya, the festivities have been going on for a while. “Mujhe to roz hi Diwali lag rahi hai,” he says, adding that Diwali is his favourite festival. “On Diwali, everything becomes new. That’s the feeling everywhere. You smile and feel good, and that’s about it,” the 26-year-old shares.

Recalling his childhood memories, Verma says, “Growing up, my celebration would start a month prior. My mum would get so many complaints from neighbours that they were not being able to sleep because of my shenanigans. But she also acted a bit like Jhansi ki Rani and pushed back saying, ‘Baccha hai, ab tyohar manayega hi, ismei kya hua. Aap bhi fodo pataakhe’.”

Even though he loved bursting crackers in childhood, he has got more conscious about the environment as he has grown up. “Just spend time with your family, have a good time and make them smile, that’s Diwali for me now,” he shares.

Having seen the lavish Bollywood parties always from outside, the actor is also excited to experience them in person this year: “This Diwali is also going to be special because I will be celebrating it with my industry peers, and with those whom I have always admired, in one or the other way.”

While he doesn’t confirm being a part of actor Shah Rukh Khan’s King, he does admit it will be a dream come true to meet him at one of these celebrations. “Sir se milna ho jayega to mere liye best Diwali ho jayegi. Mere andar ke saare pataakhe foot jayenge. Main bhi apne mann mein aarti ka thaal tayyar rakhunga. Aankhon se aarti utarunga main jaise Ram ji ki Ayodhya lautne pe hui hogi,” he quips.