With Diwali right around the corner, actor Pratibha Ranta is excited for the festivities, especially after the year she has had with Laapataa Ladies and Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. “This year is quite special; I have also been the busiest, so I have missed a number of festivals. Thus, I am going to celebrate Diwali well, because that’s something I have grown up doing. It’s how I keep myself grounded,” she says.

Reflecting on how important the festival is for her, the 23-year-old muses, “My grandparents practice spirituality and taught me the policy of ‘No crackers’ when I was about four. So for me, Diwali is about exchanging gifts, dressing up and of course, puja.”

With Laapataa Ladies being selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, this festive season is even more special for the actor. “This Diwali, I am praying a little extra for an Oscar. Par woh prayer toh meri roz bhi chalti rehti hai,” she gushes, adding, “I’m now waiting for the day when we go [to the Oscars]. I really want to experience that moment; every time I think about it, I get goosebumps.”

Ranta was supposed to be shooting this Diwali, but a sudden change of plans has meant she will be celebrating the festival in Mumbai instead. In fact, she informs us that she hasn’t spent Diwali in her hometown Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), since she moved to Maximum City five years ago.

“I’d decided that I would go home for Diwali when I’d have achieved something. Now, I want my family to come celebrate with me. I am already manifesting that I get to celebrate Diwali with my grandparents next year,” she ends.