It’s their first Gudi Padwa in their new, swanky house in Mumbai. And actor Ankita Lokhande Jain is ready on time, while her businessman-husband, Vicky Jain, takes some more. Marathi songs are playing on the home entertainment system, and she greets us in total festive mode, dancing and singing.

“For me, this day is very important. Jabse Vicky meri life mein aaye hain, we celebrate it together every year; and after our marriage, this is the second time,” she says, with Vicky chiming in, “For me, it’s more like being introduced to Gudi Padwa. The first year we celebrated it in our Malad house; this time it’s in our new Andheri house!”

According to Ankita, the best part about the Maharashtrian New Year is that the entire family comes together. “I have seen it since I was a child — my mum, my nani... Sab log milte hain, khaane ki cheezein banti hain. There are rituals; we do the gudi’s pooja. I am fascinated by all this. I like putting haldi and kumkum for the festival,” she smiles.

Vicky points out that it marks a new beginning: “December 31 is entirely spent in a party mood; this new year is traditional. Iske maayne zyaada hain.”

Ankita believes that whatever work is started on this day, you are bound to be successful in it. When asked what they are embarking on this time, Vicky answers first: “We are working on ourselves very seriously. We have set major fitness goals, and we are trying to meet them.” 

What’s a conversation about a festival without bringing up sweets? He quips, “I have asked Ankita for imarti; maine kabhi khayi nahin, toh I asked, ki yeh arrange kar ke dein!” And pat comes her reply: “Aam ras bana hai, Gudi Padwa ka special. Par inhone bola hai toh main apne pati ki aagya ka paalan karungi!”

Ankita Lokhande Jain is all set to celebrate her first Dussehra post marriage with Vicky Jain. On the occasion, the actress and her businessman husband are hosting their respective families at their new home in Mumbai.

Ankita says, “Vicky and I are extremely excited to celebrate our first Dussehra after marriage at our new home where we are hosting our families for the celebration. We love celebrating festivals and are gung-ho about having our loved ones at home. The best thing about us is the exchange of customs and traditions that happens during these festivities. At my home, hum chawal se Ravan ka shape banate hai, and the man of the house, taking on the role of Ram, destroys that Ravan with his gold ring. This year, it is Vicky who will do the ritual, while I will get to learn how his side of the family celebrates the festival.”

The actress says she loves the small rituals associated with the festival. Sharing a childhood memory, she says, “As kids, I remember my friends and I would exchange sona (gold), which are basically (Apta) leaves. There used to be a competition among us to see who collects the maximum number of sona.”

Ankita and Vicky have recently moved into their new home in Oshiwara, which adds to the excitement of celebrating this festive season in the sprawling apartment. Ankita says, “I already had a house here, but it was Vicky’s dream to have his own house in Mumbai. So, I have only helped him to accomplish his dream.”

Speaking about why he decided to buy this particular house, Vicky shares, “When we were house hunting and got to know about this flat, which was located in the A wing and on the 19th floor, I thought of just grabbing it as A stands for Ankita and 19 is her birth date. It’s a spacious 5000 sq ft apartment. We call our home the White House as the interiors include the colour in every corner.”

The couple has been married for 10 months now. While work keeps Ankita in Mumbai, Vicky’s business is based in Bilaspur and requires him to spend a lot of time there. When asked how they manage not to let the long distance affect their equation, Ankita says, “I feel jahan par aapko relations chalane nahi hote hain, wahan par reasons aa jaate hain like long distance, etc. Vicky and I want this (marriage) to work, so we give it the importance it needs. It’s our priority. When it comes to a relationship, aapko kuch na kuch naya karna hi padega for its betterment. Also, we have been very good friends for the past many years and continue to be so, and that is what has worked for us.”

Vicky firmly believes that distance makes the heart grow fonder. “As work keeps me away from Mumbai for weeks, I long to spend time with Ankita,” he says, adding, “I look forward to coming back to her as soon as possible. When you don’t see somebody every day, you miss that person. In our relationship, we miss each other every month. I think it is very important that you get your space in a relationship, so that you miss your special one and long to meet them.”

Considering the fact that they have moved into a spacious house now, any plans to expand the family? Vicky says, “The time we spent as a couple after our marriage has been extremely pleasant. We have lived our life with each other very well. I am very positive and ready to take the next step.”

Ankita signs off saying, “Vicky will be a very good father; I truly believe that.”