Showing posts with label Diwali. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diwali. Show all posts
I explain to Vayu not just about Diwali but also Eid and Christmas-Sonam Kapoor
9:28 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; October 19, 2025)
Diwali has always been a dazzling affair in the Kapoor household. For Sonam Kapoor, the festival of lights means family gatherings, beautiful festive décor and glamorous Diwali parties at their Mumbai home. But this year, things are different — quieter, more conscious, and deeply rooted in motherhood. Sonam says that Mumbai’s air quality, which has dipped to alarming levels during the festive season, has made her take the difficult decision to leave the city with her son, Vayu.
‘I miss our Diwali parties in Mumbai’
The actress says, “Due to the firecrackers and the amount of pollution that’s increased in Mumbai, we decided to do our Dhanteras puja here and then head out of town. Usually, we love celebrating in Mumbai, but since my son Vayu is still so young (three years old), we’re really concerned about the pollution levels.”
While she won’t be in the city for Diwali, she still misses many aspects of the festival here. “I do miss our Diwali parties. We used to celebrate a lot and that’s something I genuinely miss,” she says.
‘I want Vayu to understand our festivals and celebrations’
Talking about how she is introducing the concepts of Diwali and the traditions that come with it to Vayu, she shares, “I’ve been telling him why we celebrate Diwali and I try to make it fun and explain what festivals are all about. When we were kids, we heard these stories, but we didn’t always talk about their meaning. With Vayu, I explain everything — not just about Diwali, but other festivals like Eid and Christmas, too. I want him to understand India’s diverse culture and why we celebrate what we do.”
‘I love decorating the house for Diwali’
At home, the Kapoor family holds on to their rituals with deep respect. Diwali for them means performing the puja, buying gold and silver coins, exchanging gifts and making traditional sweets from scratch. And when it comes to the prep, Sonam is in her element. “Everyone who knows me knows how much I enjoy it. I love decorating the house, picking out outfits, planning the menu — just everything about Diwali. It’s one of my favourite times of the year.”
Taapsee Pannu on why she stopped bursting crackers: "Smoke inside our house became so thick..."
9:23 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; October 22, 2025)
For Taapsee Pannu, Diwali’s symbolic meaning has grown stronger for her. “Diwali has always been an example given to us from childhood that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. That there will be a day where eventually good will triumph over evil. So, whenever Diwali comes around, it feels like you are getting closer to the end of the tunnel.”
The actress draws parallel to the struggles the industry goes through while making female-centric films. She says, “I think of all the hurdles that we have to go through while making films which are driven by a female-oriented narrative and are difficult to pull through to see success at box office. Festivals have always rekindled that spirit in us. I think I have no other option than to keep that spirit close to my heart and keep moving ahead with it.”
Diwali in India and Christmas in Denmark for Taapsee & Mathias
Talking about Diwali celebrations with her husband, Danish badminton player Mathias Boe, Taapsee shared, “In the last few years, Mathias and I have made a deliberate effort to celebrate Diwali in India and Christmas in Denmark. Mathias has been here during Diwali, and we go there for Christmas,” she says.
Talking about her Diwali memories, she says, “As kids, my sister Shagun and I would paint diyas, make rangolis, light diyas in the evening, and have a good meal with our extended family. That’s the ritual I associate most with Diwali.”
As children Taapsee and Shagun enjoyed bursting crackers, but one Diwali changed everything for them. “As children, we loved crackers. My father never supported the idea — he’d call it a waste of money and bad for the environment. For a few years, we didn’t listen to him. Until one year, the smoke inside our Delhi apartment became so thick that we couldn’t see clearly. It scared me — I felt like the house was filled with gas. After that, we stopped bursting crackers altogether.”
‘My sister and I would compete over who painted the best diya or made the best rangoli’
The sisters had their own brand of competition. “We never competed over outfits. Our thing was — who painted the best diya or made the best rangoli! That was our Diwali rivalry,” she says, adding, “Now we don’t paint diyas but decorate with different kinds of things, make rangolis, do a little ardas in the evening, and have dinner with as many family members as we can gather in Mumbai or Delhi.”
Talking about how she likes to dress up for the festival, she shares, “Indian festivals are all about colour, but Diwali brings out the shine and glamour. It’s probably the only time of the year I’d pick a red, sparkly outfit without overthinking.”
---------------------------------------------------
Natasha Coutinho (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 23, 2025)
Actor Taapsee Pannu, who splits her time between Mumbai and Denmark after marrying Danish badminton player Mathias Boe, is currently finishing the interiors of their vintage home. She says, “There’s a lot of history involved and we wanted to restore as much as possible. There’s vintage furniture that’s been there for decades, which I did not want to get rid of. We requested the previous owners to let us keep it. Labour is extremely expensive in Denmark, and transportation and storing things in warehouses cost and bomb, so people prefer selling their stuff. We were lucky to inherit all the vintage lamps, furniture, paintings and chandeliers, it goes with the vintage theme of the house, classic Danish designs.”
Speaking about their taste in interiors and how the couple designed their home, Taapsee shares, “Mathias and I have some common tastes, but in some matters we agree to disagree. He’s left most of the interiors to me and his parents, who were also kind enough to let me decide. However, I discuss with everybody before taking any decision.”
Taapsee mentions that Mathias’ father, a former architect, has also been helping out. She adds, “What is strange for Danes but normal for us Indians is that Mathias’s parents live with us. They have their own space on the ground floor. It’s the most Indian thing I brought into the house, and it took us a while to convince them because it’s not so common to live with grown-up kids in Danish culture. Since we keep travelling, we wanted someone to come home to, and it truly feels like home.”
While Taapsee calls Denmark “poster perfect,” she admits that the language barrier has posed a challenge: “I didn’t feel the need to learn the language until the past few years, when we bought the house and had to interact with locals. I thought it’s a good idea to know Danish. I can understand and construct basic sentences now.”
Sharing her love for both Denmark and India, the actor says, “In Denmark, the air feels so good and so does the water. There’s a certain dopamine in the air; it gives you a high. I look forward to turning my life upside down when there. You need to do everything yourself; cooking, cleaning, buying groceries, et al. We cycle at 6 a.m. to get groceries! Whereas in India, it’s easy to get support for the smallest of needs.”
The actor reveals that whenever she’s back in India, all she craves is desi food. “I enjoy food in Denmark, but in India, my menu from morning to night is desi food. I try to have Indian meals throughout the day, from a breakfast of chila and upma to simple khichdis. I especially love the festive period here, with dance and music constantly playing in the background. I enjoy putting up diyas and drawing rangoli, something I’ve been doing since my childhood. These rituals may not have tangible significance, but they make me feel at home,” she reflects.
Parties, and Aaj Ki Raat and Gafoor go hand in hand now-Tamannaah Bhatia
8:58 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; October 21, 2025)
It was a sparkling yet busy Diwali for actress Tamannaah Bhatia, who’s had a stellar year lighting up screens and songs alike. “It is a working Diwali for me,” she shares warmly, adding, “Of course, I’ll had that one special day for puja and spent time with my family. But I haven’t been able to attend as many parties as I normally would or spend enough time with friends. I’m assuming that on the day of Diwali, it’s going to be a full, wholesome day filled with family, fun, food, and time well spent with loved ones.”
‘I like a slightly informal setting at home during Diwali’
Describing her ideal Diwali at home, Tamannaah’s eyes light up. “Diwali is always about doing pujas at home, at the office and then spending time with family. Then of course, I end up calling all my friends at home, so my family and friends all mix, and everyone just has a great time. We sit together, eat good food and chat. I also like a slightly informal setting at home, so that everyone doesn’t feel the need to go all out and dress too formal. I want people to be able to come home, relax and have a good time.”
‘I’m going to enjoy feeling fully traditional in the festivities’
When it comes to festive fashion, Tamannaah believes Diwali is the time to embrace tradition with a hint of glamour. “I’ve made sure that my glamour quotient is on during Diwali, but I also love being traditional in a comfortable way. I’ll be wearing one sari and maybe an anarkali one of the days. I’m going to dress all out traditional, because Diwali is that one time when you can go all in and dress up in traditional outfits. Of course, there’s also going to be a lot of bling and a lot of jewels. I’m going to enjoy feeling fully traditional,” she smiles.
‘Diwali is about truly bringing that good over evil into action… not keeping it limited to just a thought’
For the actress, Diwali is not just about lights and celebrations — it’s a reminder of inner strength and balance. “Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil, and I think all of it lies within us. I believe we are largely overcoming our own thoughts and insecurities, and in my case, I see it in a very internal way. It’s about the battles we have to win within our own minds - that’s what Diwali means to me. It’s about truly bringing that good over evil into action and not keeping it limited to just a thought.”
Tamannaah’s dance hits: The soundtrack of festive nights
As for the sound of the season, Diwali feels incomplete without Tamannaah’s chartbusters setting the mood. Whether it’s Aaj Ki Raat or Gafoor, her dance numbers are now synonymous with festive celebrations.
Bring this up and she says, “Parties, and Aaj Ki Raat and Gafoor go hand in hand now, and that makes me so happy. I was that kid who grew up dancing to Bollywood numbers at people’s weddings and Diwali parties. Today, I am bringing that same energy to people. It makes me so happy that I can be that person who brings that community feeling.”
The whole evening, my thumb was in an ice bucket. I never played with phooljhadi again-Alia Bhatt
3:05 PM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; October 20, 2025)
An eight-year-old Alia Bhatt was at her mum Soni Razdan’s house when she ran outside, excited to burst crackers. “We were definitely not climate conscious then,” she quips. Like every other child, she picked up a phooljhadi — only to burn her thumb after touching the wrong end of the burnt stick. “The whole evening, my thumb was in an ice bucket. I never played with phooljhadi again,” she laughs.
That is Alia's most memorable Diwali memory. Today though, her celebrations look very different — softer, warmer, and centered around her two-year-old daughter, Raha. As Alia sits down for an exclusive chat with Bombay Times , she opens up about her last Diwali at Vaastu — her Bandra home — and the light she’s carrying into her next chapter. Excerpts as followed...
Talking about Diwali, the Jigra actress says, "Diwali is a beautiful time, when the city lights up, and everybody just dressing up in their finest Indian attire. There is a literal reason for people to celebrate for days and days together. One of my top three cuisine is Indian. So I specifically love Diwali because wherever you go, you get the best Indian food to eat and you are allowed." So is she on a diet? She brushes it off, "No, not at all. I, actually, leading up to Diwali, go on a strict diet and workout regime, so that I can enjoy myself for the five days."
'Raha and I are going to make Rangoli today'
There’s a new lens through which Alia sees Diwali now — the wonder of a two-year-old discovering light. "Not just Diwali, every experience I have now is through my little child’s eyes,” she says with a tender smile, adding, "Like, how do we make this a memorable evening for her? Whether it’s our little puja or decking up the house. Yesterday we did DIY diya painting because she loves to paint. This morning, we’re making rangoli together. Last year, it was a phoolon ki rangoli because she was small, and I was concerned she might put the colours in her eye. So, I am going to attempt a full on rangoli which we'll do outside our home."
'This is our last Diwali in Vaastu'
The festival this year also coincides with a personal milestone — moving into a new house with husband Ranbir Kapoor and daughter Raha. "This is our last Diwali in the home that she was born in. So, it's actually really emotional time. But it is also very exciting because I know she might not remember this specific Diwali but the years of memories will build up and it'll leave a feeling in her. And Diwali is all about feelings. It should feel warm and full of light," she says.
Ask her how she feels about this new chapter in her life and she replies, "It’s been many years in the making, and honestly, the feeling is just very overwhelming. I feel truly blessed to have this chapter in life. We’re in the middle of the moving-in chaos, but my heart is full. It’s a big dream coming together. The feeling is so large that I think it’ll only really hit us months or maybe a year after we move in."
'Through our Lakshmi Puja, Raha will be eating ladoos and running around'
Alia’s Diwali plans tonight are rooted in simplicity and wholesome. “Today, we’ll do our Lakshmi Puja followed by a sweet moment with our staff — we give them presents and thank them for being with us. Through the puja, Raha will be eating ladoos and running around! The rest I keep simple... I keep talking about this balcony a lot - where we've had so many evenings where we've gotten married, we've spent so many Diwalis with just a really close group of friends. So (this time) we're going to be doing exactly that this year. I'm cranking it up a notch. This year I'm going all out, because it's our last Diwali at home. So, the food menu also is all our favorites and all our Diwali specials. We have certain items on the menu that is very Vaastu specific - what we've eaten over the years. I'm really pushing it even though I'm kind of stretched thin between the house move. All our friends are coming. When I sent them the invite it read – Last Diwali in Vaastu. Please come and join. Bring a great attitude. The dress code is always festive but chill," she tells us.
'Diwali is a great way for us to remember the goodness and to celebrate the light within people'
For most, Diwali is about the shimmer — the gifts, the gatherings, the glow of new clothes. For Alia Bhatt, it’s about what lies beneath that sparkle. "When you talk about Diwali being the festival of light it talks about the triumph of goodness. That personally holds a very strong meaning in my heart because I believe in the power of goodness and kindness. No matter what, however rough or tough your day is, or your month has been or year has been, the ability to just look within and shine bright no matter what. Also have the ability to look at the light in the people around you. Diwali is a great way for us to remember the goodness and to celebrate the light within people. You can either go the non-lit part or you can go the lit part. And I choose light and goodness. Diwali is actually our way of showing gratitude and love to people that matter to us. It’s a great moment for you to pause and be thankful for where you are in life, to the people in your life, and to remember that it's always light over dark. Celebrate that light," she elaborates.
'I get more excited to match Raha and my looks'
Of course, "also embrace the fashion" Alia admits. "That's also fun to get into your finest festive wear," she says, her festive fashion has evolved over with time. "I've gotten more excited about it and now I just love doing combo colors with me and Raha - Matching our looks. That's my drive. Now I'm more excited about how do we combine the looks? And she really likes it. She really enjoys dressing up. Now she's understanding Diwali. Even in her preschool, they've been playing this Happy Diwali song. And today she was doing the Happy Diwali dance. She really is into this. She loves dancing. It's really just about embracing all those little moments," Alia signs off.
On Diwali, I’m careful not to wear satin or anything that catches fire easily-Sreeleela
8:21 AM
Natasha Coutinho (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 19, 2025)
Sreeleela who has had a busy year and is looking forward to her film opposite actor Kartik Aaryan, says this Diwali will be spent on set in Mumbai.
The actor says, “I’ll be shooting this year. But usually, Diwali has always been about diyas, and all the girls of the house coming together. We’d sit together, decorate, and be careful with curtains (ensuring they don’t catch fire). It’s mostly about decorating the house, wearing pretty dresses, and taking pictures. I stay away from all the dangerous patakhas.”
Any family traditions associated with Diwali? “Diwali is when even cousins we haven’t met in months come together. We eat together, laugh, and enjoy the day. This year will be a little different since I’m in Mumbai, not Hyderabad. Curious to see how this Diwali turns out! I’m not very strict with my diet. I eat whatever I like, especially sweets. Diwali is one of those times when there’s so much good food at family get-togethers, buffets, and dinners. I love filling my plate and just enjoying everything.”
She adds that the festive season is also when she puts on her chef’s hat. She recalls, “I used to be very involved in making sweets at home. I’d make payasam. I love that process because the kitchen conversations are so special — my grandma shares childhood stories, my mom jumps in, and we all bond while cooking.”
Picking her outfits for Diwali is also a process that involves family. “Usually, my mom or grandma picks out my outfit. If I’m going out for dinner, I might choose designer wear, but at home I prefer handloom. I’m also careful not to wear satin or anything that catches fire easily.”
I’ve danced in the heaviest lehengas and jewellery without ever compromising on energy-Urmila Matondkar
8:10 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; October 18, 2025)
Urmila Matondkar has always embraced tradition with a personal touch. With Diwali coming up, she talks about what the festival means to her.
“Diwali is my official let-go time of the year. I indulge completely in Diwali snacks, including chivda, laddoos and especially anarsa — my all-time favourite! Diwali is really all about lights — they bring joy and energy into every corner of your life. Spiritually, Diwali is a time to light yourself up from within. Like they say in Buddhism — ‘Appo Deepo Bhava’ — be a light unto yourself. It’s about letting go of darkness and moving forward into wisdom and clarity. It’s a time to bow down to the universe for everything it has showered upon us,” she says.
‘I’ve never been able to play cards with money during Diwali’
Urmila says, “I follow all the rituals, and our Laxmi Puja in the evening is detailed and beautifully decorative. But one thing I’ve never been able to do is play cards with money during Diwali. It’s not a part of our Maharashtrian tradition.”
Remembering celebrating Diwali on a film set, the actress shared, “The most memorable one was on the set of Dillagi, with Sunny and Bobby Deol. The vibe was festive, the food was amazing, and we just had so much fun.”
‘Generally, my style is minimalistic, but during Diwali I love going fully traditional’
Urmila loves going all out with her ethnic wear during the festival season. “I’m an absolute fan of ethnic wear. If you’ve seen my songs — Chamma Chamma, Sabki Baaratein Aayi — I’ve danced in the heaviest lehengas and jewellery without ever compromising on energy. That’s my ode to Indian tradition. In the film Khoobsurat, I portrayed various bridal looks — from Bengali to South Indian. I went all out. I truly believe Indian jewellery is among the finest in the world. Generally, my style is minimalistic, but during Diwali I love going fully traditional. Saris, lehengas and temple jewellery — the works.”
Urmila’s Diwali rituals
Sharing her fondest childhood memories of Diwali, the Rangeela actress says, “Back in the day, the weather during Diwali used to be cold. We’d be woken up at the crack of dawn, scrubbed with ubtan and oil, and given a bitter fruit (Chirata) that we had to break with our heel — a symbolic way to cast off bad vibes and negativity. After that, we’d light diyas, do the puja, and then eat Diwali faral with the whole family. Crackers were exciting too, but only the gentle ones — fuljhadis and anars. The only downside? Diwali homework! We always left it till the last day, crying and rushing to get it done just in time for school.”
‘Firecrackers drive my pets into panic mode’
The animal lover that she is, Urmila hates noisy crackers and escapes from the city so that her dogs can enjoy a noise-free Diwali.
She says, “My dogs are my family. And sadly, firecrackers drive them into panic mode. In recent years, I’ve started going to my farmhouse during the festival — it’s quieter, and my dogs are calmer there. I celebrate Diwali in my own way — peacefully, traditionally and surrounded by love. Honestly, that’s what the festival is about.”
I disguise myself to do Diwali shopping-Divya Dutta
9:00 AM
Actor Divya Dutta on going incognito for Diwali shopping and the cherished festive traditions she follows
Deep Saxena (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 18, 2025)
For actor Divya Dutta, the festival of lights is a “tonic”. As she describes it, “Yahan se apni urja lekar kaam pe jaate hain!”
“This is the time to unwind, and it’s like ‘kaam ki baat Diwali ke baad.’ It’s time to spread happiness with family, friends, and those who work for you!” the 45-year-old tells us and adds, “Above all, it’s about pampering yourself by dressing up well, decorating your house, and refreshing everything. There is something about this festival. Hawa main kuch naya hota hai!”
A must-do tradition for Divya, whose film Echoes Of Valour was screened at the Venice Film Festival this year, is Diwali shopping. “I literally go mad when it comes to festive shopping! I put on a cap, mask, and big sunglasses, and I head to the busiest market in Mumbai,” she reveals, adding, “I feel that even if you are a known face, you should not distance yourself from these small joys of life. I disguise myself and try not to talk much, as people recognise my voice, so I give signals to my brother, and we shop. (laughs) I love indulging in that mahaul.”
At home, she has continued the tradition of making halwa, a skill she learnt from her mother. “Suji ka halwa is a must in my home, and I make it with a lot of love and passion. Even my cook says, ‘Aapke haath ka halwa jaisa halwa koi aur nahin banata.’ I also enjoy decorating the ‘hatti’ (earthen hut) during the puja, as it is believed to bring prosperity. I perform the puja tradition exactly as my mother used to do.”
Another annual Diwali ritual includes visiting actor Shabana Azmi’s home: “Besides that, we have a get-together with my close group, which includes actors, writers, DOPs, and directors. I do miss (actor Amitabh) Bachchan saheb’s party, which used to happen on Diwali day.”
She has also managed to succeed in keeping her Diwali free for herself so far. “Shoots do happen these days, but luckily, I have always been at home for the festival. Last year, I was shooting close to Diwali, but I reached home just in time.”
I love giving gifts on Diwali, but I don’t really receive them-Shefali Shah
8:59 AM
The actor recalls cherished memories of the festival and how she gives it a personal touch
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 18, 2025)
Just before Diwali, the November premiere of the third season of Delhi Crime was announced. Lead actor Shefali Shah calls this news a “divine intervention” amid the festive season’s excitement. “It feels like this Diwali’s patakha. I’ve been asked constantly when the next season is dropping, and it took a lot to be secretive,” the 52-year-old tells us.
This season brings out the actor’s playful spirit. “During Diwali, I get this childlike excitement,” she laughs, adding, “It’s my favourite festival, something I look forward to every year.”
Shefali fondly recalls how Diwali was a ‘big deal’ during her childhood. She remembers waking up at 5 am to the smell of patakhas filling the air and how new curtains were always part of the celebration. “The night before Diwali, my mother used to make a rangoli of Lakshmi ji, and I would get very possessive about it,” she shares, adding, “I would get upset if somebody were to spoil it. I would sit up all night while she was making the rangoli and help her.”
That’s why every ritual and tradition still feels meaningful to her. “It’s about the puja, about everyone coming together and decorating the house. And finally on the Diwali night, it’s about our core circle being together,” she says.
Shefali also enjoys the Diwali tradition of giving gifts, which she personally handpicks. “I don’t just order something and ask others to make it. If you’re giving a gift, it has to be personal,” she explains, sharing that she visited Mumbai’s Crawford Market this year to source goodies herself.
“I went through all the garmi, dhool, and mitti, made my selections, brought them home, packed everything, and sent it off with a note. I love giving gifts, but I don’t really receive them. Maybe I should tell people it’s time they start giving me gifts,” she adds.
Winning a National Award for a song starring Shah Rukh Khan is a beautiful feeling-Shilpa Rao
8:55 AM
Kanksha Vasavada (BOMBAY TIMES; October 18, 2025)
For Shilpa Rao, this year’s Diwali feels extra special, as she won the National Award (Best Female Playback Singer) for Chaleya (Jawan) at the 71st National Film Awards. She says, “I am glad that I will be at home this Diwali and get to celebrate with my family and friends. We will gorge on festive food and spend time together, which we don’t get to do often due to my hectic schedules.”
The singer, who was in Ahmedabad recently for an event, talks about celebrating Diwali in an environmentally friendly manner, life after winning the National Award, and more.
'Diwali should be celebrated without harming the environment’
Shilpa believes in celebrating the festival “without causing harm to the environment and people around us.” She shares, “Diwali is a festival of lights and happiness. We should celebrate it consciously, without harming the environment through pollution and smoke, which adversely impacts babies and people having breathing issues. Also, in many parts of north India, winter settles in during this time, so the smog is very harmful for everyone. We should celebrate the festival with better practices, and without harming anything.”
‘The National Award is for everyone who’s been part of my journey’
Shilpa, who has sung blockbusters like Khuda Jaane, Ghungroo and Besharam Rang, shares, “This National Award is not just my award; it is for everyone who has been part of my journey for years. It feels special because it reflects the mutual appreciation from the jury, audience, critics and the fraternity for me and the song.”
Does she feel the pressure of expectations after this win? She says, “Hard work will always be non-negotiable for me, and I will never take things for granted. My approach will remain the same — making every song different while being myself. I am also looking for songs that challenge me and make me leave my comfort zone. I want to do something I have never done before. Nothing changes when it comes to my efforts, hard work and approach for my upcoming songs.”
She adds, "All my songs featuring Shah Rukh Khan have gained immense popularity, and winning a National Award for a song starring him is a beautiful feeling. He has always been appreciative of everyone and is a true team player. He is always an inspiration."
My dad said, ‘Let’s not waste money on crackers; let’s feed people instead’-Rakul Preet Singh
8:53 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; October 17, 2025)
For Rakul Preet Singh, Diwali isn’t just a festival rooted in nostalgia. It’s lit up with tradition and seasoned with values passed down from her father, Diwali continues to hold a special place in her heart no matter where in the world she is.
‘As a kid, I used to make small rangolis outside the house and decorate every corner’
Rakul says, “Diwali is one of my most favourite festivals. It’s all about meeting people, celebrating together – and for me, there’s this one tradition I never skip: the pre-Diwali cleaning and lighting up the house with diyas. I’ve been doing it since I was a kid. I used to make these small rangolis outside the house, decorate every corner, keep the doors open in the evening, and do the Diwali puja.”
The De De Pyaar De actress adds, “As a kid, my fondest Diwali memories were just being with all the kids around the neighbourhood. My brother and I would burst crackers. I used to be super excited about anars and rockets. That was such a fun phase.”
But she recollects how that phase didn’t last long. “After I turned 10, I stopped bursting crackers. My dad said, ‘Let’s not waste money on crackers – let’s feed people instead.’ And that stayed with me. It was a big shift in how I viewed Diwali,” she shares.
‘I work out a little extra the day after a Diwali party’
With festive parties in full swing in the city, Rakul admits that sticking to a fitness routine during Diwali is no easy feat. “That’s a battle I fight in my head all the time,” she laughs, adding, “With all the Diwali indulgences and so many parties happening, my fitness routine definitely goes for a toss.”
But she has a strategy to stay on track (mostly!). She says, “What I try to do is have my dinner before heading out for parties so that I’m already full. That way, I only end up nibbling. I give myself one day where I decide, ‘Okay, this is the party where I will eat,’ and then I work out a little extra the next day. Not that it fully compensates for bad eating, but at least in my head, it helps.”
Kahin bhi chale jao, Golden Temple ki Diwali ka koi mukabala nahin hai-Shehnaaz Gill
9:55 AM
For Shehnaaz Gill, Diwali shines brightest when spent with family, faith and the warmth of lighting a diya both around and within
Vishakha Pandit (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 17, 2025)
Actor-singer Shehnaaz Gill believes that Diwali feels truly special only when spent at home, surrounded by family, laughter, and festive cheer. “It’s going to be a working Diwali, but the best part is that I will be home in Punjab this year,” she tells us. She is missing her brother, singer Shehbaz Badesha, who is currently a contestant on Bigg Boss 19. “Although I’m sad he won’t be with us in person, he’ll be there virtually through our TV,” she shares.
“Kahin bhi chale jao, Golden Temple ki Diwali ka koi mukabala nahin hai. The peace that you will feel there is something else,” she insists, adding, “Chhote hote sab saath mil kar gurudwara jaya karte the. Itne saalon baad, we have kept the tradition intact.”
As a youngster, Diwali was “all about crackers, dher sari mithai, playing around, and darshan”. But having “matured and understood life better”, the 31-year-old feels, “Now, Diwali is about light; we should light a diya inside us so we can get rid of the darkness within.”
Celebrations include giving back to the community. The actor shares, “Whether it’s donating to an orphanage or visiting an old-age home, these small gestures can bring so much joy... Diwali is about bringing light into someone else’s life, too. And if we can do that even in a small way, then that’s the real celebration.”
With the festival also marking a season of indulgence, Shehnaaz admits that maintaining fitness can be challenging: “I love Kaju Katli. Bahut mushkil hai usko resist karna! Fitness zaruri hai, par Diwali par mithai toh banti hai.”
And while celebrations are important, Shehnaaz is mindful of the environmental impact. “Diwali hai toh pataake toh bajenge, but it’s important to celebrate responsibly... I’ll burst crackers but just a few, for shagun, which is more than enough.”
I have promised my mother that I will clean my cupboard this Diwali-Adah Sharma
9:50 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 17, 2025)
Adah Sharma, who was recently in Delhi for an event, is smitten by the city’s beauty during the festive season. Thrilled about Diwali, the actor shares, “It’s the only time of the year when even the laziest person, me included, suddenly becomes an interior designer, electrician, chef, and part-time pyromaniac — all in one day!”
If that isn’t already relatable enough, Adah, who will be seen in Reeta Sanyal 2, adds, “I have promised my mother I will clean my cupboard. It’s a promise I’ve made for the past three New Years’ and two Diwalis’. Let’s see if I don’t procrastinate this year.”
Adah’s schedule is much busier now than it was during her childhood, but she insists that nothing has changed. “I still do the same things I used to. I act in movies now, but I love acting, so that feels like leisure time. I live with my family, so whenever I’m not shooting, I’m spending time with them. And the food made at home is the best ever!” she says.
Talking about her Delhi visit, Adah shares that she loves the festivities of the Capital but also rues that she can’t do one thing she always plans to. “I’ve heard you can feed squirrels at Lodhi Garden. But somehow I still haven’t gone yet. I hope the next time, I get to visit,” she ends.
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 904
10:40 PM
INDUSTRY GEARS UP FOR THE GRAND DIWALI RELEASES
In less than a week, the Diwali releases, namely Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, will be arriving in theatres. Since Diwali this time falls on Monday, October 20, the makers of both the films have decided to go for a mid-week release. Hence, the films will hit the theatres on Tuesday, October 21.
Thamma belongs to the much-loved Maddock Horror Comedy Universe and is set in the same world as Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya. It stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal. It is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar of Munjya fame. The trailer and assets promise an ample dose of horror and comedy and visually, it looks striking. Shraddha Kapoor, the lead actress of Stree, unveiled the trailer of Thamma; in a way, it gave a hint that she would be present in the film. The makers have further indicated that there are several surprises in the film, possibly cameos.
However, until now, the film hasn’t been able to generate the kind of hype that was created by Stree or Stree 2. The songs have always been a big draw for the universe. Until now, the songs of Thamma have definitely been noticed but haven’t become chartbusters.
The advance booking hasn’t commenced and it would be a bit difficult to guess the opening day figures. But since it’s a Diwali release, features popular names and is a part of a big franchise, it will open in double digits and can even cross the Rs. 15 or 20 crore mark. The next two days, Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 23, are also holidays, while the weekend will commence from October 24. As a result, Thamma will have the advantage of a six-day weekend. A good word of mouth will lead to a jump in earnings from October 22.
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is directed by Milap Zaveri and stars Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa. It is Harshvardhan’s first release after his 2016 intense love story, Sanam Teri Kasam, became a super-hit upon its re-release. Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is also in the same zone. The songs have worked big time, which has added to its buzz. The makers have gone for the Saiyaara model of promotion. In other words, the makers haven’t held any event or allowed the team to give interviews.
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat should open at Rs. 7-8 crores with an outside chance of double digit opening as well. It seems like the B and C centres will patronize the film more, at least on its release day. Hence, positive reports are crucial for the film to break out in the metro cities and also for a healthy lifetime.
Hence, a day 1 of around Rs. 30 crore is expected from both the films. This number is nowhere close to the Rs. 73.25 crores collectively accumulated by the 2024 Diwali releases, Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, on the first day. But this was expected as Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat are not the biggest films of the year. But as they have the advantage of the holiday period and their genres are massy, sky's the limit, provided the word of mouth is positive. If reports are bad, it’ll prove detrimental from the second day itself.
In less than a week, the Diwali releases, namely Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, will be arriving in theatres. Since Diwali this time falls on Monday, October 20, the makers of both the films have decided to go for a mid-week release. Hence, the films will hit the theatres on Tuesday, October 21.
Thamma belongs to the much-loved Maddock Horror Comedy Universe and is set in the same world as Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya. It stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal. It is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar of Munjya fame. The trailer and assets promise an ample dose of horror and comedy and visually, it looks striking. Shraddha Kapoor, the lead actress of Stree, unveiled the trailer of Thamma; in a way, it gave a hint that she would be present in the film. The makers have further indicated that there are several surprises in the film, possibly cameos.
However, until now, the film hasn’t been able to generate the kind of hype that was created by Stree or Stree 2. The songs have always been a big draw for the universe. Until now, the songs of Thamma have definitely been noticed but haven’t become chartbusters.
The advance booking hasn’t commenced and it would be a bit difficult to guess the opening day figures. But since it’s a Diwali release, features popular names and is a part of a big franchise, it will open in double digits and can even cross the Rs. 15 or 20 crore mark. The next two days, Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 23, are also holidays, while the weekend will commence from October 24. As a result, Thamma will have the advantage of a six-day weekend. A good word of mouth will lead to a jump in earnings from October 22.
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is directed by Milap Zaveri and stars Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa. It is Harshvardhan’s first release after his 2016 intense love story, Sanam Teri Kasam, became a super-hit upon its re-release. Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is also in the same zone. The songs have worked big time, which has added to its buzz. The makers have gone for the Saiyaara model of promotion. In other words, the makers haven’t held any event or allowed the team to give interviews.
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat should open at Rs. 7-8 crores with an outside chance of double digit opening as well. It seems like the B and C centres will patronize the film more, at least on its release day. Hence, positive reports are crucial for the film to break out in the metro cities and also for a healthy lifetime.
Hence, a day 1 of around Rs. 30 crore is expected from both the films. This number is nowhere close to the Rs. 73.25 crores collectively accumulated by the 2024 Diwali releases, Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, on the first day. But this was expected as Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat are not the biggest films of the year. But as they have the advantage of the holiday period and their genres are massy, sky's the limit, provided the word of mouth is positive. If reports are bad, it’ll prove detrimental from the second day itself.
We used to not burst firecrakers on Diwali as it used to scare cows and other animals-Pankaj Tripathi
10:25 AM
Actor Pankaj Tripathi, who was born and raised in a village in Bihar, fondly recalls the simple, heartfelt Diwali celebrations of his childhood, worlds away from the raucous city festivities
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 13, 2025)
He may be one of the most sought-after actors in the industry today, but Pankaj Tripathi remains deeply rooted in his small-town upbringing. As Diwali approaches, the actor reflects on the simple, heartfelt celebrations of his childhood in Belsand, Gopalganj (Bihar).
“In the village we used to have mitti ke diye with cotton wicks. It used to be an organic and peaceful Diwali,” the 49-year-old tells us.
Unlike the city’s high-decibel Diwali celebrations, firecrackers were never a big part of the festivities in Pankaj’s village. “Humare yahan pataakon ka chalan nahin tha zyada aur kaaran ye tha ki tez awaaz se gaaye, pashu darr jaate the. Iss wajeh se darwaze pe hum pataake nahin jala paate thhe. To sirf fuljhari and mitte ke diye,” shares the actor who will next be seen in Mirzapur: The Film.
He continues, “Hum apne ghar mein diye laga ke, dur se jaa ke dekhte thhe,” finding a special joy in seeing the home lit by diyas. According to him, “Bijli ki jhaalarein wo sukh nahin deti jo diye dete thhe,” and there was also a sense of responsibility, “Aur usko jaalaye rakhne ki bhi duty hai,” that made the tradition meaningful.
For this year, the actor, who now lives in Mumbai, has left the planning to his wife and daughter and says, “Unke plan mein main bass shamil ho jata hun.”
Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri to release on Diwali instead of Anurag Basu's next?
10:25 AM
With Kartik Aaryan and Anurag Basu’s Diwali offering delayed, sources claim actor is keen to preponement Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri's release to the festival
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; July 12, 2025)
Had things gone as planned, Kartik Aaryan would have a Diwali date with the audience, courtesy Anurag Basu’s yet-untitled next. Now, with the romantic drama, also starring Sreeleela, unable to meet the festival deadline, it looks like Aaryan is trying not to skip his date with his fans. mid-day has learnt that he is working towards advancing the release of Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri to October 2025.
The actor’s eagerness to arrive with a film on Diwali is not surprising. A source reveals, “Kartik’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 [2024] hit the screens last Diwali, and was a superhit. He wants to keep the momentum going, and mark his stamp on a festival release. Tu Meri Main Tera… is expected to be wrapped up by July-end. So, the actor is keen that the rom-com hit the marquee this Diwali.”
Directed by Sameer Vidwans, it stars Ananya Panday opposite Aaryan and was announced as a Valentine’s Day 2026 offering. But now, the team at Dharma Productions is discussing the possibility of making it a late 2025 outing.
As for Aaryan, soon after wrapping up the rom-com, the actor will return to the set of Basu’s musical. “A considerable portion of the film has yet to be completed. There is no chance of it adhering to its Diwali release. The makers will probably eye an early 2026 window,” says an insider.
Kiara Advani and I follow simple but meaningful Diwali rituals-Sidharth Malhotra
9:10 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; November 2, 2024)
As the air is still filled with the sweet scent of fireworks and the warmth of loved ones, actor Sidharth Malhotra celebrated Diwali with his family in Delhi. In an intimate conversation, Sidharth lets us dive into his festive tradition - from childhood celebrations in Delhi to his modern-day rituals with actress-wife Kiara Advani.
'There’s something deeply fulfilling about being surrounded by loved ones and honoring traditions together'
“Being a Delhi boy at heart, Diwali for me means heading back to celebrate with my family at home,” Sidharth shares, adding, “Most years, I try to make it at home, and other times, Kiara and I keep it close-knit, celebrating with pujas, great food, and just enjoying each other’s company. There’s something deeply fulfilling about being surrounded by loved ones and honoring traditions together—it’s what Diwali is all about for me: family, togetherness, and those memories that stay with you forever.”
'I still associate Diwali with my Dadi's besan laddoos'
As he talks about the festival, Sidharth's favorite Diwali memories date back to his childhood. “Diwali has always been a special time for me, going back to my childhood days in Delhi. Growing up, it was my grandmom who would bring everyone together for the Diwali puja, making sure the whole house was ready and that we were all dressed in our best Indian festive clothes for the evening. My favorite part of the puja was always the prasad—especially the besan laddoos, which I still associate with Diwali to this day. That tradition of dressing up and celebrating as a family is something I carry with me even now. My Indian festive wardrobe is special to me as it reminds me of all the amazing celebrations,” Sidharth reminisces.
He adds, "Growing up we’d have amazing Punjabi food, play rounds of cards, and just enjoy being together. Those moments are what make Diwali so special, and that’s why it’s still such an important festival for me today."
'Diwali is the perfect time to embrace men's fashion'
A peek at Sidharth's Instagram feed and one can get a glimpse of his Diwali wardrobe, which easily cements him as a fashion role model for many seeking inspiration during the festive season. “To keep my Diwali style always rooted in traditions, I focus on picking unique and personal designs each year. Men's fashion has come a long way, especially in ethnic wear, and Diwali is the perfect time to embrace that. Today, there are so many designers creating exceptional options for men’s festive wear. Each one brings something unique to the table, and they’re doing incredible work with colors, patterns, and textures,” the Shershaah actor divulges.
He also states how 'Diwali is the time to go bold with color and style'. "Indian fashion has such a beautiful range of choices for men, whether it’s a dhoti, kurta, bandhgala, or sherwani. The beauty of Indian wear is that each region offers its twist, so there’s always something new to explore. Today, there’s truly no limit to expressing personal style while celebrating tradition," he adds.
'Kiara and I have a simple but meaningful Diwali ritual'
With this being their second Diwali as husband and wife, we query Sidharth: Have he and Kiara established any heartfelt Diwali traditions?
He replies, “Kiara and I have started a simple but meaningful Diwali ritual of doing a small puja together and lighting a diya at home. This Diwali, we celebrated in Delhi with family, but no matter where we are, we make it a point to say a prayer and light a diya to keep the spirit of the festival alive.”
Early on, it was instilled in us that bursting crackers isn’t good for the environment-Sonakshi Sinha
8:02 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 1, 2024)
Diwali has always been a grand family affair at Ramayan, Sonakshi Sinha’s parents’ home in Mumbai. This year, it is going to be extremely special for the actress as she will be celebrating it for the first time there with her husband, Zaheer Iqbal.
‘I am celebrating Diwali with my husband finally’
Beaming with joy, Sonakshi tells us, “It’s my first Diwali post marriage and it feels extremely special because finally I am celebrating it with my husband. We do Diwali puja at home and then spend time with the family, and this time we have a new member (Zaheer), so it’s going to be all about love and togetherness. What I am excited about the most is that it will be Zaheer’s first Diwali in Ramayan (Zaheer screaming from behind… as a married man!). Well, you can sense his excitement. I will also have folks from my sasural joining us.”'
‘We only did one shagun ki phuljhadi to kickstart the festivities’
For Sonakshi, the festival has always been about lights and colours. Sharing memories from her childhood, the Heeramandi actress says, “I have always enjoyed doing rangoli. I would sit with my house help and come up with creative designs. I would also love decorating diyas and arranging the mirchi lights. I never enjoyed bursting crackers because early on, it was instilled in us that bursting crackers isn’t good for the environment. Also, we had dogs, and they would be scared of crackers. We only did one shagun ki phuljhadi to kick start the festivities.”
‘Zaheer and I have no patience to put together a party’
Ask Sonakshi if she is keen to host Diwali bashes with Zaheer in the future, and she is quick to add, “We really want to, but both Zaheer and I are bad planners. I don’t think we have the patience to put together a party. We put all our planning skills to use when we got married and I think we are done for a while (laughs).”
‘Every year Zaheer goes back to where he lived earlier to celebrate Diwali with his friends’
Just like Sonakshi, Zaheer, too, enjoys celebrating the festival and has fond childhood memories of it. She says, “Zaheer grew up in a building where every year, the kids would get together and celebrate Diwali. Since then, he goes back to the building every year to celebrate with the friends he grew up with. He loves the festival because it is all about togetherness, and we have so many friends who keep hosting get-togethers where people have a great time.”
My friends know that I may not invite them to my party next time if they don’t come on time-Shalini Passi
6:46 AM
Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; November 1, 2024)
“A perfect guest list, an interesting mix of people and food make for a great party,” says Shalini Passi, art collector, fashion patron and philanthropist, who’s known to host some of the best parties in the city. “I don’t play cards so I don’t host card parties, I just host Diwali parties where people are dancing and having fun,” she adds. The sit-down traditional dinner has always been the highlight at Shalini’s party. Shalini shares with us more about planning a perfect party at her place and how she ensures that every small detail is taken care of.
‘Delhi parties are known to have the best entertainment’
It is food and music that make Delhi Diwali parties different from other cities like Mumbai, she says. “In Delhi, we give a lot of importance to entertainment at the parties, it’s not just about having a DJ. Delhi culture is all about celebrating in a grand way and we love that. As a rule now, after 10.30-11pm I just have fun at my parties. I am a perfect host till 7.30-10.30pm, but after that I start dancing and I love it. When you are relaxed and having fun then even guests have fun. My friends tell me that they love coming to my home as they meet some very interesting people. I am happy that I am able to connect so many people,” she says.
‘At my parties, I serve people what I like and don’t assume what they would like’
Shalini says, “On Diwali, we serve traditional food and it is mostly home cooked. I always serve guests what I like, I never assume what they will like. It’s best to include things you like in the menu as you know about them. People are very conscious about eating heavy food but they still want delicious food. We always have a lot of healthy dishes on the menu, and in desserts we have fruits and sugar free options. You will see all my favourites on the thaali, imarti has to be there as it is my favourite. Other dishes are dal makhni, bhindi fry, shahi paneer, khatta baigan, which is a Hyderabadi recipe. We make sure that food is not too spicy or heavy and yet it is delicious. I usually send a save the date notification to my guests very much in advance as everyone has multiple engagements, especially around Diwali. The caterer has to be booked if I am not going for home cooked food. We mostly do thaali dinner on Diwali as we all love to celebrate the festival traditionally.”
She adds that she makes sure to serve dinner by 9 pm at her parties. “I used to go to so many parties and no one would serve food before 11 pm. Who eats at 11 pm! No one wants to eat this late. I always serve dinner by 9 pm and guests expect that from me now. People don’t serve dinner on time because they think that the party will break and guests will start leaving. But I think if you have called someone to your house, you have to serve them dinner, if they want to stay or not is up to them. They can party after having dinner also. I am also very particular about timing so now all my friends know that they have to come on time and I may not invite them next time if they don’t come on time. My parties start around 7:30-8 pm,” she adds.
She added, “The dinner table mats feature silver with gold plating. The gold embroidery on the table napkins, the engraved pattern on silver thaalis are my designs. I got them customized. All cutlery is from Christofle. I always include real, seasonal flowers in the decor and marigold has to be there as for me it represents tradition and adds an Indian touch. I like bright colours. We use a lot of yellow flowers and mix it with purple and violet.”
‘One of the best Diwali party was when we hosted Roberto Cavalli’
Diwali parties have been a tradition at Shalini’s place since they moved into this house in 2011. Talking about one of her most popular Diwali parties, she says, “it has to be when we had fashion designer Roberto Cavalli.”
She recalls, “Around Diwali, we hosted him for dinner and had around 150 guests. It was a thaali dinner which we served the guests in two rounds, and everything was prepared at home. He loved being here, his team told me that he would be here for two hours, but he was the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. He loved being at home and meeting all my friends.”
Through initiatives like the MASH Ball, Shalini Passi has harnessed collective energy to support programs like Art-Based Therapy and Early Childhood Development, empowering children to overcome challenges and realise their full potential. Shalini Passi's commitment to philanthropy shines through in her generous donation of 100% of the proceeds from the MASH Ball to UNICEF.
Additionally, the entire proceedings from Shalini Passi's television debut in Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives was donated to UNICEF India to further their joint mission of enhancing childcare missions in Purnea, Bihar. “The response to the show has been tremendous. There was a buzz that the show will do well, but the way people are showing me love and appreciation is something I never imagined. I am so eccentric and I am just doing my own thing,” she said.
Ramona Narang, Shalini Passi, Roberto Cavalli and Queenie at a party held at Shalini’s house
Today, people are making it about designer wear, but that’s not the point of Halloween-Krystle Dsouza
9:50 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 31, 2024)
Actor Krystle Dsouza loves to get creative and imaginative in her dressing, and so, it’s not surprising that Halloween is one of her favourite festivals.
“I like doing different things each year. It was not about scaring people this year, though I have done that previously. This time, I wanted to do something with my girls and we decided on a ‘Disney princesses’ theme with a party twist. I was Snow White,” she shares, adding that with Diwali and Halloween coinciding, she celebrated the latter in advance so that she could celebrate the festival of lights with her family and friends. However, the double celebration today has left her with a very deep concern: “I don’t know if I should go out and scare people or look like a pataakha.”
Dsouza says that she was introduced to Halloween through American films and TV shows. “They used to fascinate me and I’ve been celebrating Halloween for many years now. Also, my brother lives in Canada, where it is celebrated in a big way.”
The actor asserts that Halloween is not about expensive looks. “Halloween is not about looking your best in an expensive outfit. Today, people are making it about designer wear and better make-up, but that’s not the point of Halloween. It has always been about DIY looks and that’s how I like it,” she says, adding that she wants to dress up as Wonder Woman next.
Always wear new clothes on Diwali day even if it’s a T-shirt, says Kajol
9:47 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; October 31, 2024)
Kajol is a livewire, a total pataka, who has always lived life on her terms. Vibrant and sparkling with enthusiasm like the Diwali lights, it’s only apt that we celebrate the country’s most beautiful festival with our beloved Simran. In a chat with Bombay Times, the hazel-eyed beauty took a trip down the memory lane and shared her childhood memories of Diwali and what the festival means to her, today.
She reminisced, “When we were kids, my mother (veteran actress Tanuja) would wake us up early, give us a bath, apply ubtan, coconut milk. That was the Diwali tradition. I used to do that to my kids when they were small. They are too big now for me to do any of that but yes, getting up early in the morning, taking a bath, wearing new clothes is a constant. Always wear new clothes on Diwali day even if it’s a T-shirt. We don’t usually wear black in the day, maybe at night but not in the day. Something bright is preferred. As far as the traditions are concerned, I would like my children to take them forward, but I won’t force it on them.”
‘You can have mithai for breakfast, lunch and dinner’
How can one not talk about food and faraal on Diwali. Kajol added, “You can eat whatever you like on Diwali. You can have mithai for breakfast, mithai for lunch and mithai for dinner. Koi rok tok nahi hoti khaanepe because Diwali hai. It’s a time for families to come together, eat together, sit together and chat. We try not to fight, not even have mini squabbles so that we can start off the year on the right note.”
‘The excitement people feel on January 1 is what I feel on Diwali’
The festival holds a special place in her heart. The actress shares, “Diwali is a gorgeous festival of lights and it is all about family. That’s ingrained in our culture and sometimes, we just need a reason to party (smiles). Diwali is the start of a new year, new beginnings. The feeling that people get on January 1st is the feeling I get on Diwali. You forget and forgive yourself for the past year’s mistakes and move on to make new mistakes in the new year (laughs). Diwali marks a beautiful beginning, and an ending all wrapped into one.”
Gadgets may have got us closer virtually but distant physically. We live in a fairly isolated world that can get a bit gloomy. Kajol signs off, “I love festivals because they give you a reason to celebrate. We all need celebrations in our life at regular intervals. It enables us to meet people that you don’t meet on a daily basis.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)