Tinsel town talks....

The ambience is high on energy and Bengalureans are planning out elaborate things for the day with friends and family. Celebrities share their plans for the day with ‘Metrolife’.

Sophie Choudry, Bollywood actress “What I love most about ‘Deepavali’, is spending time with my family and friends; eating, laughing and playing cards. And that’s something I don’t want to change about the day. We used to light a few fireworks like ‘anaars’ in the past, but this year, we will stick to a few sparklers, as a conscious effort to not harm the environment, and to all the animals for whom ‘Deepavali’ can be scary.”

Rehan Poncha, Swimmer and golfer“Since I’m busy with work throughout the year, I am extremely excited about the ‘quality time’ that I can have with my family on ‘Deepavali’. Every year, we spend the festival at my cousin’s place, which is always decked up with colourful decorations. We have an elaborate breakfast with the entire family and then the ‘puja’ happens. After this, we just hang out at her place and relax. Since everyone stresses on a healthier and safer festival, we will also be staying away from crackers.”

Sindhu Loknath, Sandalwood actress “I will be celebrating the day by lighting ‘diyas’, which signifies the ‘spreading the light’ message of the festival. I haven’t burst firecrackers since school days where we were educated about how it affects the environment. During ‘Deepavali’, I try and head out of the City to stay away from the air and sound pollution. I won’t be able to head out this year, since I’m busy with my movie’s promotion. But, I’m excited about indulging into the best part of the day — sweets like ‘holige’ and ‘kadabu’ — which my mother will make and I’m a sweet-toothed person.”

Nikki Galrani, actress“I won’t be in Bengaluru to celebrate the ‘Festival of Lights’, but I’ve got the gold chain that I had ordered for ‘Dhanteras’. I will be in Chennai, busy shooting for my latest project. I’ve stayed away from bursting crackers since more than five years as I’m a pet lover and my dog starts panicking during the day. My favourite part of the festivities are ‘rasgullas’, ‘gulab jamun’ and most importantly, ‘kaju katli’.”

As told to Tini Sara Anien