What are Bollywoodian thinking and doing this Diwali?

Sanjay Leela Bhansali: “The film industry lost its brightest light this year. With Latabai gone just a few months ago, Diwali doesn’t seem festive this year.”

Saif Ali Khan: “A small puja with the family at home, and there is a dinner on 23 October with the Kapoors and Khans, my wife Kareena’s family and my family.”

Janhvi Kapoor: “It’s a working Diwali for me. I am prepping in cricket training, promoting my film Mili , and shooting.”

Taapsee Pannu: “I am spending Diwali with my family here in Mumbai this time. So it’s time for rangolis, deeyas, prayers and a full-on feast at home.”

Hema Malini: “Diwali is always with the family for me. I wish everyone would do the same. Be home with the family and keep the country safe from crime at least for one day devoted to light and happiness.”

Neil Nitin Mukesh. “I am in Kanpur with the whole family to celebrate Diwali with my sister Neha. It is my daughter Nurvi’s first Diwali in Kanpur, so extra-special.”

Urmila Matondkar: “I absolutely love the Festival of Lights. Love it more for lights, diyaas and sweets not as much for the noisy crackers. Hopefully people will consider their surroundings, environment ,etc and use crackers sensibly.”

Swara Bhaskar: “Since there has been a death in the family, there will be no celebration at home. I may attend my friend Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s Diwali party.”

Shatrughan Sinha: “The last two years have not been kind to any of us. Celebration toh dur ki baad, logon ko khana khane ke liye paise nahin (forget celebration, people didn’t even money for meals). Now things are relatively normal, so this is the first normal Diwali in three years.So be happy and enjoy. For us Diwali is family time. Puja at home with my twin sons and the two Laxmi Devis in my life, my daughter and my wife.”

Asha Parekh: “Diwali used to be a time for get-togethers and festivity. Now especially after Covid , it;s all gone. For me it is very quiet Diwali this year with maybe just a dinner with close friends.Let’s be kind towards pets and no burst crackers.”

Pooja Bhatt: ” “I have cats an dogs at home who shiver and cower and hide under the bed as the firecrackers start during Diwali . It is heartbreaking to see them that way . I feel helpless. I can’t do anything to ease their agony except wait for the noise to end.”