Actress Ashmita Bakshi, currently seen in the Colors TV military-medical drama 108 Base Hospital – Uri, recently opened up about her deep bond with her brother, Tarandeep Singh Bakshi, and how they celebrate Raksha Bandhan.
Born and raised in Mumbai, Ashmita recently moved closer to her workplace to avoid the city’s gruelling commute. However, the physical distance hasn’t weakened her family ties. “I make sure to go home every weekend,” Ashmita shared. “For me, even a simple phone call from my brother can instantly make my day better. Whenever I’m home and he isn’t working, we spend quality time chatting and having fun. Plus, with my little niece, Mehar Kaur Bakshi, around, she has become the epicentre of our house—everything revolves around her now.”
Reflecting on their childhood, Ashmita fondly recounted an unforgettable fight from their school days when they were young teenagers. “My brother is a year younger than me, and we used to bring our school fights home. He used to tease me by calling me ‘Kaalu’ because I was wheatish compared to him. One day, after an argument, he called me that again, and in a fit of rage, I slapped him. For a few seconds, his mouth was wide open, and he could barely breathe! I immediately panicked, thinking, ‘Oh God, what did I just do?’ I apologised right away, but the damage was done. It’s ironic because the damage from his teasing was far less visible than my slap! Today, it’s a memory we laugh about.”
When asked about a trait she wishes to adopt from her brother, Ashmita highlighted his calm demeanour. “I’ve never seen him bring stress home, whether it’s about work or personal life. He leaves his work at the door and comes home happy and positive. That’s a quality I’d love to learn because I’m extremely expressive and my emotions show easily.”
Their relationship wasn’t always this close. Ashmita shared that their connection grew significantly during his college years. “He was always very shy. When he got his first girlfriend—who is now his wife—I was the first person he confided in. That was our icebreaker. Since then, our bond has only grown stronger. He discusses everything with me, from career choices to travel plans. Even during arguments, he listens respectfully and explains his point of view without ever being rude. I feel incredibly proud of the mature man he has become.”
For Ashmita, Raksha Bandhan goes beyond traditions. “I’ve always spent the entire day with my brother on Rakhi. While getting gifts is great, all I truly ask is for him to remain the loving person he is and continue caring for his family, wife, and daughter. To me, Raksha Bandhan isn’t just about a brother superficially protecting his sister—it’s about protecting and nurturing the relationship itself.”
This year, Ashmita plans to spend the entire day at home playing games, sharing meals, and enjoying quality time together. “It’s not just about tying the rakhi or exchanging gifts; it’s about having everyone together under one roof.”
