Diwali is a festival of lights, happiness and togetherness, but for some, it also brings back emotional memories of loved ones. Saarvie Omana, who plays Simran in Zee TV and Studio LSD’s Tumm Se Tumm Tak, believes in keeping the traditions alive despite celebrating the festival away from her family. The actress, who has been spending Diwali alone in Mumbai for the last ten years, continues to celebrate the occasion in a simple yet meaningful way, keeping her mother’s memories close to her heart.

Talking about her Diwali plans, Saarvie shares, “My plans are really simple and homely. I would love to celebrate Diwali with my mom and relive those festive vibes again. Unfortunately, my mom is not with me because she is shining brightly above in the sky. For the last ten years, I have been celebrating Diwali all alone here in Mumbai in a very simple way. I light diyas, decorate my house with lights, perform a small pooja, and, of course, cook my mom’s favourite Diwali food. I am a family person who loves spending time with family, but when you don’t have your parents, all festivals become dull. However, I decorate my house just the way my mom used to.”

Speaking about managing festive preparations alongside her shooting schedule, the actress says, “Everyone has their own plans, especially during festivals, so I personally don’t like disturbing them. However, if there is a get-together or any plan before the festival, I make sure to join in and enjoy myself. With our hectic schedules, we literally get very little time for preparations. Whatever little time I get, I try to make the most of it. No doubt, it gets difficult sometimes, but work is worship, so I never complain.”

For Saarvie, Diwali is also a time to count her blessings and look forward to new beginnings. Sharing what made this year special for her, she says, “Waking up every morning and opening your eyes to a new day in a healthy body is the biggest blessing in itself. But my doggy Coco, who came into my life this year, has literally been the biggest blessing. He keeps me calm and makes me feel seen every single time. Diwali is a festival of lights, positivity and prosperity, and I pray that everyone around me is blessed with the best.”

The actress also hopes for better opportunities and meaningful roles in the coming year. She adds, “I am hoping to get what I truly deserve and what I am destined for, both personally and professionally. I am a very hardworking person, but I feel I haven’t been getting the kind of work that I would really and truly deserve. I hope our industry starts thinking differently and stops judging people without knowing them. I wish I could change the thought process of people who don’t think before saying things or portraying someone in a bad light. I would like people to think more wisely and look for talent rather than followers, looks, the car someone drives or how big their house is. Everyone starts from zero, so just give people a chance. Anyone who is working hard deserves a fair chance.”

Concluding on a hopeful note, Saarvie says, “As far as work is concerned, I only pray that all my hard work and dedication pay off. I am looking forward to playing a bang-on character in the coming year.”