The Joy of Being with Loved Ones Makes Diwali Truly Special: Bhawana Aneja

MUMBAI: Diwali is just around the corner, and actress Bhawana Aneja, known for her roles in films like Kavan, Aarambam, and Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, as well as the web series Raisinghani vs Raisinghani and the TV show Kumkum Bhagya, is eagerly looking forward to the celebrations. Recently seen as Sumitra in Shrimad Ramayan, Bhawana shared her excitement about the festival, saying, 'For me, Diwali is all about family. It’s that special time when everyone comes together, and you’re reminded of all the people in your life who love you unconditionally. Even when you're living far from home, your family eagerly awaits your return for Diwali.'"

She said, "Diwali, to me, is a family celebration. It’s the time when everyone comes together, and you realize how many people are in your life who love you unconditionally. Even when you live away from home, your family eagerly waits for you to return during Diwali.”

“For me, Diwali is all about love—expressing love to your dear ones and feeling that love in return. It’s also a time when we all pray together, and that feeling is everything to me. The joy of being with loved ones and the warmth of their company makes Diwali truly special,” she added.

Bhawana will be heading to her hometown to celebrate Diwali and is looking forward to reuniting with everyone. She said, "I'll be hosting dinners and card parties for friends and visiting the temple to seek blessings.”

She confessed that as a child, she enjoyed burning crackers, but her perspective has changed. "Now, I really want to celebrate a cracker-free Diwali with only electric diyas and decorations,” she explained.

Bhawana is also excited about dressing up in her favorite traditional attire, noting that dressing up is one of the most important parts of Diwali.

“I believe every woman, including my friends, loves to dress up, and Diwali makes it even more special. On regular days, we wear simple outfits, but Diwali gives us a chance to go all out. I have a soft spot for saris, and even for weddings, I often choose kurtas with chikankari work. This Diwali, I’m planning to wear a beautiful printed or plain sari, paired with minimal jewelry, a bindi, and maybe a small bun or open curls. I’m really excited about my Diwali look," she said.

Bhawana indulges in festive sweets like pinni and coconut laddus and even makes kheer for Diwali. When it comes to gifting, she prefers practical and useful gifts. "I like to give my friends and family gifts that are practical, rather than items like diyas. Diyas are typically used once during Diwali and then discarded, so I prefer to give something that can be used regularly. For example, I often give kitchen items like storage boxes, serving pans, or vegetable choppers. Last year, I gifted everyone a vegetable chopper, and the year before that, I gave a nice tray with a decorative pot. I really enjoy giving gifts like these to my loved ones.”

Her favorite Diwali memory? “When I was around fifteen or sixteen years old, I remember wanting to buy something special for Diwali. At that time, I wasn’t working; I was just a student. I really wanted to buy a pair of gold earrings I had seen in a showroom and liked a lot. I went there with my parents, and to my surprise, my father gifted me those very same earrings on Diwali. I was so excited because it meant a lot to me. Back then, owning gold was a big deal, especially for a fifteen-year-old. That gift from my father made me so happy, and it remains a very memorable moment for me," she shared.