What does Diwali mean to you? 

Diwali is associated with puja in the evening, inviting friends over, visiting our relatives from both the sides — mine and Anil’s (husband Anil Thadani). And thereafter all of us get together at a common place for dinner until late. It means to have your loved ones around you while celebrating the festival of lights.

Do you throw Diwali parties?

I don’t really throw parties. However, I go for a lot of parties. We just play cards with the youngsters for shagun with a little money for a bit, just to kick off the festive mood. I enjoy the food at the card parties, besides catching up with people and having a memorable time.

What are your plans for Diwali this year? 

There will be a puja at home like every year, visiting an orphanage, and spending time with family.

My birthday is in October (26) and this festival would sometimes fall on my birthday. So, it would be a double celebration. I would receive lots of birthday presents and Diwali gifts, as well. So, as a child, I would be super happy whenever that happened.

What kind of preparation — home to personal care —  do you do for Diwali every year? 

The entire house is cleaned. We light up the house and decorate it with flowers, rangoli and diyas.

We loved how you dressed up for Karwa Chauth recently. Do you like going the whole hog when it comes to being traditional?

I love wearing Indian outfits, especially during festivals. But I also believe in keeping it simple.

What’s your Diwali style going to be this year?

I almost always end up wearing red for Diwali and Karwa Chauth… it’s like a trademark hue for me. I wear traditional attire during Diwali, but I avoid wearing a sari because it is difficult to move around with fireworks all around… and then having to manage the kids along with the clothing. I prefer to wear salwar kameez or Anarkalis for Diwali.

Diwali also means bingeing. What do you include in your normal workout regimen to work off those Diwali calories? 

I do binge during Diwali, but eat in moderation. I think yoga is the best form of exercise to stay fit.

JEWEL TALK

Jewellery on a daily basis

My solitaire earrings and an emerald ring

Baubles on special occasions

Rubies and emeralds are my favourite. I also love uncut diamonds

Priyanka Roy