The actors from the hit TV show Balika Vadhu (Colors) — Pratyusha Banerjee (who plays Anandi), Siddharth Shukla (Shiv) and Shashank Vyas (Jagya) — took a little time off their busy shoot schedule to share their fondest Diwali memories. Shashank Vyas (Jagya) says:
“Diwali is about sharing happiness, bursting some crackers and having sweets. Festivals essentially are about meeting new and old people, and connecting with relatives, since in our everyday lives, we are too busy to keep in touch. As kid, I remember celebrating Diwali at my grandfather's place in Ujjain, where getting gifts from him was the highlight. We would then compete with the neighbours to see who bursts the most crackers. I used to wait till theirs ran out and then bring out my loot. It was fun.”

Siddharth Shukla (Shiv) says:
“For me, Diwali is most awaited festival. During school, it would mean mid-term vacations. I'd look forward to crackers and new clothes. I would get very excited about what I'm going to wear and where I will go to shop. I would do my research on what new crackers are available in the market. Once, I burnt my hand while bursting crackers. So, I'd like to tell people that they should take care that children aren't alone while bursting crackers. For me, now, the festival has become more about spending time with family.”

Pratyusha (Anandi) says:
“Diwali is that time of the year when my shopaholic nature takes over. When I was a child, my mother used to buy me new clothes for Diwali. It's now become a tradition. This year, I shopped for new outfits and bought matching accessories and new jewellery. My best wishes go out to everyone this Diwali. May you be blessed with good fortune as long as Ganeshji's trunk, wealth and prosperity as big as his stomach, happiness as sweet as his laddoos, and may your troubles be as small as his mouse. Happy Diwali.”