For many, Diwali is synonymous with firecrackers. But Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma is not on this ‘cracker’ list. In fact, the Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) actor hasn’t even touched firecrackers since 2004-05.
"It is true that I stopped bursting crackers around six to seven years ago. I think it’s not good for the environment. So, while we might enjoy the colours and sound, no one can imagine the harm it does in terms of pollution," says the actor. But that isn’t the only reason why she has given firecrackers a miss. "I remember the day when I saw how petrified my friend’s dog was due to the loud noise the firecrackers made. That day I stopped bursting crackers for good. I felt that it’s really unfair on pets. The festival and its celebration shouldn’t just be about you. After all, your pets are also as important."
Anushka’s Diwali is going to be extremely special this year, considering her next biggie, the late Yash Chopra’s Jab Tak Hai Jaan, hits theatres on November 13. But ask her about the best Diwali memory and she travels back in time to her childhood. "My favourite memory is surely of the food that used to be prepared in my house on that day. My mother used to go all out to make the best food one could think of. So, after bursting firecrackers, we would come back home to a good meal. It was the best way to bring the high-energy celebrations to an end," says the actor.
For Sonakshi Sinha, Diwali has always been about togetherness, fun and laughter. It is a day to be celebrated with the entire family
Diwali is a special occasion for Sonakshi Sinha and her family. Having grown up with two brothers, Luv and Kush, the actor’s day has always been full of fun and laughter.
Ask the actor, whose upcoming film, Son Of Sardaar releases on Diwali day, about how she celebrates the festival and she says, "Diwali has always been about togetherness in our family. My father makes it a point to come home from whichever part of the world he is in. There is a puja at home after which dinner is with the family at home or at our family friends’ homes. It’s great fun because it’s one of those days when all of us — family and friends — come together, spend time and have a lot of fun."
However, Sonakshi admits that bursting crackers is not something she’s particularly fond of now. Ask her what her best memory of the festival is and she says, "When I was really young I used to burn crackers just like other kids. As I grew a little older, I realised that I was harming the environment. I was around eight-years-old at that time."
She continues that from that year onwards she decided to stop bursting crackers. "I made the choice to only burn one phuljhari to welcome Diwali. It’s said to be auspicious. I think that’s my favourite memory because I learnt something and I made a decision that would benefit the
environment."
Ask the actor, whose upcoming film, Son Of Sardaar releases on Diwali day, about how she celebrates the festival and she says, "Diwali has always been about togetherness in our family. My father makes it a point to come home from whichever part of the world he is in. There is a puja at home after which dinner is with the family at home or at our family friends’ homes. It’s great fun because it’s one of those days when all of us — family and friends — come together, spend time and have a lot of fun."
However, Sonakshi admits that bursting crackers is not something she’s particularly fond of now. Ask her what her best memory of the festival is and she says, "When I was really young I used to burn crackers just like other kids. As I grew a little older, I realised that I was harming the environment. I was around eight-years-old at that time."
She continues that from that year onwards she decided to stop bursting crackers. "I made the choice to only burn one phuljhari to welcome Diwali. It’s said to be auspicious. I think that’s my favourite memory because I learnt something and I made a decision that would benefit the
environment."