Starry celebrations

Holi and films enjoy a special relationship. The film’s hero breaking into a dance and splashing colours on the heroine and wooing her is a scene that has been seen often on celluloid. Be it Hindi or Odia films, Holi songs have never failed to impress filmgoers. That, however, is the cinematic depiction of the festival. In real life too, Holi means a lot to celebs. Perhaps, this is also one of those rare days of the year when the celebs take a break from their busy schedule to indulge in festive fun. Sunday POST catches up with a few celebrities to ask them about their Holi memories and plans.

Singer Sanju Mohanty of Chuni Tale Black Money fame says that she eagerly waits for this day every year. “The fun doubles when we celebrate Holi in our village. Following the traditions and performing the rituals on Dol Purnima is a unique experience, which I miss if I am here. So, I try to visit my village in Baripa every year on Holi.”

Sanju says that she loves to celebrate the day with the people of her village and eat homemade delicacies like sweetmeats and pancakes. “It gives me a chance to catch up with childhood friends. After playing Holi, we go to the nearby stream to take a bath. This is the only time I get a chance to bathe in the river. This year, my entire family will be celebrating Holi together in our village,” she says.

Unlike Sanju, actress Madhumita Mohanty doesn’t like playing Holi. “My father passed away during that period. I was very close to him. Since then I have refrained from playing with colours on this day. For me, the day brings back memories of playing Holi with my father. In fact, for some time, I had stayed away from all festivities, but I am trying to get back to normal,” says Madhumita, adding, “I don’t have any special plans for Holi this year. I will spend time with my family and co-stars on the sets of my Odia daily soap.”

Actor Swaraj Barik, who has won millions of hearts with his chocolate-boy image, prefers celebrating Holi at his hometown Baripada in Mayurbhanj district. “We make prior arrangements and start celebrating by burning Holika a day before Holi. This year won’t be any different,” says Swaraj, who uses natural colours for the festival and advises others to do the same.

“I also seek the blessings of the elders by touching their feet with gulaal. However, there have been times when I failed to make it to my hometown because of my shooting schedule. I also like to celebrate the day with school children,” he adds.

Model Suryamayee Mohapatra loves Holi fun but avoids colours. “I love the festival, but I stay away from artificial colours as I am prone to allergies and rashes. Although there are herbal colours available in the market, I still avoid them. But I make sure to enjoy the festival in other ways. I used to stay in Damanjodi but now I have shifted to Cuttack. This year, I will catch up with my cousins and relatives. A few of my friends too will join us and we have plans for a lavish lunch. My mom has already planned an elaborate menu,” says Suryamayee.

Baby Pradhan, known for playing villainous roles in Odia television series, makes the most of the day. “I have celebrated Holi with fervour since childhood. I still remember my childhood days when I used to play Holi with my friends in the village. We would start at 10 am and return at 4 pm. A day ahead of Holi, on Dol Purnima, we used to have a wide array of sweets,” says the actress.

This year too, Baby has big plans for Holi. “I plan to spend the day with my industry colleagues and family. I am a foodie and love cooking. So, I plan to rustle up a variety of dishes and treat my friends and family. However, I will make prior arrangements for this, as I plan to start the day playing Holi with my kids,” she says.

Actress Divya, who shot to fame after romancing Babushan in Sundargarh ra Salman Khan, says that Holi is her favourite festival as she loves spraying colours on others. “I love all festivals, but Holi holds a special place in my heart, as I get a chance to have some delicious dishes specially made on this occasion,” she says.

However, Divya regrets that she hasn’t been able to celebrate Holi with her family for the last four to five years owing to her busy schedule. “I miss those days. Now, I visit my uncle’s residence and celebrate Holi with my cousins. We play, eat and make merry till we are tired,” she says.

BRATATI BARAL, OP