Picture perfect celebrations

Rithvik is sporting a design by Punit Singh; Asha’s outfit is courtesy ‘Malasa’ by Nirmit and Jyoti Gill; Stylist: Ankita Patel (Photo: Asian Age)

The very pretty Asha Negi and the multi-talented Rithvik Dhanjani are looking forward to celebrating Diwali together. In a chat with us, the young TV stars talk about their fondest Diwali memories, their favourite sweets, what they’ll be shopping for, and more

She says: What are your memories of Diwali from your childhood Did your family follow any particular rituals or traditions My memories of Diwali include performing Lakshmi puja before bursting crackers. I used to decorate the house with diyas and candles. I always looked forward to wearing nice new clothes on the day and we used to celebrate with friends and neighbours. I enjoyed eating lots of sweets and setting off crackers with everyone!

Is there one Diwali that really stands out as memorable for you Not as such. All my Diwalis in Dehradun were beautiful and I definitely miss them after having moved to Mumbai. How did you and Rithvik celebrate your first Diwali together Our first Diwali together was when we were doing Nach Baliye and we celebrated with his family at his place. What’s been the best Diwali gift you’ve given each other Actually, Rithvik doesn’t believe in gifting on Diwali (although I do) so gifts are reserved for our birthdays.

What are you shopping for this year I will be picking up a traditional outfit for myself. And what are your plans for Diwali I will catch up with friends, and decorate the house like every year. What’s your favourite Diwali mithai Besan ka laddoo! Do share a Diwali message for your fans. Stay safe, have a happy and prosperous Diwali. Avoid bursting crackers. He says:

What are your memories of Diwali from your childhood Did your family follow any particular rituals or traditions We didn’t celebrate Diwali that much since we used to stay in Dubai. But I do remember hiding from the cops and trying to burst crackers. We would go to parking lots or basement lots, to burst crackers. You aren’t really allowed to burst crackers in Dubai and that’s why we’d have to find a place to do it in hiding.

When I was in India, I remember in our lane we had a bua ji we were irritated by. She lived in a white house. One day, a cow had pooped outside her house and we put a rassi bomb on top of the dung. The result was dung all over her white house! She got to know who was responsible, however, and then we had a very happy Diwali! We had to clean the cow dung the next day.

These are childhood memories, but as I have grown up I have come to believe that people should stay away from crackers as they are not only not very unsafe but also cause a lot of pollution. Enjoy a cracker-less Diwali!

Is there one Diwali that really stands out as memorable for you The Diwali during Nach Baliye was memorable. Just a few days before Diwali we had injured ourselves. My mom and dad were with us and I can never forget that Diwali.

How did you and Asha celebrate your first Diwali together Our first Diwali together was on the sets of Pavitra Rishta but at that time we were not dating. We started seeing each other towards the end of the show.

What’s been the best Diwali gift you’ve given each other None really. What are you shopping for this year I will be shopping but not for myself. I will shop for Asha, my sister and rest of the family. I never know what to buy for myself!

What are your plans for Diwali Mom and dad are here so I will celebrate with family.

What’s your favourite Diwali mithai I have a huge sweet tooth! But if I have to pick, then gulab jamun and mawa cake.

Please share a Diwali message for fans. Have a safe Diwali everyone! This year some of my friends and I are trying to spread smiles by saving what we usually spend on (celebrating Diwali) and giving it to people in need. Don’t burst crackers — it’s harmful for the earth. Light diyas instead.