Every year, as the festival of lights brightens homes across India, the excitement and warmth of Diwali bring together families, friends, and communities in a celebration of togetherness, joy, and hope. While millions of people celebrate with diyas, sweets, and laughter, the stars who entertain us daily also have their own beautiful stories and family traditions that make the festival special for them.
This Diwali season, Sony SAB’s beloved artists opened up about their fondest Diwali memories, emotional family traditions, and the essence of what this festival truly means to them — beyond the lights, firecrackers, and glamour.
1. Dilip Joshi (Jethalal, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah)
For the ever-charming Dilip Joshi, Diwali has always been about simplicity, family time, and gratitude. “My fondest memories are from childhood,” he recalls with a smile. “We used to help our parents clean the house, decorate it with fresh flowers and diyas, and eagerly wait for sweets from neighbors. Back then, Diwali wasn’t about expensive gifts — it was about warmth and belonging.”
Joshi adds that he still follows the same traditions today. “Even with a busy schedule, I make sure I’m home for Diwali puja. We light diyas together and distribute sweets to staff and nearby families. The festival reminds me to stay grounded and thankful for all that I have.”
His message to fans? “Celebrate with your heart, not your wallet. The real brightness of Diwali lies in kindness.”
2. Sayantani Ghosh (Tera Yaar Hoon Main)
For Sayantani Ghosh, Diwali is a time to connect with her roots and embrace the beauty of traditions. “In Kolkata, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, and my family always celebrates both with great devotion. I remember how the whole city would light up — the sound of crackers, the fragrance of incense, the glow of diyas — it’s pure magic.”
Even after moving to Mumbai, she continues to carry those rituals forward. “I still perform a small puja at home, light diyas in every corner, and make homemade sweets. For me, Diwali is not just about celebration; it’s about cleansing your energy and inviting positivity.”
Her fondest memory? “My mother making narkel naru (coconut sweets) while we kids decorated the house — that smell will forever be my favorite part of Diwali.”
3. Rajesh Kumar (Wagle Ki Duniya)
Actor Rajesh Kumar, known for his humor and relatability, shares that Diwali for him has always been about community bonding. “Growing up in Bihar, our house was the center of activity. Everyone from the neighborhood came together — we’d light diyas, burst crackers, and share food. It wasn’t just our family; it felt like an entire village celebrating as one.”
Now, as a father, he focuses on keeping those values alive for his children. “I teach them that Diwali is more than just celebration — it’s about gratitude, purity, and compassion. We spend time donating clothes and food to those in need. Lighting diyas for others brings more joy than lighting them for yourself.”
Rajesh’s favorite ritual? “Playing cards with my wife and kids after the puja. It’s not about winning — it’s about laughter, teasing, and bonding.”
4. Pariva Pranati (Wagle Ki Duniya)
For Pariva Pranati, Diwali is synonymous with the comforting embrace of home and family. “I grew up in Patna, where the entire city glows during Diwali. I remember my mother would start cleaning weeks in advance, and we’d help her decorate with rangolis and marigold garlands.”
She recalls how she continues the same traditions even today. “My son enjoys helping me make rangoli. Every diya we light is a reminder of the blessings we have.”
Her Diwali highlight? “Sitting together after dinner, sharing stories with my family, and eating gujiya made by my mom. That’s my happy place.”
5. Gulki Joshi (Maddam Sir)
For Gulki Joshi, Diwali holds a deeper spiritual meaning. “My family believes in celebrating Diwali as a time to let go of negativity and invite clarity. Before we decorate the house, we perform a small meditation and offer prayers for peace. For me, the real celebration begins after the Laxmi Puja, when we sit together and express gratitude.”
She recalls one Diwali that stands out vividly. “When I was in school, we couldn’t afford too many crackers. Instead, my dad took us to a temple, and we spent the night lighting diyas for everyone there. It was the most fulfilling Diwali ever.”
Today, she continues that tradition by donating to charities. “Every Diwali, I make sure to give something back — be it food, clothes, or helping someone in need. That’s my way of celebrating light.”
6. Sumeet Raghavan (Wagle Ki Duniya)
For Sumeet Raghavan, Diwali is all about nostalgia and family unity. “In my childhood, we didn’t have phones or social media — we had people. Diwali meant the entire family coming together, laughing, eating, and playing games. I still remember the smell of fresh sweets and the sound of crackers echoing in the streets.”
Even today, Sumeet continues that tradition with his children. “We make sure our Diwali is tech-free for a few hours. We keep our phones aside and talk, eat, and laugh. The kids help with decorations, and I handle the sweets!”
His message to fans: “Make Diwali about people, not posts. You’ll remember the smiles, not the selfies.”
7. Yukti Kapoor (Maddam Sir)
Actress Yukti Kapoor sees Diwali as a festival of emotional connection and reflection. “Every year, I spend Diwali with my family in Jaipur. I love dressing up in ethnic wear, lighting diyas with my parents, and making homemade besan laddoos. There’s something very grounding about those small traditions.”
She adds that her fondest Diwali memory is from her teenage years. “We once lost electricity during Diwali, and instead of panicking, we lit extra diyas and sat together telling stories. It turned out to be the most peaceful and beautiful Diwali ever.”
For Yukti, the festival isn’t complete without helping others. “After the puja, I always distribute food to the underprivileged. Sharing joy multiplies it.”
8. Dev Joshi (Baalveer Returns)
Young actor Dev Joshi, who’s grown up in the public eye, sees Diwali as a festival that grounds him. “No matter how busy I get, I always fly home to be with my parents. Lighting diyas together and doing aarti feels like recharging my soul.”
He fondly remembers childhood Diwalis. “I used to love bursting crackers, but now I focus more on eco-friendly celebrations. My mom and I make rangoli together, and my dad takes charge of lighting diyas. It’s our little family ritual.”
His advice to fans: “Enjoy, but celebrate responsibly. Choose happiness, not pollution.”
9. Kaveri Priyam (Ziddi Dil Maane Na)
For Kaveri Priyam, Diwali is a mix of excitement and emotional reflection. “I grew up celebrating Diwali in Jharkhand. We would visit neighbors, share sweets, and decorate the entire street together. It was pure joy.”
Now that she lives in Mumbai, she continues to recreate that homely warmth. “Even if my parents can’t visit, I do a video call during the puja so we can perform it together virtually. It’s my way of keeping the family bond alive.”
Her favorite part of Diwali? “The Laxmi Puja. The calmness during the prayers feels like a reset button for the soul.”
10. Asha Negi (Baarish)
Asha Negi describes Diwali as her “heart’s happy place.” “The festival brings a kind of energy that’s unmatched. For me, Diwali means gratitude, light, and starting over. Every diya I light is a reminder that no matter how dark things get, there’s always light waiting to shine.”
Her favorite memory? “My dad used to buy us colorful diyas every year, and we’d paint them together. Even now, I keep one of those diyas as a lucky charm.”
The Common Thread: Family, Faith, and Gratitude
Though each artist celebrates differently, a common emotion ties all their stories together — gratitude and togetherness. From lighting diyas with family to giving back to the community, these stars remind us that the real magic of Diwali lies not in extravagance, but in connection.
Their words show that whether you’re a celebrity or an ordinary person, Diwali’s beauty comes from the same place — love, family, and the light within.
Final Message: Light That Lasts Beyond the Night
As India celebrates Diwali this year, the voices of Sony SAB artists echo one timeless truth — Diwali isn’t just a day on the calendar. It’s a feeling. A celebration of new beginnings, old memories, and the eternal power of light over darkness.
Whether it’s Dilip Joshi’s simplicity, Sayantani’s traditions, or Yukti’s generosity, each story glows with authenticity and emotion. Their memories remind us to slow down, reconnect with our loved ones, and cherish what truly matters.
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