Many people in other parts of the country start playing cards weeks before, but in our house, we do so only on the day of Diwali, says Amitabh Bachchan
The icon of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan and Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, who are coming together for the first time ever in Thugs Of Hindostan (TOH), gave DNA After Hrs readers a special surprise by coming together to wish them a Happy Diwali.
This year, the festival of lights is synonymous with the action-adventure TOH. The film, which promises to break opening-day records, releases worldwide tomorrow! After Hrs caught up with these two thugs, who spoke to us exclusively on what they love about this auspicious fest that is celebrated with great fervour globally.
BIG B: MY FATHER WOULD READ A PORTION OF THE RAMAYAN TO US EVERY DIWALI
Diwali has two meanings for me because I am 76-years-old. I will have to describe those moments when I was younger and what is happening now, so there are different outlooks, interpretations and celebrations. When we were younger, almost a month before the actual event, we would go to the storeroom in the house and pick out all the mitti (clay) diyas. We would wash them a night prior and next morning put them out in the sun to dry.
Then, we would make cotton battis that would go inside the diya and then add oil. The evening or night before, we would start placing them on the steps, at the gate and in the lawn. We would keep a diya in every room of the house and then do the same on the day of puja. Nowadays, you have electricity. We never did it with electricity because that was the true form of Diwali.
My father would read a portion of the Ramayan, which is synonymous with the festival. It talks about Ramji’s return from Vanwas and the celebrations. After the puja was over, we would light the diyas and then burst firecrackers. Lots of fresh sweets were made in the house, all the children wore new clothes and guests would come over to wish. I used to be with my friends till late in the night. Next morning, we would pick all the diyas, clean them and put them away for next Diwali.
Now, it’s different. You start off by preparing how to light up the house using electricity, which is not the same thing as a diya. Now, we do some rehearsals to check how is it looking, if everything is in sync, whether all the bulbs light up and ensure that there are no fused bulbs. We discuss how to decorate the trees, what kind of lamps to put up and invite friends over to the house and serve them delicacies.
Also, playing cards is a symbolic gesture as you invite Goddess Laxmi into the house. The prettier your home looks and is lit up, it is said the more the Goddess will be generous with you. Later, we start playing cards. I know that many people in the other parts of the country take it seriously and start playing cards weeks before, but in our house, we do so only on the day of Diwali. It is considered as good shagun.
AAMIR: THIS DIWALI IS EVEN MORE SPECIAL AS IT’S KIRAN’S BIRTHDAY
What I like most about this festival is the gambling (laughs)! I’m a reckless gambler. I love it, but do it only once during this time of the year. I like poker and I’m looking forward to playing it. It’s a great game. What I also enjoy about Deepawali is being with my family. This year, it’s even more special as it’s my wife, Kiran’s, birthday. I hope this Diwali will be special, joyous and safe for everyone.
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 "Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan")
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