Deepika Padukone recalls fond Diwali memories from her childhood, says she allows herself chocolates only during the festival

‘I’D HELP MAKE RANGOLI,
LIGHT DIYAS’

Deepika Padukone recalls fond Diwali memories from her childhood, says she allows herself chocolates only during the festival

Diwali always reminds me of the time that I spent with my family in Bengaluru. It was fun to be home during school vacations, and we would celebrate the festival as a family. My mother would make special savouries at home.

When I was a kid, my family and I used to be invited to other people’s houses for Diwali parties where the younger lot used to get together and burst crackers, while the parents would watch. I would help my mother make the rangoli outside the house, as well as light diyas every evening. Now, she misses me when I am not at home because she has to do everything herself. Earlier, I used to take charge of some things while she looked after work in the kitchen.
Ever since I have moved into my own house over here (Mumbai), I have been shooting every Diwali, but I try and do a small puja at home and light a few diyas. As I love sweets, especially chocolates, I don’t stop myself from having them during Diwali. Also, I have tried many Indian sweets in the past few years, but I truly enjoy them on the festive day. Diwali also reminds me of Om Shanti Om (2007), my first film which released during the festival. It is very special to me.