‘It’s the thought that counts’

Neil Nitin Mukesh on celebrating his first Karva Chauth

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh and Rukmini Sahay, who got married in February this year, are celebrating their first Karva Chauth today, but it’s going to be slightly different than usual. Why? Neil is in London, UK, to shoot for his film, Firekee, and so is Rukmini, so they will be celebrating the day there and not back home in Mumbai.

Neil says, “Mom and papa were hoping that Rukmini would be with them for her first Karva Chauth, but they also understand the kind of profession that we are in and how much I have to travel for work. Thankfully, we have Diwali coming up, so we are planning to come back around then for sure,” says Neil.

The actor, who flew to London on Friday after finishing his shooting for Saaho in Hyderabad, says, “I know mom is going to miss the entire thing a lot, because she was really excited about doing this Karva Chauth with Rukmini for the first time. But she has already briefed and guided Rukmini about what needs to be done.”

Neil says he has carried all the essentials for the ritual, including traditional food, to London. “Rukmini seems a little nervous about doing it correctly, but I am sure she’ll handle it well. Eventually, it’s the thought behind everything [that counts].”

No festival is complete without gifts, and for his first Karva Chauth, Neil has planned for something special. “I have something in mind, but I don’t really like talking about any surprises until I can execute them. But I love pampering her a lot, so I’m not going to keep anything particular in mind. I know her fetishes and what she likes, and I’ll make sure I kind of indulge her in those.”