Celebratory mood: When stars looked back at the festival of lights

The festival of Diwali is as much about soaking in the celebratory spirit of the moment as it is about reliving the past. Guardian 20 asked these celebrities, from the fields of film, music and television, to share with us their fondest Diwali memories, a

When I was a kid, a whole bunchh of friends of mine from Bombay made ade it to Lonavla — to my father’s hotel otel there. It was the first trip I had madeade with just a gang of friends not assistsisted by my elders. We were a riot andand had so much fun. I’ll always cherish rish that memory. I am spending this year with family at an annual familyil Diwali party. Diwali is the best time to be in the vibrant city of Mumbai. Everything is lit up, joyful. Everyone is smiling, celebrating and we have some of the best parties to attenattend! I think my best Diwali memory will be of my first DiwaDiwali in Mumbai, when I was just visiting. I got to go to the Bachchan’sBac house and I still remember Yash Johar uncle was playing cards and he won when I greeted him, so he mademad me sit with him. He had met me in London as a VJ while I was in college. I even interviewed him so he gave me the warmestwa welcome. He was a sweetheart. On DiwaliDiwali, apart from eating lots of yummy mithai and spending time withwit my family, What I look forward to is catching up with all my frienfriends, wearing beautiful Indian clothes, playing cards for fun and gogood luck, and dancing the night away! For me, the spirit of DiDiwali is all about positivity, happiness and light. I wish everyone exactly that this festive season! We usually distribute all the sweets, mithais and cakes that we receive on Diwali to the entire household. Including all of our staff, so that it isn't one person who is over-eating all the goodies! Also when I am gifting people during Diwali, I always make it a point to gift them sweets like dry fruits, which I know are definitely a better option.

My favourite part about Diwali is the entire festival! Clean up the house, wear new clothes, get new clothes for the kids, decorate the house with rangoli, put out diyas and light them in the evening, put a toran on the main door of the house etc. I just love doing all of this! Then later in the day we have a pooja which happens at our office. Also off late, my kids I guess have become environment conscious and don't really like firecrackers. And I totally support them in that, as I feel that every day we are polluting the air and water around us! I mean just about everything! So I think an effort should be made to drastically cut down on firecrackers. I don't like the idea of bursting crackers at all! And this year, like every year, Diwali will be celebrated at home with the entire family. My fond Diwali memories have always been the ones with my close family and friends, where we would have a great time celebrating! This year, I plan to celebrate with my friends and family, watch Shivaay and then have a small dinner and card party. My fondest memory is when we used to have the entire family including my uncles and aunts and my cousins get together and having a lavish meal at home. Some really good family time is my idea of a perfect Diwali. For me, Diwali is an occasion when my entire family gets together and shares a good time. Be it over a meal or conversations. For me that is Diwali. This year, it will be just me and my sister in Mumbai. I am working non-stop so couldn’t take out time to fly down to Delhi. I and Shagun will try to explore our artistic side by making rangoli and decorating the house with diyas. And then of course have some good food together or with friends in the city.