BOLLYWOOD

As the industry gears up for Diwali, Friday reveals which star’s party will outshine all the others.

THE BACHCHANS

Bollywood’s biggest star, Amitabh Bachchan, and his wife Jaya, throw one of the best Diwali parties at Jalsa, their homein South Mumbai.

While the night beck ons select A-listers, the day belongs to the Bachchan family, including actress and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai and her family, who join in the celebrations.

‘Traditions and festivals are always special,’ says Aishwarya, who made her comeback with Jazbaa. ‘My birthday [is around] Diwali, so it is really one big birthday party.’

Usually the day begins early at Jalsa with Jaya and Aishwarya supervising a professional teamof decorators to give the bungalow a festive look. As the a roma of a vegetarian feast wafts through the house, the family gathers in the courtyard and bursts firecrackers. ‘My daughter, Aaradhya just loves this part of the celebration,’ says Aishwarya.

On this year’s guest list are Shah Rukh Khan, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and his wife Anjali, and other stars including Anil Kapoo rand his family, Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif and Farhan Akhtar. Theywill drop inat the Bachchan residence to exchange Diwali greetings.

Many stars prefer starting party hopping from Jalsa, and winding up at Shah Rukh’s Mannat.

The Bachchans greet Bollywood stars such as Tabu at their home

At Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan’s legendary Diwali party, stars like cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar and wife Anjali are regulars