Holi is not just a festival of colours, but it is a celebration of joy, unity and moments spent with loved ones. The joy of colours, the atmosphere resonating with laughter, childhood memories, meeting with family, musical tunes and plates decorated with dishes, this is the day when differences disappear and belongingness comes to the centre.
This year, Sony SAB actors Karuna Pandey, Deeksha Joshi, Rishi Saxena and Shrenu Parikh share what Holi means to them. From heartfelt memories to the playful traditions that make this festival special every year.
Karuna Pandey
Karuna Pandey, playing the role of Pushpa in Pushpa the Impossible, says, “My funniest Holi memory is from my school days, when my father was posted in Shillong. Mother told us to play only for an hour or two, but we remained immersed in the colors from morning till evening. When the parents came to find us, they couldn’t recognize who their child was. We looked like little ghosts completely covered in black and green.” Even today that memory makes me smile. That carefree happiness is the real meaning of Holi for me.”
Rishi Saxena
Rishi Saxena, playing the character of Sanjay, explains with such happiness, “In childhood, Holi was the day when we had the freedom to do mischief openly and were not scolded. I remember that we used to decide in advance which friend to target and then pretend to run away. But while returning, we used to bring a bucket full of colours. By the end of the day, no one would be recognized and the real struggle started at home, when the colors would not come off for many days. I think I have spent more time in getting rid of them than in applying colours. Holi seems incomplete without Gujis in North India. It is a festival in which you can completely become a child.
Diksha Joshi
Deeksha Joshi, playing the role of Deepti in Pushpa Impossible, says, “For the last few years, I have been celebrating Holi in Mumbai. We often go to Madh Island, Raheja Township, where close friends gather. There is an atmosphere of colour, music and laughter. But I miss the homemade gujiyas and puas, especially the dishes prepared by the Pahari families on Holi and Diwali. There is something about those flavors that instantly reminds me of home.” I like to play with colours, but I prefer herbal colors and to celebrate the festival with joy and dignity, Holi means having fun but maintaining the dignity of the festival.”
Shrenu Parikh
Shrenu Parikh, who plays the role of Parvati in Ganesh Karthikeya, says, ‘For me, Holi has always been about music playing at home and in the background. Holi in Vadodara was not limited to just applying colors on the face, rather we used to plan the day weeks in advance. Used to decide with friends what to wear, knowing that everything would be ruined in an hour. By afternoon we all became unrecognizable, laughing at each other, sharing sweets and not letting the day end. I remember that when I returned home, the color remained in my hair for several days. The stubborn pink layer on the cheeks seemed to be a symbol of respect. Even today, Holi reminds me of the same pure and carefree happiness.”
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