Durga Puja brings out my inner child: Ushasi Ray

For actress Ushasi Ray, Maa Durga’s arrival is the promise of a new strength and a chance to rebuild bonds. “Every time Maa comes home, it’s like life giving us all an opportunity to slow down and catch our breath,” said Ushasi during a special festive shoot. Read on to know about her Puja plans and more...“There’s no dieting during Pujo,” says Ushasi. From biryani and phuchka to rolls and pulao-mangsho, everything makes the festive list. “Streets buzz with aromas, turning outings into foodie adventures. My heart always returns to bhog – khichuri, beguni, labra,” she added.From alarm clocks to dhaak beats“I still remember waiting eagerly for Pujo holidays as a child — no studies, only fun. Even now, the excitement remains,” shares the actress. Amidst a hectic shooting schedule, Pujo is her escape from deadlines, scripts, and alarms, replaced by the soulful dhaak beats. She shared: “After Saptami at home, I will be on a much-needed vacation. Puja holidays are a double bonanza — festivity at home and the joy of travel.”Togetherness that time cannot fadeDurga Puja is all about returning to her ancestral home for some much-needed family time. “Every Pujo, I find myself thinking of my childhood like dressing up in new clothes, watching rituals,” she said. “Even today, every Pujo brings back the same magic.”Ushasi’s festive lookOutfit: Ushasi is wearing a yellow jacquard anarkali, paired with a blue embroidered organza drape from Wishful available in W storesMake-up: Go for brown smokey eyes & a nude lip colourJewellery: Pair with heavy gold jhumkas or a chokerFootwear: Opt for juttis or embellished kitten heelsUshasi RayUshasi Ray says, “Every year, my prayer to Maa Durga is peace and strength for everyone”Pic: Kaustav Saikia; makeup-hair: Baban Islam; styling: Anupam Chatterjee