For actress Paoli, Pujo is more than joy and positivity. “Maa Durga’s arrival is about optimism, strength and reunions,” she says. CT catches up with the Bulbbul actress to know about her childhood memories, festive shopping and plans.
‘Pujo meant reunions’Growing up in a joint family, Pujo for Paoli was a grand reunion. “Mornings were for pandal-hopping in north Kolkata, evenings for Ambassador rides with Baba across south, and nights ended with debates on the best pandal,” she recalls.
Sari ritualsOne Ashtami ritual Paoli never misses is draping a sari gifted by her mother for pushpanjali. On Dashami, she wears her mother-in-law’s gift for sindoor khela. Reminiscing childhood days, she says, “Shopping was an adventure with endless sprees with Maa, pocket money from my aunts, and the excitement of choosing shoes from newspapers.”
Paoli’s stylist Poulami Gupta says, “The wine sharara set is perfect for morning pandal-hopping rituals.”
Culinary memoriesFood defines Paoli’s Pujo memories. “As a child, Maa’s cooking turned
every gathering into a picnic,” says Paoli. Now, it feels incomplete without “double egg chicken rolls at 2am, puchka after a hearty adda, bhoger khichuri, labra and mishti.”
Rituals & RevelryFor Paoli, Pujo is about soaking in every shade of festivity. She says, “From participating in Pujo rituals to parikramas with my parents, I embrace it all.”
Paoli’s festive lookOutfit: Paoli is wearing a sharara set from Aurelia’s festive collection available in stores
Hair: Loose curls with fresh flowers for a playful quirk
Jewellery: Bold statement earrings
Footwear: Matching mojris for comfort with style
Attitude: A confident smile that ties the look together
Durga Puja is not just a festival, it’s an emotion, which is why I never leave the city during this time of the year
Paoli
I shop throughout the year, but Pujo shopping has its own charm. In fact, I find greater joy in buying festive gifts for loved ones now, than shoppingfor myself
Paoli
Pics: Tathagata Ghosh; makeup: Abhijit Paul; hair: Sananda Laha; styled by: Poulami Gupta; assisted by: Baishakhi Pal
Ruman Ganguly is a Principal Correspondent at Calcutta Times. She...
Read MoreRuman Ganguly is a Principal Correspondent at Calcutta Times. She covers Tollywood and fashion, besides her regular responsibilities at the desk. Her passions include movies, reading and avante-garde fashion shoots.
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