Exclusive! Urmila Matondkar: Diwali is a time to light yourself up from within

Urmila Matondkar has always embraced tradition with a personal touch. With Diwali coming up, she talks about what the festival means to her. “Diwali is my official let-go time of the year. I indulge completely in Diwali snacks, including chivda, laddoos and especially anarsa — my all-time favourite! Diwali is really all about lights — they bring joy and energy into every corner of your life. Spiritually, Diwali is a time to light yourself up from within. Like they say in Buddhism — ‘Appo Deepo Bhava’ — be a light unto yourself. It’s about letting go of darkness and moving forward into wisdom and clarity. It’s a time to bow down to the universe for everything it has showered upon us,” she says.

‘I’ve never been able to play cards with money during Diwali’

Urmila says, “I follow all the rituals, and our Laxmi Puja in the evening is detailed and beautifully decorative. But one thing I’ve never been able to do is play cards with money during Diwali. It’s not a part of our Maharashtrian tradition.” Remembering celebrating Diwali on a film set, the actress shared, “The most memorable one was on the set of Dillagi, with Sunny and Bobby Deol. The vibe was festive, the food was amazing, and we just had so much fun.”




‘Generally, my style is minimalistic, but during Diwali I love going fully traditional’

Urmila loves going all out with her during the festival season. “I’m an absolute fan of ethnic wear. If you’ve seen my songs — Chamma Chamma, Sabki Baaratein Aayi — I’ve danced in the heaviest lehengas and jewellery without ever compromising on energy. That’s my ode to . In the film Khoobsurat, I portrayed various bridal looks — from Bengali to South Indian. I went all out. I truly believe Indian jewellery is among the finest in the world. Generally, my style is minimalistic, but during Diwali I love going fully traditional. Saris, lehengas and temple jewellery — the works.”

Urmila’s Diwali rituals

Sharing her fondest childhood memories of Diwali, the Rangeela actress says, “Back in the day, the weather during Diwali used to be cold. We’d be woken up at the crack of dawn, scrubbed with ubtan and oil, and given a bitter fruit (Chirata) that we had to break with our heel — a symbolic way to cast off bad vibes and negativity. After that, we’d light diyas, do the puja, and then eat Diwali faral with the whole family. Crackers were exciting too, but only the gentle ones — fuljhadis and anars. The only downside? Diwali homework! We always left it till the last day, crying and rushing to get it done just in time for school.”



‘Firecrackers drive my pets into panic mode’

The animal lover that she is, Urmila hates noisy crackers and escapes from the city so that her dogs can enjoy a noise-free Diwali. She says, “My dogs are my family. And sadly, firecrackers drive them into panic mode. In recent years, I’ve started going to my farmhouse during the festival — it’s quieter, and my dogs are calmer there. I celebrate Diwali in my own way — peacefully, traditionally and surrounded by love. Honestly, that’s what the festival is about.”