Diwali gave me my first big break as an actor: Ramesh Aravind

For actor Ramesh Aravind, Diwali isn’t just another festival; it’s a yearly reminder of family, fun, and the very spark that lit his acting career. The ever-smiling star, who has charmed audiences for over three decades and is cur rently in the UK shooting for his film, says that no matter where he is, Diwali brings the feeling of home.
‘FOR ME, DIWALI IS ALL ABOUT CELEBRATING FAMILY, LAUGHTER AND TOGETHERNESS’
For the actor, the festival isn’t just about lights and sweets; it’s about family, laughter, and the that make him feel at home. “It’s one of the festivals we truly love celebrating as a family. My wife has had this beautiful habit for nearly 30-35 years now; she calls the entire family for dinner. The whole clan gathers, the elders sit around in chairs outside, and the younger generation plays with firecrackers. It’s become a lovely ritual; around 50-60 people come together every year. That’s what Diwali means to us – celebrating togetherness,” he says.
‘AS KIDS, DIWALI MEANT TESTING HOW HIGH OUR FIRECRACKERS COULD GO. IT WAS SO SILLY!’
The actor recalls that Diwali, during his growing-up years, was simple, mischievous, and full of homemade treats. “For middle-class families, Diwali was a huge deal. We were so mischievous! We’d do silly things with firecrackers to see how high it would fly. Looking back, it was dangerously stupid,” he chuckles.
‘AS A NEW ACTOR, DIWALI GAVE ME THREE FILM OFFERS’
“In my early days of acting, I was doing a few television programmes when the channel asked me to film a short ‘Safe Diwali’ message. That little project changed my life. It was noticed by filmmakers, and on the same day, I got offers for three films. Everyone dreams of one break, but I got three! So yes, Diwali gave me my first break as an actor,” he adds.
‘SOME OF MY FONDEST MEMORIES ARE OF MOM MAKING EVERYTHING FROM SCRATCH, WITH US KIDS HELPING IN LITTLE WAYS’
When it comes to Diwali delicacies, Ramesh’s memories are filled with the aroma of freshly fried murukkus and sweets, as well as jaggery. “In those days, everything was made at home. My mother would make everything from scratch, and all of us kids would help her in small ways. I had a weakness for fried snacks like murukkus — and my absolute favourite sweet was something called Manohara.” The actor also recalls how new clothes were a big part of the celebration. “Back then, buying new clothes was a huge deal,” he says, adding, “It happened maybe once or twice a year, and Diwali was one of those times. Everyone wanted the latest style in our time; it was bell-bottoms and big collars.”
‘IT’S IMPORTANT TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL IN THE MOMENT RATHER THAN ON SOCIAL MEDIA’
In an era where many people celebrate more for the ‘gram than for the moment, Ramesh believes festivals should still be about genuine joy. “Whether it’s Diwali or any festival, it can’t be just an Instagram motivator,” he says, adding, “It’s not wrong to post, but it’s more important actually to enjoy the festival. Were you there, did you feel the moment — that’s what matters. Enjoy first, post later.”

‘DIWALI IS MORE THAN THE SPARKLE OF DIYAS AND FIREWORKS’
He adds that Diwali is more than the sparkle of diyas and the crackle of fireworks — it’s a life lesson. “One small lamp is enough to dispel a huge darkness. That’s what Diwali teaches us: a small effort in the right direction can have an extraordinary outcome. You don’t need grand gestures; you need the right intention. That’s what this festival of light is all about,” he says.