Easter's about family, hope and renewal: Rachel David

"Look at all these Easter eggs and hot cross buns,” exclaims actor Rachel David, as she steps into the frame for a Bangalore Times shoot, welcoming the season of Easter. “As kids, we used to get so caught up with the Easter eggs and goodies, but now as an adult, I realise that the true spirit of Easter is about renewal, hope, and spending meaningful time with loved ones,” shares the actress. In a chat with us, she talks about her memories of Easter and more. Excerpts:

‘LENT IS ALL ABOUT SACRIFICE AND SPENDING TIME IN REFLECTION’
For Rachel, Easter is not just about celebrating with her loved ones. Giving up on something that she loves during Lent also holds a lot of significance. She says, “Easter, for me, isn’t just a single day; it’s linked to the period of Lent, too. This period has always been about sacrifice; as I give up something I truly love for 40 days. What I choose to forgo changes each year – be it food, sugar, or even social media – and each time, it’s an active step towards focusing my intentions and spending time in reflection.”


‘EASTER IS THE TIME TO SET CLEAR GOALS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR’
Rachel sees Easter as a welcome pause from everything, after a busy start to the year. “I feel like Easter is a reset button. This year, January, February, and March were quite hectic, both personally and professionally. So, Easter and prepping for it feel like the perfect moment to pause, take stock, and make intentional choices for what comes next, both in my career and personal life. I’ve already created a vision board to help channel that energy and decide on the path ahead,” she says.
‘EASTER IS A TIME WHEN THE WHOLE FAMILY COMES TOGETHER.’
Offering a glimpse into their family’s Easter customs in Bengaluru, she tells us, “Growing up, Easter has always been at my grandmother’s. Nobody cooks our favourites like she does. It’s a true feast, a family affair where we finally break our 40-day fast together. We usually eat so much that a post-meal movie and nap are inevitable!” This year, Rachel is marking a new milestone. “This Easter feels new and different because it’s my first as a married woman,” says the actress, who tied the knot with Bengaluru-based entrepreneur Anto Philip, in October last year.
“While our own home isn’t quite ready for hosting – the kitchen’s still a work in progress – we’re excited to celebrate with family. Everything feels special as a new couple, so we’re making sure to spend time with both sides of our families. We’re planning to divide the day, having lunch with my family and then joining his family for dinner,” she tells us.