La Tomatina is a vibe: Sameer Puranik

For many, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was more than just a film— it was a bucket list waiting to happen. For actor Sameer Puranik, that iconic tomato-slinging sequence was enough to plant the dream of experiencing Spain’s La Tomatina Festival firsthand. This year, he finally lived it. When he landed in Buñol, the small Valencian town that hosts the festival, the sight before him was overwhelming. “The crowd was humongous! The energy was unbelievable,” he said.

‘A CARNIVAL OF CHAOS’
“From the start, the festival felt like a carnival of chaos. Attendees are picked up from Barcelona, dropped at a starting point where ticket counters and goodies await, and then taken into the heart of the celebration. Every part of the process was curated so well. People were vibing on their own frequency, strangers handing out goodies, everyone just in the mood for fun. The organisers were accommodating, the police were on point—security was handled really well,” he shares.

‘WATCHING PEOPLE COME TOGETHER TO CLEAN WAS A SIGHT TO BEHOLD’
What struck him most was the participation of the locals. “Before the tomatoes even arrive, residents from balconies splash water on you, laughing and playing along. And then, the big moment: the first gunshot. That’s when you know the trucks are coming in. The excitement is surreal. Honestly, it felt like ZNMD was replaying in front of my eyes.” The hour that followed was pure madness. “Yes, the actual tomato fight lasts only about an hour—but in that time, it’s unforgettable. Five or six massive trucks roll in, dumping tomatoes everywhere. People are slipping, throwing, rolling around in tomatoes—it sounds childish, but it’s so much fun. Even now, I can still smell them,” he laughs. “I don’t think I’ll ever look at a tomato the same way again.” “And after the festival, the same locals come together to help clean everything up. Within a few hours, the entire town is spotless. It’s beautiful— tourists and locals coming together like that,” he shares.

‘AMID PROTEST CONCERNS, PEOPLE WERE VERY WELCOMING’
Despite concerns about protests against over-tourism in Spain, Sameer says he was relieved by the warmth of the locals. “We’d heard that some communities were unhappy with tourism driving up the cost of living, but fortunately we didn’t experience any hostility,” he says. Was Tomatina everything he hoped it would be? “More,” he says without hesitation. “It had its ups and downs—long walks, barely any time to take pictures because we were so immersed in the moment—but that’s exactly what made it unforgettable. Safety and facilities were taken care of, the vibe was amazing, and I’d happily do it again. Next time, though, I’ll be better prepared,” he laughs.