Ugadi feels extra special with our film releasing: Milana Nagaraj

Milana Nagaraj and Darling Krishna are a couple who believe festivals are meant to be celebrated with family. “And not less than 25 people must be present at lunch,” smiles Milana. “Everything about Ugadi is grand at our home — from the outfits to the décor and the meal. We don’t believe in cutting corners; we go all out,” she says. Their daughter Pari will celebrate her second Ugadi this year, and Milana is excited about dressing her up in traditional finery. “Now that she’s a year and a half, I have more options,” she shares.For Milana, Ugadi is also about togetherness and tradition. She has fond memories of celebrating the festival in Hassan with family elders, and since moving to Bengaluru, she ensures those rituals continue. “We usually go to my chikappa’s or atte’s home, and it’s always a lot of fun,” she says. “I also love shopping for fruits and vegetables myself. I put on a mask and pick the freshest produce — Krishna teases me about it,” she adds with a laugh.With Love Mocktail 3 releasing on Ugadi, the celebrations are extra special this year. “It’s a double dhamaka for us. Our family will be watching the film, and we’ll be home for the pooja and lunch,” she says. “New clothes are a must — it marks the start of a new year, and I still get excited about it,” she says. She signs off with a simple thought, “Ugadi is also a time to take a step towards your goals. Like the saying goes, bevu bella thindu olled maathadi — eat sweet and speak sweet. Be kind to everyone.”