Deepavali is all about family time for Tamannaah

For most people, Deepavali is synonymous with family time and taking a break from work. And it is no different for our Kollywood girl Tamannaah Bhatia, who is back in her den in Mumbai, and will be spending a few days with her family and friends. In fact, she looks forward to this time of the year as she gets to binge eat, draw rangolis and be a part of the puja.In a bright brocade blouse with cutout sleeves and a glamorous Benaras skirt in checks and a contrasting border, Tamannaah displayed her festive mood in this fun photo shoot and interview with Chennai Times...
Deepavali is all about family time for Tamannaah
For most people, Deepavali is synonymous with family time and taking a break from work. And it is no different for our Kollywood girl Tamannaah Bhatia, who is back in her den in Mumbai, and will be spending a few days with her family and friends. In fact, she looks forward to this time of the year as she gets to binge eat, draw rangolis and be a part of the puja. In a bright brocade blouse with cutout sleeves and a glamorous Benaras skirt in checks and a contrasting border, Tamannaah displayed her festive mood in this fun photo shoot and interview with Chennai Times...
Could you share some childhood Deepavali memories?
I remember drawing rangolis outside my house. Choosing the colours, mixing them and deciding the designs was so much fun. And at the end of it, it would feel like a big accomplishment even if the rangoli looked ridiculously funny. I found the entire process very relaxing. Rangoli is an art. I would also make my own diyas, paint them, stick figurines and decorate them. This would would be followed by a special Deepavali puja that would take place at home and at our office. Later in the evening, we would go to Mahalakshmi Temple in Mumbai and end the day with an amazing meal. That is how most of my Deepavalis have been.
What about bursting crackers?
I stopped bursting crackers a long time ago. I believe it creates a lot of pollution and I don���t like how the city looks after Deepavali because of all the garbage. It makes the city dirty. So, why create the trash in the first place? As far as I remember, I have never burst crackers through most of my childhood.
And your sweet cravings?
Sweets are part of our festivals. We always have prashad for all the pujas. But everybody is a little more conscious now ��� all the sweets that are made at home are sugar-free. I generally don���t have too many sweets, but during festivals, I indulge.
Which one has been your most memorable Deepavali?
I don���t have a particular Deepavali that is etched on my memory. But for the past few years, I make it a point to spend time at home. We go out and have a meal together. It is as simple as that. I also think that celebrations in general have become very low-key these days. It is more peaceful now. My mother loves hosting relatives and guests, so the house is filled with relatives. Also, I love shopping and would just hit the mall and shop. Someone should just leave me in the mall and I���m a happy child. Deepavali is also the time when many movies release. So, I try and catch up on one of them. This year two of my best friends are coming down to Mumbai, so I will be spending time with them.
Set pe Deepavali...
Surprisingly, I have never had shoot schedules during the festival or have stayed away from home. I think its because most of the movies are not shot during this time. Everybody is given a holiday because all the people working want to go back home.