For me, Diwali means warmth & celebration: Kayadu Lohar

Most of the time, our friends and family are all over and busy. But a celebration like Diwali brings everybody together at home. When I think of Diwali, I think of warmth and celebration,” shares Kayadu Lohar. In a chat with us, the actress opens up about her cherished Diwali memories and her plans to celebrate the festival this year.‘My Diwalis are mostly about spending time with friends and family’I’ll be shooting, but if I get a day or two off, I’ll go to my hometown in Assam to celebrate at my grandparents’ house. I usually celebrate Diwali in Pune with my parents and brother. We split the duties amongst us. My mom does the puja preparations, and I do the décor and make rangoli. My Diwalis are mostly about spending time with friends and family and playing games and cards with them.‘SHOPPING FOR DIWALI USED TO BE VERY EXCITING’Growing up, Diwali, Sankranti and Dussehra were the major festivals I used to celebrate.

And Diwali was the biggest. I remember, my sister and I used to sing aarti at the top of our voices while doing puja for Lakshmi Maa . Going shopping for Diwali used to also be very exciting because you’d get new clothes.‘I CONSCIOUSLY DECIDED NOT TO BURST CRACKERS FROM MY 10TH GRADE’I used to burst firecrackers during my childhood. But from 10th grade, I consciously decided not to do it. It’s difficult because we’ve enjoyed bursting firecrackers since childhood. I’m an animal lover and have a pet at home as well.

There are many animals outside who don’t have a home and bursting crackers makes it very difficult for them.‘I OPT FOR A LIGHTWEIGHT SARI OR SIMPLE KURTA, NO MAKEUP, NO JEWELLERY FOR FESTIVALS’My work entails a lot of getting ready and looking presentable. I dress up so much that when I’m at home during a festival, I don’t feel like dressing up. I want to be relaxed. I’d just wear my pyjamas, which would make my mom upset. She’d be like, ‘What’s wrong with you? You’ve to dress up a little bit.’ So, if I have to, I prefer a lightweight sari or a simple kurta.

No makeup, no jewellery… just a low bun and a lip gloss will do.‘I’M TRYING TO BE AS REAL AS I CAN BE’This year has been a roller coaster ride. I’ve seen the highs and immediately seen the lows. I feel that’s good because it makes you stronger. You’ve got to pick yourself up and move ahead. That’s all I’ve done all my life. Be it highs or lows, I’m always ready. I’m trying to be as real as I can be and not get delusional.On her upcoming projects...In Tamil, I’m part of STR 49 and two other projects that I can’t talk about. In Telugu, I’m doing Paradise with Nani and Srikanth (Odela) sir. I don’t think anybody is expecting me to do a character like the one I’m doing in Paradise . It’s a period film and as you’ve seen in Dasara (2023), the world Srikanth sir creates is amazing. I’m lucky to be a part of such a film. In Malayalam, I completed the shoot for Pallichattambi with Tovino (Thomas).

There’s just one song left to shoot. It’s totally different from my character in Dragon . I’ll also begin shooting for I’m Game with Dulquer (Salmaan) later this month.