Holi Special with Rakul Preet Singh: Pichkaris, gujiya and gulal is her mantra

Rakul Preet Singh has loved playing Holi since childhood, and her earliest memory of the festival takes her back to standard four. “My brother and I would fill water balloons and throw them at people. We would play Holi with water and colours until our parents had to pull us back home.

We’d come back with red ears and noses, and then there would be the herculean task of scrubbing colours off our skin,” she shares. As she grew older, her perspective changed. “I realised I didn’t want to waste water, but I cherish those memories deeply,” she says.Growing up, one thing made Holi extra special — gujiya. “I used to wait for Holi just for gujiyas, and I still do,” she says. Marriage to Jackky Bhagnani has added new hues to her celebrations.

“The fun part is that I get to celebrate this vibrant festival with the love of my life. Jackky is my best friend, and playing Holi with him is always fun. I’m also learning new customs. Post-marriage, a new tradition is the puja and prayers that accompany playing Holi.

Celebrating with a newfound family is extremely joyful.”For the De De Pyaar De 2 actress Holika Dahan, which falls on the night before the festival of colours. She says, “For me, that ritual means consciously letting go of any untapped emotion or fear that is holding me back. I pray that the negativity and energy that do not serve me well burn away, and that peace remains.” Box: Rakul’s favourite Holi numbersWe love dancing to Rang Barse and Do Me a Favour, Let’s Play Holi