How India's telly stars are celebrating Raksha Bandhan this year

 

With Indians the world over celebrating Raksha Bandhan today, how can stars of the country’s popular soaps stay behind? Television stars share how they are celebrating this festival of sibling love and what Raksha Bandhan means to them. For them, Raksha Bandhan also invokes memories of childhood.

Gurdeep Kohli who plays the title role of Sethji said, “Yes, I do celebrate Raksha Bandhan. I do not have a real brother and would celebrate the occasion by tying a rakhi to my cousin brothers. Now I have been blessed with two children, a girl and a boy, so for the past two years Rakhi has been celebrated in a huge way at home. We try to make it special for our children by explaining the importance of Raksha Bandhan and instilling in them the thought that it’s not just tying a rakhi but a promise that the brother will always look after his sister and vice versa.”

Jyoti Sharma who plays Tejaswini in Aisi Deewangi Dekhi Nahi Kahi said, “I have an elder sister who is also a godmother to me, she is my guardian, my biggest confidant, the person I fight the most with and the one I love deeply. She is always there, no matter what. I remember during my holidays I would go to visit her while she was studying in Chandigarh and she would take care of me like a mother. After my mother passed away, she has actually stepped in and looked after the entire family. So Raksha Bandhan is very special to me because though I am a girl myself, I am more like a brother to my elder sister and I am very protective about her. I usually send her a lot of gifts on Raksha Bandhan.”

Karanvir Bohra who hosts India’s Best Judwaah said, “Rakhi is very special for me. My fondest memory of Rakhi is I always had my hand full of rakhis during Raksha Bandhan as we stayed in a joint family. I have very fond memories of Raksha Bandhan. Be it waking up early and getting ready, hiding the gifts before the Pooja from my sisters and then the Rakhi ceremony, the day has always been wonderful. I share a very special bond with my sister Meenakshi, she has been very protective and loving. She was always stronger and more aggressive than me. She would protect me instead of me protecting her. This year also, I am planning to do something special for her.”

Sheen Dass, who plays Pooja in 'Piyaa Albela', shares on Raksha Bandhan, “Raksha Bandhan is very special for me since my best friend is my sister only and I am glad that she has always been there for me. We are very very close and we understand each other completely. My cousin brother and sister have always surprised on Raksha Bandhan. Initially they would call me saying that we can’t come this year but later they ring the door bell and surprise me with gifts and chocolates. ‘Main Teri Raksha Karunga’ was the promise always made by my brother to me and in return,I promise him the same.”

Shakti Arora, said, “I have two sisters -  Dr Sangita Khanna and Priti Ghai. As I am still going be here in Indonesia. I won't be able to meet my sisters in person. One of my sisters is in Texas and the other one is in Mumbai. Mostly we'll celebrate through a video call. The most memorable incident in my mind which is imprinted since many years, is how we used to have a very big get together of all sisters and brothers. Now, we are in different places, so it has become tough. I miss those get togethers. The best thing about my sisters is that they are very friendly and caring. Although they still treat me like a small kid because. they know how mischievous I was. So, their advice mode is always on.”

Ssharad Malhotraa, said “My sister Reema Pawa is based in Kolkata. I had crazy times with her in childhood years. I am always just a phone call away from her. I am going to Kolkata to celebrate Rakhi with her. It is always a good feeling to celebrate festivals with her. Elder sisters are always protective and concerned. I wait for Raksha Bandhan every year.”