Vardhaan Puri recalls Diwali crackers and sweets with Amrish Puri
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actor Vardhaan Puri has shared warm childhood memories of celebrating Diwali with his late grandfather, legendary actor Amrish Puri — recalling indulgent feasts of traditional sweets and the joy of bursting firecrackers together, a tradition he has since moved away from out of environmental awareness.
Sweet Memories and Childhood Rituals
Speaking about his fondest Diwali recollections, Vardhaan said he was 'obsessed' with Kaju Katli as a child. 'My fondest childhood memories are those with my grandparents at home. I used to be obsessed with Kaju Katli. So, Kaju Katli, Moti Choor ke Laddu, Besan Laddu, Kheer, Rasmalai. I used to really enjoy sweets. I still do, but now due to my fitness goals, I try to be very disciplined,' he said.
He also candidly acknowledged a shift in his values around firecrackers. 'I also remember us bursting a lot of crackers and not being very mindful of our environment. I guess that was just a phase of my life, so I have stopped bursting crackers as that's the last thing the world needs at this point,' Vardhaan added.
Traditions He Still Follows
One custom the actor has maintained since childhood is buying new clothes for Diwali. 'I like to wear them when I am in the pujas and when the family comes over. That always makes me feel good,' he said. The family also makes it a point to purchase silver or gold every Diwali — either as jewellery or vessels — as it is considered auspicious. Vardhaan added that he particularly enjoys shopping with his mother and sending out personalised gifts to those closest to him.
Diwali as a Festival for All Indians
For Vardhaan, the festival carries meaning well beyond religious boundaries. 'I see that on Diwali, people of different faiths, different religions, different castes come together and have a great time together irrespective of their differences,' he said. He views the occasion as a moment of collective celebration that transcends community lines.
Letting Bygones Be Bygones
The actor also uses Diwali as a personal reset — an opportunity to mend strained relationships. 'If I have any grudges or any kind of ill feelings towards anyone, I like to make a call to them or reach out to them in some way and create a happy, peaceful relationship between us,' he said, adding that he hopes to extend this practice beyond the festival season to his everyday life.