Tinsel town buys: TV stars reveal their most memorable Diwali purchases

Diwali festival is that time of the year when everyone loves to take a pause and spend time with their loved ones. It is also considered an auspicious period to start something new or buy something new. Adgully spoke to some popular television celebrities to know what have been their most expensive or memorable purchases for Diwali, and how they celebrated the festival this year.

Aditi Gowitrikar

“Diwali generally has been a memorable festival every year for me because the family gets together. When I was a child, my mother used to make sweets and all the Faral, as it is called in Marathi, at home and we used to help her. There were eight families that lived together, and we used to exchange the sweetmeats in a big thali. So, we got to eat all those amazing foods.

I think the most expensive thing that I have bought was a gold jewellery set for myself. I still have it.

This year I decided to celebrate Diwali in a very different fashion, because I just finished ‘Marvelous Mrs. India Season 2’. It being a very hectic schedule, I needed a break. In order to de-stress and detox from the external world, I have come to Kairali Ayurvedic village, which is in Palakkad district in Kerala. So, I am just having a very different kind of peaceful and quiet Diwali this year.”

Sreejita De Blohm-Pape

“We buy gold or silver on Dhanteras time. It need not necessarily be a huge chunk of jewellery. It’s just for good luck and good wishes that we buy any kind of metal, especially gold. It’s not a culture in West Bengal to buy very expensive products or gifts during Diwali. We like to meet our relatives and have good food together. We give each other diyas and sweets. It's more about family bonding and sharing love.

This year, however, there was a heart-breaking incident in our family. I lost my grandmother on October 28. So, I want to be with myself and my husband, stay at home and pray for her soul. I’m sure she’s in a better place.

Because it is a Bengali tradition to go to Kali Mandir on Diwali, I’ll go to the Kali Mandir at night and just be home with my husband and feel my grandma’s presence.”

Romiit Raj

“My most expensive purchase has been my home in Mumbai, which I bought during Diwali a few years back. It was possible only because of my mother and father, who advised me to buy a house first before considering a luxury car or international holidays. My mother is my everything, she always encouraged me and reassured me, especially when I felt anxious about paying the EMIs, given that an actor’s income is very uncertain. Yes, I still live in the same house. Unfortunately, my parents have passed away, but I truly believe it is their blessings that made it possible to own a house in Mumbai. I feel this is the most special Diwali as I am part of the biggest show on Indian television, ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’.”

Shivangi Verma

“My most memorable purchase was a beautiful gold chain that I bought for myself during Diwali a few years ago. It was a bit on the pricier side, but the design really caught my eye. I felt it was a special treat to celebrate the festival.  I still have it. I wear it on special occasions, especially during festivals and family gatherings. It holds a lot of sentimental value for me and reminds me of that wonderful Diwali. This year, I plan to celebrate Diwali by decorating my home with lights and diyas, preparing some traditional sweets, and spending quality time with family and friends. I also want to take some time for self-reflection and gratitude, embracing the spirit of the festival. Plus, I’m looking forward to enjoying the festive meals together.”

Anupama Solanki

“The most expensive thing that I have bought for Diwali with my own money is the iPhone 14 Pro Max 1 TB. Before that, my family used to give me phones and I was totally dependent on them. I now understand the value of hard earned money.

I am very excited and happy to celebrate Diwali because everything is going well around me. There are back-to-back celebrations lined up – Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Goverdhan Puja and then my birthday on November 2.”

Manish Naggdev

“I bought the first AC of the house in our entire family on Diwali 17 years back. Today, I don’t have that AC, of course, as we shifted from that house a long time back. This year, I am enjoying the best Diwali ever, as this year has given me the No. 1 show on television – ‘Anupama’ – and my entire family is on cloud nine. Everyone is in their best mood ever. We will do everything possible to make this Diwali the most memorable one.”