DHANTERAS 2022: I video called my mother to guide me to do dhanteras ki puja vidhi, says Shayank Shukla

Pic Courtesy: PR

His performance in the recently released film Goodbye (which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Rashmika Mandanna) earned him great reviews. Soon, he will be seen in the series ‘Dhanaabad' (which will release next year) and also ‘Sunflower 2' with Vikas Behl. Mid Day Online caught up with the actor to know how he spent Dhanteras and his plans for Diwali 2022.

Were you aware of the exact Dhanteras date or better still, let me ask you in true Bollywood style: did you know Dhanteras kab hai or do you Google Dhanteras kab ki hai? I am asking you whether you are aware of the Dhanteras date?
I knew it well. Because before any festival comes up, my family discusses about it and start preparing for it. Hence, I'm very much aware 10 15 days before about Diwali and Dhanteras, Bhaiduj.

That means you did not ask anyone "Iss saal Dhanteras kab manae jayegi?"
Arre! I very well knew that, iss saal 22nd October ko manayi jaygi! Fir choti Diwali aur Fir Badi Diwali (smiles).

And what about Dhanteras / Diwali Dhanteras 2022 date timing? In other words, what was Dhanteras timing 2022?
Timing was 6pm this year for the pooja.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan has a question for Suhana after she shares pictures in a saree

Did you do Dhanteras puja?
Yesss! I did this year's pooja because it brings financial prosperity.

What are your plans for Diwali 2022?
I'll go shopping and buy some stuffs for Diwali. Mostly people buy gold and silver in Dhanteras. So, even I purchased something.

Did you draw rangoli for Dhanteras- Dhanteras Rangoli?
I don't know to make rangolis. So, I took the help of someone who did it for me.

People buy gold during Dhanteras. Aapne iss Dhanteras (dhanteras 2022) me kya kharide?
I purchased as per my budget (smiles).

Were you aware of Dhanteras puja vidhi? Who in your family knows dhanteras ki puja vidhi?
I'm little bit aware of it. But my mom has exact Idea so when I do the pooja. I video called her and she guided so well.

Did you search for ‘Happy Dhanteras' images? Did you Google search dhanteras kab ki hai?
No. I don't have to search for images because my well-wishers had already sent me wishes and memories since morning. So, I just forward them (laughs). So, I don't have to take much effort since my mom and dad had already informed me about the festivals timings and everything etc. This is better because Google sometime confuses you but parents know better so I'm well updated in advance.

What are your Diwali plans?
This Diwali is quite special for me because my 2 films have released this year back to back. I'll be celebrating it with my friends and family. This time the excitement is more because my friends and family have watched the film so we will be talking about that as well.

Do you believe in gifting or getting gifts during Diwali?
Getting gifts and surprises really makes you feel great. But I feel it's very important to give quality time to someone rather than gifts. Diwali is a festival to be celebrated with your close ones which is more precious and joyful than giving gifts.

Do you burst firecrackers during the festival or you believe in sound and smoke pollution free Diwali?
I definitely believe in pollution free Diwali because it harms our eco system. So I believe we should work on consciously controlling the pollution during Diwali and on normal days as well. Celebrate festival of lights with diyas not with fire crackers and disturbing others.

What does Diwali mean to you?
I enjoy every festival. For me Diwali is about winning over evil and celebrating with lights. I feel it's about giving love and showering happiness and positivity everywhere. These festivals create strong emotional bond with each other.

What new / exciting stuff have you planned for Diwali this year?
I like cleaning my house for Diwali, lighting diya and performing all rituals. This time I'll try to light more diyas and meet more people and gift them.

Also Read: DIWALI 2022: Sharvari's favourite Diwali ritual is 'pahili pahat'