Dussehra: TV Actors Share Their Childhood Memories

It is that time of the year again. Yes, people it is Dussehra. This is the time that signifies the winning of good over evil. We at HT Desimartini.com hope good always prevails over bad and we implore all the gods and goddesses to grant us our wish. On the occasion, Desimartini got in touch with your favourite TV actors who shared their memories of Dussehra and what this festival means to them. Read on - 

Laksh Lalwani: Dussehra reminds me of Ram Leela and Ravan burning. As a child, I used to make my own Ravan and burn it with my colony guy friends. It used to be amazing. Good will always win over evil and Dussehra signifies this.

Romit Raj: My fondest memories of Dussehra is going to see Raavan being burnt. You see kids, all happy, clapping believing that Lord Ram has won over evil and now it’s time to celebrate. The evillest thing is being disrespectful towards women, sexually exploiting women and I feel strict action should be taken against it. This sexual harassment is so common unfortunately, because men think they can get away with it. Laws should be so stringent and quick-acting in settling cases that in a week the man if found guilty should be punished in public.

Vivian Dsena: In Bhopal, we used to go to Ramleela Maidan in a group. The tale of Ram Leela always used to make me curious about Ram and Ravan. In textbooks also, I read and it was always inspiring to know the victory of good over evil. Dussehra holidays were a lot of fun and enjoyment, I used to eat a lot of Ghar ka khana (food cooked at home) and play around. I still feel like a child when I see Ramleela happening in Mumbai. Our history is rich in culture and real stories. Ram Ravan story appeals to every child.

Arjun Bijlani: Dussehra for everyone is a victory of good over evil. I remember my childhood days playing with 'Dhanush baan' and 'gada' toys, Ravan masks and considering myself no less than the Ramayan characters, Ram, Ravan and Hanuman.

Shivin Narang: In Delhi, I used to get pocket money to buy crackers. I used to go in the truck with other boys to a big playground and enjoy Ramleela especially the burning of the Ravan Putla (Ravana effigy). With my neighbourhood guy friends, we used to make Chota Ravan using paper and scrap material. In Delhi, we used to eat sweets too and Dussehra used to be fantastic as after Navratri fasting one can eat everything. I used to go to the temple too. Parents used to buy new clothes.

Ssharad Malhotra: Dussehra means festivities and celebrations, the weather is also pleasant. The best memory of the day is when I played the character of Ram in school and I got a standing ovation for my performance. I feel nostalgic when I think about it.

Shashank Vyas: Ujjain is a colourful city in terms of festivals. Ramleela happens a lot in Ujjain and I have seen it a couple of times. The feeling of victory of good over evil is the essence of life which one is reminded of every Dussehra.

Aniruddh Dave: In Jaipur, Dussehra is big and people dress up in new clothes. I have been theatre actor so Ramleela has always intrigued me as an actor. Dussehra is not just a festival it reflects the philosophy of life.

Sneha Wagh: Dussehra in childhood was going to meet friends and family with bauhinia leaves (aptyache paan). Being a typical Marathi family, this would happen every year.  There's not one evil that should be removed. There are many to name. But the biggest is inequality in every term should be eradicated. Along with intolerance.

Saurabh Pandey: I always pray for being humble and always remember that we all rise from the soil and go back to the soil. There is no one bigger or smaller. I always pray to God to give me wisdom that I keep my ego at bay. Also with the story of Ravan, we all learn that no matter how rich or good you are, if you allow your ego to take over you then you are as good as dead.  My fondest memory of Dussehra is when I was 6 years and we were invited to the big Raamleela ground in Naraina, Delhi to attend the Dussehra Celebration where the last chapter of Ravan dying is enacted and followed by the climax i.e. when all 3 big 120-feet Ravan effigy along with Kumbkaran’s and Meghnad’s were set to fire with loud crackers and "Jai Shree Ram" slogans