Jaya Bhattacharya plays Urmila, the stepmother of Kartik (Ashish Dixit), who harbours a hidden agenda against her family. New Delhi: Jaya Bhattacharya, known for her impactful role as Urmila in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya , shares her cherished memories and personal reflections on celebrating Diwali. With a deep-rooted love for tradition, Jaya emphasises Diwali’s significance, blending nostalgia with a heartfelt call for mindful celebrations that focus on love, positivity, and harmony with nature.
Reflecting on Diwali’s importance, Jaya Bhattacharya said, “Lighting diyas and illuminating the whole house is the best part of Diwali for me. Being a Bengali, we also celebrate Kali Puja on this day, so it’s a double celebration for us. When I was in Lucknow, our Diwali preparations included kheel, lava, lai, batashas, and sweet potato toys.
I don’t find all of those items here, but whatever I can find, I buy for Diwali and offer to Mother Lakshmi.” Recalling childhood memories of the festival, the Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya actress shared, “As a child, I was only allowed to burst phuljharis or pencil sparklers, as I was the only child and my parents were very protective. Even though I’d buy mirchis, bombs, and anars, my parents would always hand them over to the boys in the neighbourhood to burst for me.
I hated it and resented those boys for lighting my crackers! One Diwali, when I was in 10th grade and staying at my nani’s place without my parents, I bought a ladhi .
