19102025-LSTL-01.qxd 10/18/2025 11:11 PM Page 1 c m y b SOFIA RICHIE IS PREGNANT Model and social media personality Sofia Richie, who is the youngest daughter of the legendary singer Lionel Richie, is expecting her second baby with husband Elliot Grainge. Taking to Instagram, she posted a mirror selfie showing off her baby bump. D IWALI, the festival of lights, is more than just vibrant decorations, sweets and crackers—it’s a celebration of positivity, family and tradition. This year, we spoke to some popular actors to know how they celebrate Diwali, how their childhood memories shape their celebrations today, and what the festival truly means to them. From eco-conscious choices to preserving age-old rituals, each story reflects a unique way of keeping the light alive—both literally and metaphorically. Celebrities share their Diwali traditions TRIBUNE Parting ways Life Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas are reportedly parting ways after an eightmonth romance because they “weren’t able to figure it out as a couple.” LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 19 OCTOBER 2025 Lighting uplives NIHARIKA CHOUKSEY SPARE A THOUGHT: Harleen Reikhi Burning crackers isn’t right for the environment. I just light a few sparklers to keep the festive spirit alive without harming nature. When I think of my childhood, I remember visiting temples and gurdwaras with plates full of sweets and murmura, lighting diyas at crossroads, and celebrating with my family. DIVING DEEP: Jigna Vora “I have always been excited about Diwali. Cleaning the house, doing puja, lighting diyas, eating sweets and bursting crackers to end the night—the festival was all about this for me as a child. But as I grew up, I realised the festival has a much deeper meaning hidden in its name. It’s not just about lights; it’s about not letting your inner light dim, both literally and figuratively.” TRUE ESSENCE: Hansa Singh Diwali has become more of a social celebration here in Mumbai. I perform my puja and rituals at home, talk to my family after Lakshmi Puja, and then step out to celebrate with my social circle and friends at parties. When I think of my fondest childhood TRUE SPIRIT: Shubhangi Atre RUBINA DILAIK Diwali memory, I can’t recall one specific thing, but I do remember burning crackers late at night with my cousins and getting scolded by the elders! We cherish what we no longer have now, don’t we? HANSA SINGH RANGOLI & CRACKERS: Ssudeep Sahir I have so many fond memories of Diwali from my childhood that it’s hard to pick just one. I remember that chaotic yet joyful hour before dusk— For me, Diwali is all about warmth, family and rituals. I clean the house and perform puja. Every year, I also buy something meaningful—this time, I’ve decided on a silver glass, as it’s believed to be good for health. Festivals are about devotion, love and celebrating together. Even though times have changed, I try to keep the true spirit of Diwali alive in my own way. rushing to light all the crackers and diyas with my father and sisters, the delicious food cooked by my mother, and the Diwali sweets we couldn’t wait to eat. Helping my sisters with the rangoli, bursting c m y b crackers (sometimes even in letter boxes!) with my friends, and getting caught the next day—those are the kind of memories that still make me smile. Diwali has always been about joy and laughter. sions, folk music and laughter echoing through the hills. As the festival of lights shines upon us, I hope it brings peace, joy and serenity into everyone’s lives. FOR POSITIVITY: Deepika Singh For me, Diwali is not just the festival of lights; it’s a time to reflect and cleanse, not just our homes, but our minds and hearts, which means removing energy blockages, letting go of what no longer serves us, and creating space for positivity and prosperity. WARMTH & LOVE: Niharika Chouksey I start the day by taking my parents’ blessings, slipping into new clothes, and then diving straight into all the delicious food, that’s when all my diet plans go out the window. I love decorating the house with fairy lights and diyas and spending the evening bursting a few crackers with family and friends. This festival fills my heart with warmth and excitement. SWEET HEAVENS: Mohak Matkar HOME TRUTH: Rubina Dilaik Back home in Himachal Pradesh, Diwali is a celebration of the harvest season, and the festivities are very different there. The air smells of pine because homes are cleaned and decorated with pine leaves and earthen lamps. Kitchens come alive with treats like sidu, mittha and bathu. Villages light up with deity proces- I love the energy, the lights, and the sense of togetherness it brings. My favourite part of the festival is decorating the house with diyas and rangoli, dressing up in traditional outfits, and of course, indulging in all the delicious sweets!