Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the traditional Hindu New Year and conjures up fond memories of puran poli, new clothes, shrikhand, fresh flowers, rangolis, family and friends, holidays and lot of fun. We asked actor Shreyas Talpade to share with us what the day means to him along with his childhood memories of it.
Talpade, who made his Bollywood debut with Iqbal (2005) playing the memorable titular role of the deaf and mute youngster aspiring to be a cricketer, has gone on to give solid performances in different genres over the years. Whether it was as a behroopiya in Dor (2006), a comic role with multiple disguises, Shah Rukh Khan's friend in Om Shanti Om (2007) or the Golmal series, one always sees an earnestness in his acting. Most recently, he also dubbed for Allu Arjun in the Hindi version of Pushpa: The Rise (2021) and it's sequel Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024). Interestingly, he had also dubbed for The Lion King (2019).
Talpade told us about what has changed over the years in the Gudi Padwa celebrations, what he learnt from his father and the significance of the festival for him and his family.
Excerpts from the Interview:
What are your childhood memories of Gudi Padwa?
I have extremely fond memories of Gudi Padwa. During our childhood, the building that we used to stay in had predominantly Maharashtrian families. On Gudi Padwa, you would see Gudis being erected in almost all the houses, in their balconies, and it used to be a sight to behold. Unfortunately, we didn't really have cameras at that point in time, so we couldn't click pictures. But in a way, I'm glad, because those memories are etched in our minds forever and we can never forget them. And then there used to be obviously sweets being made in all the households and there used to be an exchange that used to happen. Being a holiday, a lot of us would be playing cricket also. The entire day used to be all about fun and games.
What does the day mean to you?
As a kid, initially, I used to get confused why we have two New Years. But then obviously, we were explained the significance and the importance of the day and the fact that it is that this day is our actual New Year according to our Hindu calendar, and also signifies the victory of good over evil, a beginning of new beginnings and initiatives. So, of course, it's a very auspicious day for all of us and it's an important day. As we started understanding the real meaning and significance of the day, it started gaining more importance. And today we feel very happy celebrating that particular day with our families.
How has the celebration changed over the years for you?
So we’ve tried to stick to our basics as far as celebrating Gudi Padwa is concerned. My father used to be very particular about these things. He would wake up early in the morning, get ready and then prepare the Gudi himself- that is what we still do. Like in Marathi we say aami gudi ubhar to, you know, with all the things needed for the same. And we used to try and decorate it nicely as much as possible, and then before sunset is when you're supposed to take it down again.
My father used to very religiously do these things and we've tried to continue in the same tradition and follow that as much as possible. Obviously, the sweet exchange has reduced because not many people eat sweets these days, I don’t. But I think everything else has pretty much remained intact. My daughter too looks forward to the same and she loves to celebrate our festivals in the right manner and fervour.
What values has it given you?
Every festival of ours teaches one something or the other and I think it's a great reminder at regular intervals to tell you the significance of that particular day and what it means. It's a fresh beginning, victory of good over evil. The basic value system that you learn as a kid is simple, that you keep doing good and only good will happen to you. And at some point in time, you will always conquer evil if you're good. There is a fraction of the divine within you. You just have to make sure that you keep it in the right manner, take care of it and respect it.
