AMRITA RAO:-Playing the Official Taster

Amrita Rao:- The official taster 

Friday, Nov 5, 2010, 10:51 IST | Agency: DNA

t’s not everyday that Bollywood actors get to toss their dieting plans and health regimes out of the window. But Diwali is a pretty valid excuse for most to do just that. For actor Amrita Rao too, Diwali’s just the perfect reason to binge and forget about the calorie count. “Diwali’s always been very special to me,” she says excitedly, as she talks about her love for the festival. “Diwali brings to mind fond childhood memories,” she says.

Over the years, however, Diwali has come to mean much more than just that to the pretty actor. “Now I associate Diwali more with giving than just taking, lighting diyas, than bursting crackers and distributing sweets than just eating them,” she says.

The actor — who takes a few days off from her hectic shooting schedule every year around Diwali — doesn’t only spend time re-bonding with her cousins and family, but also keeps aside time to spend it with underprivileged children from various NGOs.

But this is one aspect of her celebrations that Amrita doesn’t like revealing about much and it’s only after much coaxing that she talks about it.

“Every year, I make sure that I take an off during Diwali to spend time with family. I hate to be away from home during this festival, but more than family, I do look forward to spending time with kids from various NGOs. Their smiles make my Diwali worthwhile. I consider myself lucky to be able to touch so many hearts and make their festival special in whatever way I can,” says the actor who’s been actively involved with several NGOs.


.As for the home-front, Amrita admits that the Rao household is geared up for Diwali like it does every year.
“I get to be the sweet-taster, during the cooking sessions,” she laughs. Quite a privileged position, considering her cousins are vying for the same job, she reveals. 

As for the big day, Amrita reveals that it’s a long list of to-dos. “There’s the morning puja, the bathing rituals, then the Laxmi puja in the evening and also lighting the diyas,” she says. 

And what’ll she be praying for? “Peace, happiness, love, good health and interesting work,” she ends.