Bollywood actress Sharvari Wagh describes this Diwali as her most memorable in the past three years, largely due to the success and stability she has recently achieved in her career. Reminiscing about her family’s cherished Diwali traditions and her gratitude for this year’s celebrations, she opens up about the cultural rituals and heartwarming family moments that have defined the holiday season for her.
Sharvari shared that one of her favorite childhood Diwali memories centers around the day of Narak Chaturdashi, a special day in the Diwali festival celebrated before sunrise. “We spread out a large mat, light diyas, and play old Marathi songs. Together, we apply warm essential oils, ubtan, and saffron on each other’s palms and faces. This ritual, known as ‘Pahili Pahat,’ marks the beginning of winter and is an integral part of Marathi culture,” Sharvari explained.
The entire family participates in this ritual, which is followed by a bath with ubtan and saffron, all before sunrise. Afterward, they sit together for a breakfast of faral, a spread of sweet and savory Diwali snacks prepared days in advance. The spread includes classic Marathi treats like chakli, chivda, sev, karanji, Shankarpali, and besan laddu. These mornings filled with shared laughter and conversation are among her fondest memories of the festival.
Celebrating Diwali with her family is deeply meaningful to Sharvari. Her younger brother, currently in school, gets time off during the holiday, while her sister takes a leave from work to join them. “Being with my family, discussing sweets after lunch, and just enjoying each other’s company is the most beautiful thing about the festival,” she said. For Sharvari, these simple pleasures are what make Diwali truly special.
Sharvari’s career has reached new heights this year, which has contributed to her feelings of gratitude and joy this Diwali. In 2024, she achieved her first 100-crore blockbuster with the film Munjya, and went on to star in globally acclaimed streaming projects like Maharaj. Her powerful performance in her third film, Veda, also received high praise. Sharvari’s rise in Bollywood has led many to see her as an emerging star, and she and her family are incredibly thankful for the support and admiration from audiences.
Reflecting on her journey, Sharvari shared, “This Diwali is the most special for me in the last three years. I feel immense gratitude and good fortune to experience this in 2024. The past few years were tough—surviving as an actor, finding projects, and facing constant auditions. Because of that, I couldn’t fully celebrate Diwali. When things aren’t going as planned, it affects your spirit.” Now, with a sense of accomplishment, Sharvari feels that her hard work has finally been rewarded.
This Diwali, Sharvari is not only grateful for her recent success but is also hopeful for what the future holds. “I’m praying for more success, more recognition, and even more love from everyone this Diwali,” she said, adding that her family’s relief and joy have been a source of comfort and happiness for her. “We’re all smiling a lot together this year. I thank them for being my strong pillars during challenging times.”
Looking forward, Sharvari will soon be seen alongside Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt in Alpha, a major action film from YRF’s Spy Universe. With her growing popularity and a supportive family by her side, this Diwali truly marks a special turning point in her life, filled with both gratitude and hope for the future.
