Unlike the last couple of years, festivities are back in full swing. So, how are you celebrating Christmas this year?
I worked non-stop through the year, so I am definitely taking some time off and spending it with my close ones. Some of my friends are coming back from the US, and I am looking forward to the school reunion over good food and lots of laughter. Christmas has always been special. We used to have a week-long funfair in school, and we would eagerly wait for it. The festival was all about family time, too, where my chachi would host Christmas lunch every year. At home, my sister and I have a tradition of putting up and decorating the Christmas tree together every year while listening to some festive numbers. But I had to do it alone this year as she was away. While it’s all about merriment, I am slowly realising that Christmas is also about giving back. It comes right at the end of the year and is a celebration of love and togetherness.
As a child, were you excited about receiving gifts from Santa Claus?
Of course! From the tooth fairy to Santa Claus, I believed in all of them, and to date, I choose to believe they exist (laughs). During Christmas, I would hang stockings and leave cookies and milk outside the door for Santa. And I used to wake up to a lot of gifts in the morning. I knew that it was my dad (Chunky Panday), who was surprising me with the presents, but I would still pretend that these came from Santa. I would just bat my eyelids, make a puppy dog face and receive gifts from him. Once, I remember I had pleaded for two pet dogs, and he got them. My dad has been the best Santa for me!
Who, according to you, would be the hottest Santa in Bollywood? Also, if you were given a chance to be a secret Santa to someone, who would it be?
Hrithik Roshan undoubtedly would be the hottest Santa. I would like to be a secret Santa to Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s daughter. I would definitely like to meet her and surprise her with a special gift on her first Christmas.
As 2022 comes to an end, how would you sum up the year that’s gone by?
If there’s one year that could be defined as a rollercoaster ride, I think it would be this year. I am very grateful that 2022 began with Gehraiyaan. The film and my character Tia got a lot of love. The subject was such that it led to many debates. I think that’s what cinema is all about; it needs to spark discussions and debates. The year was also a lot about learning… learning how to move on, to improve myself and get better. It’s also been about learning how to pick myself up when I fall down and come back stronger.
