MUMBAI: Actress and celebrity nutritionist Claudia Ciesla says though she did not grow up celebrating Diwali, the festival has now become very important to her as she deeply resonates with its theme of light winning over darkness.
She said, "For me, Diwali is all about light, positivity, and new beginnings. Even though I didn’t grow up celebrating it, I’ve always been drawn to its deeper meaning—light triumphing over darkness, good over evil, and hope over fear. It’s such a beautiful reminder that no matter how challenging life can be, there’s always light waiting at the end of it."
"On a personal level, Diwali symbolizes cleansing the old and welcoming the new—with gratitude, love, and optimism," she added.
She has been living in India for over 15 years now and loves celebrating Diwali with her friends here. She said, "Every year, I attend a few close gatherings, play cards, light diyas, and soak in the festive atmosphere. I also enjoy dressing up in traditional Indian outfits—it makes me feel completely part of the celebration."
For Claudia, Diwali is about being surrounded by people who radiate positive energy, laughing together, and creating memories. She added, "I prefer intimate celebrations filled with love, lights, and genuine connections rather than something over the top."
Diwali is about light overcoming darkness, and Claudia has experienced moments in her life where she needed to rediscover her inner light. She said, "It was especially when I took a short break from Bollywood to focus on my personal and professional growth. That period taught me a lot about resilience, self-belief, and trusting the timing of life."
"Now that I’ve recently made a comeback performing with Akshay Kumar sir on Balma at the 70th Filmfare Awards 2025, I feel that same Diwali spirit of light overcoming darkness. It’s a reminder that after every pause, there’s a brighter new beginning waiting for you," she added.
Talking about her performance, she said, "We performed in front of 15,000 people. It was such an emotional and empowering moment—it felt like a full-circle experience for me, reconnecting with Bollywood and with myself as a performer. I’m also grateful for the love I’ve received from my audience, my supportive friends, and my partner, Arjun Goel, who always motivates me to shine brighter."
Any festival in India is all about sweets and savories, but as a nutritionist, Claudia is very mindful about what she eats and drinks during the festive season. She said, "I never overindulge at Diwali parties, even though the buffets are always tempting! I enjoy the food, but in moderation—it’s about tasting everything, not eating everything."
"I also never celebrate with fireworks because they cause pollution and are extremely stressful for animals. Instead, I prefer lighting diyas, using eco-friendly decor, and celebrating in a way that spreads light without harming the environment. For me, that’s what responsible celebration truly means—enjoying with awareness and compassion," she added.
She concluded by sharing her first Diwali in India and said, "I was walking through beautifully decorated streets, seeing homes lit up with thousands of diyas, and feeling the collective joy in the air. I was mesmerized!Even now, I look forward to that magical glow, the laughter of friends, and the warmth that fills every corner during this time. It’s a festival that truly makes you feel connected—to others and to yourself.”
Add new comment