On Rakhi, TV actors recount memories with 'partners in crime'

From memories of unique rakhis, excitement around gifts and family get togethers -- Raksha Bandhan has been a special festival for a slew of TV actors for several reasons.

On the occasion, they have shared memories of some cherished moments with their siblings.

While Mouli Ganguly from "Jamai Raja" says that she used to make rakhis for her cousins herself, Meghna Naidu who essays the role of Hanan in "Amma" shared that she doesn't have a brother of her own and so a few of her friends have been like her brothers over the last 16 years. 

Here is what other actors had to say: 

Sumeet Raghavan: As kids we were excited because back then there used to be those sponge-type huge hideous rakhis and we used to ask our sisters to get them. But it used to be fun.

Vipul Roy: I have one of the best sisters in the world I could have asked for. She is my partner in crime. She used to fly down from anywhere in the world to tie me a rakhi. I have a lot of fond memories because every year my sister keeps creating different kind of rakhis, she gets in to the flavour of the season. So she has got me chocolate rakhi, gold rakhi, protein bar rakhi. This year she has done something very special, she has got me a watch that I always wanted and got 'Happy Rakhi Bhai' engraved on it."

Ravi Dubey: During my childhood, all my cousin sisters would come to my place for Raksha Bandhan and we would have a typical family get together. I look at the occasion as a time for bonding with your family over food and gifts. 

Shubangi Atre: Along with my sisters I celebrate Raksha bandhan in a unique way. We all tie Rakhi to our dad and that's the way it has been since childhood. He is the one who has protected us and loved us unconditionally always. But since he is Indore and I will be shooting for "Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai" I wouldn't be celebrating the festival. But the festival holds a very special place in my heart.

Eisha Singh: As a child, I used to always wait for Raksha Bandhan as I was always excited about the gifts I'd typically receive. Then on the occasion one year, my brother gave me money instead of a gift and asked me to buy whatever I wanted. I returned him the money telling him I don't want anything. I guess I never valued the materialistic aspects of it, just the attention and pampering.

Shiny Doshi: My brother is four years older to me, so I look up to him. He is very protective about me, like most elder brothers are. On Raksha Bandhan, I used to make rakhis myself and make sure that my brother had the biggest rakhi on his hand. 

Akshay Dogra: This year I wouldn’t be celebrating Raksha Bandhan with my sister Riddhi as she is travelling. But usually we celebrate in Delhi where we all have lunch together and that includes my extended family which is huge. It’s a lot of fun catching up. Unfortunately in Mumbai, we are always pressed with time but on that day we make time to meet up. It gives us a reason to cheat and gorge on lots of sweets.

Meghna Naidu: I do not have a brother but I have a few friends who have been like my brothers over the last 16 years. They are deeply protective of me and I value that. Today, they are scattered all over the world but I still post them their rakhis and they send me gifts in return.

Vishal Vashisth: I have an elder sister and we celebrate the ritual without fail every year. If I am at home, we all go out and party which includes my friends too. I hope I get a holiday from my show ‘Gangaa’ so that I can go home and celebrate the festival.

Mouli Ganguly: I used to make ornate rakhis myself and tie them on the wrists of my brother and cousins when I was younger. We used to prepare yummy food at home on Raksha Bandhan. We still share a special bond with each other, even though we don't stay close anymore. 

Sartaj Gill: When we were younger, my sister and I would fight throughout the year but on the day of Raksha Bandhan, I would get up early, dress well and go out with mom to buy a gift for my sister. 

Happy Rakhi everyone!!!