Divya Dutta on celebrating Diwali with balance, compassion, and gratitude: "I’ve learned to let go, not just of things, but of attachments", Exclusive!

Divya Dutta on celebrating Diwali with balance, compassion, and gratitude: "I’ve learned to let go, not just of things, but of attachments", Exclusive!

As the festive season lights up homes across India, actress Divya Dutta opens up about what Diwali means to her, how her perspective has evolved over the years, and why balance not extravagance defines her celebrations today. In an exclusive chat with Moneycontrol.com, Divya shared her celebration plans.

When asked about the preparations at her home, Divya smiled, recalling childhood habits that have stayed with her. “I think, first of all, what we've grown up doing is cleaning, taking out the old stuff, putting in new. Everyone gets excited — new clothes, new shopping, everything. That hasn’t changed since childhood,” she said. For her, Diwali begins with decluttering not just spaces, but also attachments. “Let go of something you haven't used. Don't hold on to it,” she added.

Talking about how she celebrates, Divya’s warmth shines through. “For me, it’s more about being with family and friends. It’s about being together, enjoying, having fun, good food, and looking good,” she laughed. While she admits that firecrackers were a big part of her childhood, she has grown more conscious of their impact. “Now I think it’s too much pollution, too much noise for the animals. We should enjoy, but in balance, so that people and the environment don’t get affected.”

Mumbai, she said, has its own festive pulse. “I mostly try to stay at home during Diwali. There’s a different vibe in Mumbai — friends visiting, gifts being exchanged. In the morning, everyone’s cleaning their houses, and by evening, everyone’s dressed up, glowing, ready to celebrate.”

Over the years, Diwali has taught her to embrace change. “I used to be very possessive about my things — not giving them away for years. But now, I’ve learned detachment. If you’re not using something, give it to someone who needs it more,” she said. Her sensitivity towards the environment has deepened too. “Because of my pets, I see how scared they get during fireworks. They climb onto my shoulders, trying to hide. It made me realize the street animals don’t even have that comfort. So yes, everything in balance — that’s what I’ve learned.”

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Divya believes that Diwali should be about coexistence. “It should be a collaborative festivity, not just about me or mine. When we think like that, the joy multiplies.”

As for what’s next in her career, the actress has a packed slate. “My next is Neeraj Pandey’s film, then another with Manoj Bajpai. There’s also a love story with Jimmy Shergill called Tum Rahe Na Tum. I also went to the Venice Film Festival with Neeraj Kabi, and a web show on Jio is coming soon,” she revealed, her voice bubbling with excitement.

She signed off with a warm smile: “Thank you. Happy Diwali to everyone.”