Tollywood stars celebrate Sankranti

It’s the festival season again and it’s the very same feel all over the movie industry. Well, almost. The stars are either shooting in faraway locations or are back home, after a “long time”. Kajal Aggarwal, for one, is glad.

"I have mostly celebrated Pongal on film sets. When in Hyderabad, we celebrate Sankranthi and for us Punjabis it is Lohri (which was on January 13). This time, luckily, I am at home and since I’m back home after a long time, I am celebrating the festival with my parents. We have a small pooja at home for Lohri and yes, I’m expecting loads of ghar ka khana."

'Baahubali' crew get a break

It is festival time in Tollywood and many are taking a break from their shooting schedules to spend Sankranti with their families.

Director S.S. Rajamouli, who is making 'Baahubali' involving hundreds of cast and crew members announced the festival break on social media. The crew of the Junior NTR-starrer directed by Santosh Srinivas is also taking a break from shooting for the festival. Director V.V. Vinayak has given a break to his crew for Sankranti.

Most top stars including Junior NTR, Prabhas, Mahesh Babu, Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya and Ravi Teja will spend the festival with their families at home.

Actress Swathi, who is shooting at Port Blair for a Malayalam film says, “More than 40 people are working and these are all combination scenes. If I return home, the shooting will get disrupted. But I feel that working is also celebrating the festival. Work is worship.”

Allari Naresh, who is shooting at Rajole, near Rajahmundry, says that he is celebrating at his native place. “Actually, the shooting is going on near my native place in Godavari district. My mother, brother and his family, along with all my relatives, are here.”

Actor Sunil is also home for the festival. “I lit a fire on Bhogi (Bhogi Mantalu) and will celebrate the festival on Wednesday. Of course, the special dishes are there and I like tamarind pulihora and chakrapongal the most,” he says, adding that he will spend these two days at home with the kids and family members.

Actor Brahmaji is in his native place near Ravulapalem of East Godavari district. “I come to my native place every year. This year is special because my son got married and I am with my son and daughter-in-law at my native place,” he says, adding, “People are not so eager to fly kites in this part.”

- Suresh Kavirayani