Ringing in the Telugu New Year

Celebrities from the Telugu film industry talk about Ugadi, the importance of the festival, how they plan to celebrate it and what they wish for in the coming year.

Allari Naresh, Actor:

I  will not be able to celebrate Ugadi with my family this year much as I would have loved to, since I am away at a shoot. However, I plan to enjoy my day with my crew members — my other family — on location. I believe working on a new project on the first day after Ugadi, will usher in work all through the year.

Sreemukhi, Actress:

I  am planning to spend the day with my family on Ugadi. I might have to go out for some work in the morning, but I will make sure that I have a great time with my near and dear ones. I love the way my life has been shaping up — so no changes for me this New Year.

Hamsa Nandini, Actress:

Being a Maharashtrian, we celebrate Gudi Padwa. The day starts with puja and the prasad — Neem leaves and jaggery — is distributed. After that, we meet and wish friends and other family members. At the beginning of this year (calender year), I had decided that I would learn something new. I am just back from a sailing trip, where I learnt how to sail and I am a certified sailor now. This year, I want to do the advance sailing course and have my own yacht.

Rana Daggubati, Actor:

We celebrate every occasion with equal gusto — be it New Year, Christmas or Ugadi. As Ugadi is about new beginnings, I have always associated it with films. It’s work and more work for me. And this year too, it’s the same, Guru released this year and it’s doing well. So I am happy for Venkatesh and as far as I am concerned, my work is keeping me very busy.

Madhu Shalini, Actress:

It’s a very auspicious occasion for the Telugu community and for me the day carries personal importance — it coincides with my grandmother’s birthday. Even though she’s not with us anymore, I feel connected with her on this day. A typical Ugadi celebration at home would start with my mother and me preparing the pachadi in the morning. I add a bit more of sugar — you know how the saying goes, ‘the way your pachari tastes, is the way your new year will be!’