As Baisakhi arrives with vibrant colours and spiritual energy, actor Arjun Kapoor opens up about what the festival means to him — a blend of nostalgia, culture, and evolving traditions. Reflecting on his roots and the values passed down through generations, Arjun captures the essence of this Punjabi harvest festival.
“Gurdwara Aur Khaana”: The Heart of My Childhood Baisakhi
Arjun’s memories of Baisakhi are deeply rooted in food, family, and faith. “My maternal grandparents were from Ambala, and my daadi-dada are also Punjabis,” he shares, reminiscing about the strong cultural influence in his upbringing. For his family, festivals were always centered around delicious meals and visits to the gurdwara.
“I remember going to the gurdwara… langar mein halwa poori milti thi. Us halwe ka ghee itna chamakta tha ki poori plate shine karti thi,” he recalls fondly. That spiritual connection still lingers, as he adds, “I find a lot of sukoon in visiting the gurudwara.”
Indian Festivals: A Tapestry of Unity and Inclusion
Highlighting the multicultural fabric of India, Arjun believes that festivals are less about rituals now and more about shared respect. “Today it’s Baisakhi for Sikhs, tomorrow it’s Ganpati for Maharashtrians, and Durga Puja for Bengalis,” he says.
He celebrates the beauty of being part of a country where you don’t need to belong to a particular community to partake in their joy. “Aaj kisi aur ki chhutti hai, kal kisi aur ki — and you can join in. That’s the beauty of India,” he adds.
“Our Industry Needs a Day to Celebrate Efforts Without Pressure”
Drawing a parallel between Baisakhi and his profession, Arjun wishes the film industry had its own celebratory day. “When a film works, we say we’ve reaped the benefits, like Baisakhi. But even when it doesn’t, we learn and move forward,” he reflects. A stress-free day to appreciate hard work and creative dedication — much like the harvest festival — is something he feels the industry could truly benefit from.
Baisakhi: A Tribute to Farmers and Fresh Starts
For Arjun, Baisakhi goes beyond tradition — it’s a salute to the backbone of India: the farmers. “Hindustan kisaano ka desh hai… Baisakhi is about their tireless effort and finally reaping the rewards,” he shares. The festival, for him, signifies new beginnings, resilience, and victory — a moment to pause and acknowledge the work that feeds a nation.
“Celebrate or Not, Respect the Sentiment Behind Festivals”
Arjun reflects on how celebrations have evolved with time. “Earlier, our parents would say things have changed, and now we’re saying the same,” he laughs. While technology and fast-paced lives may limit how we celebrate, he believes the core lies in understanding and respecting the occasion.
“Aap celebrate nahi bhi karo lekin festival ki izzat karo — that’s as respectful as it can be.”
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