Bollywood’s Diwali Diaries: How Bollywood Celebs Light Up Their Homes on Diwali

By Sharad Rai

I must admit without hesitation that the film industry these days is divided into two clear halves — on one side are the big stars and the top producers–directors, whose films have been successful and who are now bursting “firecrackers of success” this Diwali. On the other side are the medium and small-scale artists and the makers of low-budget films — who have neither work nor a reason to celebrate. Their Diwali crackers have gone damp; only a single candle glows in their homes, and a small string of lights hangs at the door — as if to say, “See, we too are Sanatani (traditional)!”

Among the successful ones are Amitabh Bachchan, Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Ravi Kishan, and the ever-showy Diwali-loving Khan trio — Shah Rukh, Aamir, and Salman.

The rest of the stars and small-time technicians can be heard sighing, “Oh inflation... inflation, inflation!” We film journalists have always been curious to see which bungalow puts up the most dazzling fireworks — and what these stars’ Diwali firecracker parties actually look like. So, here are a few sparkling recollections of Bollywood’s Diwali nights — just for you.

Read More: Ekta Kapoor on Smriti Irani: Sets the Benchmark for Every Actor After 25 Years!

“No Horn Zone” outside Amitabh’s Bungalow

Once, Big B himself burnt his hand while lighting a firecracker — ever since then, the Bachchan family’s Diwali (earlier at Pratiksha, now at Jalsa) includes only sparklers and small family parties. All their other houses too are only lit up with decorative lights.

Outside Jalsa, there’s a “No Horn Zone” board. The security guards have strict instructions — no one should burst crackers outside the house.
Inside, amid the festive cheer, all eyes are on little Aaradhya. These days, Navya Naveli (Shweta’s daughter) also joins in — and both sisters have a blast with sparklers.

In earlier years, when Shweta and Abhishek were kids, they were the life of Pratiksha’s Diwali. Everyone would eat, chat, and light small sparklers happily.
Outside the bungalow, crowds gather — jumping to catch a glimpse beyond the boundary wall. When a special guest arrives, the gate opens, the car drives in, and the bouncers go on high alert.

Read More: Abhinav Kashyap Slams Salman Khan: ‘From Criminal to Soldier…?’

The Vanishing Crowd at Shah Rukh’s Mannat

For years, Mannat — Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic bungalow — has been surrounded by massive crowds during Diwali. But this year, the buzz has faded.
The reason: the house is under renovation, and the Khan family has temporarily moved elsewhere.
Those who know this have stopped coming, while others still circle the place out of habit.

Mannat has long been a landmark in Bandra. In earlier years, SRK would step out with his son AbRam to wave at fans. His wife Gauri, who continues to observe Hindu traditions, performs Lakshmi Puja every Diwali — showing that their household celebrates both Eid and Diwali equally.
Outside the gates, fans would light fireworks and cheer — and the guards never interfered.

Salman’s Diwali at Sister Arpita’s Home

Dabangg Bhaijaan Salman Khan is usually not at his Galaxy Apartments home during Diwali. He prefers his farmhouse in Panvel, where celebrations continue for days in advance of his birthday. It’s said that many new “sparklers” (young actresses) come there to meet the “Bigg Boss” himself. However, Salman often visits his younger sister Arpita and her husband Aayush Sharma’s home to enjoy the fireworks with his nephew. The entire Khan-daan gathers there for the festivities.

Salman’s biological mother is Hindu, his stepmother Helen is Christian, his sister is Hindu, and his sisters-in-law belong to different faiths — as if the whole of India resides in Salim Khan’s heart! Their Diwali celebration reflects this unity. The main party, though, happens later at the farmhouse.
This year, however, security has been tightened after recent death threats — so common fans won’t be part of the firecracker fun.

Aamir Khan’s Quiet Diwali Celebrations

Aamir first hosted a Diwali party when he was with his first wife, Reena Dutta, along with their children Junaid and Ira.
Later, his second wife Kiran Rao also organized intimate Diwali gatherings for their son Azad — but only with a few close guests.

Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘RK Tradition’ of Diwali Parties

The Kapoor family has always celebrated Diwali with grandeur.
The late Rishi Kapoor would seek blessings from his parents, Raj Kapoor and Krishna Kapoor, and then host a big Diwali feast and fireworks session at home.

After his passing, Ranbir hesitated to organize such parties out of respect for his mother Neetu.
But after marrying Alia Bhatt and welcoming their daughter Raha, Ranbir revived the family’s Diwali tradition.

When Ayan Mukerji and Karan Johar join in — it’s pure madness!
Alia plays with sparklers alongside her little one, making it a sight to cherish.

Ekta Kapoor’s Unique ‘Cards Party’

The most distinctive Diwali celebration takes place at TV queen Ekta Kapoor’s home — at her father Jeetendra’s bungalow.
After the Lakshmi Puja and fireworks, Ekta hosts a “Taash (Cards) Party” — a long-standing tradition.

Her friends from Balaji serials and films attend in large numbers — especially the lead actors from her projects. The family patriarch Jeetendra, along with his grandchildren — from unmarried son Tusshar and unmarried daughter Ekta — enjoys lighting small crackers and sparklers with grandpa-like delight.
It’s impossible to imagine Diwali at the Kapoor household without fireworks. The card party adds to the excitement, keeping the night young and lively.
In these starry parties, there’s everything — drinks, fireworks, and card games. Yet, each celebrity also holds a private Lakshmi Puja at home — calling it a “personal affair.” They may step out to burst crackers, but only late at night — surrounded by their most trusted circle.