Anees Bazmee: Savoring Sweets and Celebrating Festivals Filming

In the festive atmosphere of November, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is stealing the hearts of the audience and entertaining them brilliantly. In such a situation, the film's superstar director Anees Bazmee is very busy and it was almost impossible to corner him for a festive interview. But citing his and his father's old relationship with Mayapuri, I finally cornered him for an interview. Here is a fun conversation with Anees Bazmee on the occasion of the Festival of Lights.

• What does Diwali mean to you?

Anees: As we all know, Diwali is a festival of lights and happiness. It brings a positive energy into our lives that fills our hearts with happiness and hope for the future.

• Do you celebrate Diwali? 

Anees: All festivals are celebrated with great pomp in our house, be it Eid, Diwali, Holi, Christmas, or New Year. On Diwali, we celebrate by decorating our house, spending time with family, and distributing sweets. Diwali is a time of togetherness and gratitude.

• What are your childhood memories related to Diwali?

Anees: The Diwali of my childhood was full of excitement. Just Tell me, which child does not like bursting crackers on Diwali? In childhood, we loved decorating the courtyard of our house with lamps and bursting a lot of firecrackers with our friends. Those moments were really special. 
In those days, the scene of colors and sounds produced by firecrackers seemed very exciting and magical to us children.
 Although it was fun as a child, I don't burst crackers anymore. Due to my busy work schedule and responsibility towards the environment, our Diwali has now become a beautiful festival of love, sweets, lights, and hugs from friends and relatives. 

• So how do you celebrate today's Diwali?

Anees: As everyone celebrates. lighting lamps, all the women of the house make rangoli and enjoy family gatherings. All this promotes enjoyment without harming nature.

• What else do you do on Diwali?

Anees: We prepare traditional Diwali dishes at home, exchange gifts, and share stories of childhood Diwali experiences with each other. It's a beautiful way to strengthen our bonds.

• According to you, what role does the community play during Diwali celebrations?

Anees: Community is essential at every stage. We come together to celebrate, share happiness, and support each other. It enhances the feeling of celebration.

• Do you follow any special traditions during Diwali?

Anees: On Diwali, Lakshmi Puja is performed at the homes of our friends and colleagues. We go to their house and participate in the festival. These traditions are deeply meaningful.

• How do you feel about the commercialization of Diwali?

Anees: Though some commercialization is inevitable the essence of the festival should remain intact. Instead of thinking too much about this, we should focus on love and togetherness.

• What is your favorite Diwali dish?

Anees: I like all sweets. More than half of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was shot in Kolkata. So I have tasted all the sweets there and I can say with certainty that I love Bengali sweets. I love traditional sweets like Rasgulla, Gulab Jamun, Sandesh, Rasmalai, Balushahi, Mishti Doi, and Barfi. Well, since childhood, I have eaten sweets from every state, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. I like everything. They remind me of the festivals of my childhood.

• Do you have any special wishes for this Diwali?

Anees: My wish is that everyone should be happy, I wish for peace, prosperity, and a pollution-free environment so that the coming generations can enjoy this beautiful festival.

• How can we ensure that Diwali remains a joyous occasion for all? 

By celebrating thoughtfully—by choosing eco-friendly options and by prioritizing spending time with family.
Diwali significantly influences my filmmaking style by incorporating themes of lights, hope, and family unity. Diwali The essence of the festival of celebrating the victory of good over evil resonates deeply in my stories, often leading to an uplifting tale that reflects happiness and togetherness.

Growing up with the joy of Diwali as a child, Diwali became a time of colorful celebrations and emotional bonds, which I try to capture in my films. While I used to enjoy bursting crackers in my childhood, I now prefer to focus on their cultural richness and values rather than the crackers themselves. This shift reflects a broader trend in cinema, where filmmakers are becoming conscious of their impact on society and the environment. Diwali is a festival of lights and happiness, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It brings a positive energy that fills our hearts with happiness and hope.
I celebrate by decorating my house, spending time with family, and distributing sweets.

• What message do you want to give to the youth about Diwali?  

Anees: Embrace the spirit of Diwali with love and respect for nature. Enjoy the festivities without compromising your environment.
It's a beautiful way to strengthen our bonds.
Even today, I cherish the memories of every Diwali and try to recreate that magic in my celebrations. Diwali is not just a festival but a celebration of life, hope, and new beginnings, which makes it an unforgettable experience for me.

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