Celebs get candid about their Durga Puja splurges

The pandemic is showing no signs of slowing down and life, as we know it, may take longer than we had anticipated to get back to normal. So, the beautiful LBD you’ve been eyeing for far too long or the expensive bespoke suit that’ll make you the cynosure of all eyes at a party can wait for a while. For Tollywood celebs, things are, as it turns out, no different.They are focusing on rather unusual splurges as the festive season sets in. Wondering what they are? Read on to find out.
‘Will buy the car I’ve been planning to for long’
It’s been long since I pampered myself. The pandemic had put a dampener on everything. Now that life is slowly getting back to normal, I’ve finally decided to gift myself a little something. It’s no secret that I’m an auto enthusiast and nothing makes me happier than driving a brand-new set of wheels. So, this festive season, I’m going to take home a new car. Since air travel is restricted now, I can’t wait to go on a road trip with my friends in my new car. Having said that, even though it’s an expensive affair, I don’t see it as splurging. I’ve been planning it for quite some time and it’s finally time. At a time when many are struggling to make ends meet, I consider myself truly lucky and grateful to be able to fulfil my dreams. I hope the world gets back on its feet soon.
— Yash
‘I want to buy a vaccine without looking at the price tag’

We are housebound since months and things that would earlier seem very important are gradually morphing into ones we can easily do without. So, when it comes to splurging, I’d have to say a vaccine! It’s the only thing I would like to buy without batting an eyelid or looking at the price tag. No matter what it is priced at, it will definitely be measly when compared to what’s at stake. The world has had enough of the distress and it’s high time we laid our hands on the COVID-19 vaccine. Nothing would make the festive season more cheerful.
— Rukmini Maitra
‘I’m splurging on my pooch buddy, Dasho’

The world is going through a tough time and I’m not in the mood to splurge on myself. But, I have just brought home a new shih tzu pup, Dasho. My life revolves around him now! As for splurging, everything is for him. I am not shopping much for myself this Durga Puja, but when it comes to Dasho, I’m not thinking twice or looking at the price tag. I’m spending extravagantly on his toys, personalised bed (read lounger!), clothes, grooming products and most importantly, treats. And since the pandemic calls for social distancing, what better way to keep myself happy at home than spending time with the little one? More than myself, I want to make the festive season special for him. After all, it’s his first!
— Raima Sen
‘I’d love to splurge on toys and goodies for my nephew’

The coronavirus pandemic has taught us the importance of spending quality time with family. Time is the most valuable thing right now and I want to spend as much time possible with my brother, who will be in town along with my sister-in-law and my little nephew. I intend to have a gala time bonding with them, catch up with a few friends and visit an old-age home. Coming to indulgences, I’d love to splurge on toys and goodies for my nephew. This year, since I will not go pandal-hopping, I am planning to sketch a few interesting Ma Durga portraits while staying at home. So, a good amount of investment in stationery is also on the cards.
— Sean Banerjee
‘I want to spend a part of my Puja budget on gifts for underprivileged children & elderly’

This year, Durga Puja will be different for all of us. I generally take my parents out every year, be it for pandal-hopping or eating out at any of our favourite restaurants, but this time I’m wary about the situation. So, I want to spend a part of my Puja budget buying something for the underprivileged children and for members of an old-age home. I want to bring smile to their faces during these trying times. Why must they be left out from the festivities? We have been living a cushioned life even during a pandemic, so if I have to splurge, it’ll be on those who aren’t as fortunate.
— Paayel Sarkar