Pujo turns the familiar paras into something magical: Swastika

On Sunday afternoon, amid swirling pinwheels and shimmering soap bubbles, actress Swastika Dutta brought to life the playful spirit of Pujo, capturing the essence of celebration and community. In a
chat with CT at Eennra Oiitijhyya, we spoke to the actress about her pujo plans, what’s on her shopping list and mela memories.

'Mela over pandal queue, always'

Swastika fondly recalled her love for the vibrant chaos of Pujo
melas. “As a child, I used to love melas. Buying masks, balloons and soap bubbles.” She smiled at how the day’s shoot felt like a throwback to choto belar Pujo times, whisking her right back to those childhood days full of wonder. She said: “I never liked queueing up outside pandals. I was always a mela girl whose eyes used to pop out at the sight of candy floss, pinwheels and ice-cream. My heart has always been in that fairground magic, still is.”

‘Pujo paints the city in different emotions’

Durga Puja transforms Kolkata into an emotional kaleidoscope —each neighbourhood pulsing with its own unique story. “For me, Durga Puja is a time when we see the city through different emotions. For artisans it’s the rush to meet deadlines, for children it’s the delight of brand-new outfits and festive treats, and for those living abroad, it’s the long-awaited moment of return,” she said. She also added how the festival's arrival banishes everyday burdens and fills the city with unfiltered joy.

Pujo plans? From set to sweet adda

For Swastika, Pujo sneaks in between tight schedules this year. “I am working till Ashtami this year,” she revealed, leaving only two short days for her to reconnect with friends and family. Yet, “Pujo is always fun, even amidst the work load,” she added with a smile. Her ideal festive mode is a casual adda at home, laughter echoing late into the night, or a stealthy exit for a midnight pandal stroll—“when the rush is minimum.”



Swastika’s festive look
Outfit: Swastika is wearing an aubergine Sharara
set from Aurelia’s festive collection available in stores
Hair: Keep the hair soft and free-flowing
Jewellery: Opt for chandbali earrings
Footwear: Style with kitten heels or Kohlapuri sandals
Attitude: A playful vibe and lots of energy


'Pujo is always fun, even amidst the work load. I love casual adda at home, laughter echoing late into the night and a midnight pandal stroll'


Swastika says: “I love salwar kameez & wearing ethnic suits with strappy sandals for Pujo – it’s both functional and stylish'

Make-up: Tanmay Koley
Hair: Jhalsa Dey
Styled by- Anupam Chatterjee
Garara set- Aurelia
Saree by- Rangmilap
Blouse: Parama
Location courtesy- Eennra Oiitijhyya