Holi 2024 - Mandy Takhar to Parmish Verma Punjabi stars share a glimpse of their festive celebration

As the vibrant festival of Holi is here, renowned Punjabi singer Gurdeep Singh, in his exclusive conversation with ETimes, reminisces about his fondest memories and shares his take on the significance of this colorful celebration. From traditional rituals to the magic of Holi recreated on the silver screen, Gurdeep Singh offers a glimpse into his personal experiences and artistic influences.

Here are the excerpts from our interaction.

“One of my most cherished Holi memories dates back to my childhood, when my entire family would gather in our ancestral home. The air was filled with laughter, colors, and the aroma of traditional sweets. We would sing folk songs, play with vibrant colors, and relish delicious homemade delicacies, creating a strong feeling of togetherness.”

“Now I do back-to-back shows around Holi. It’s peak season. And of course, I am not complaining; I love it when the audience grooves and has a blast. But those moments from my childhood of pure old school or intimate celebrations are etched in my heart and will always be my most cherished memory.”

“'Sholay' holds a special place in my heart, and if I had to pick a favorite from that iconic movie, it would be the Holi sequence. 'Holi ke din dil khil jate hain' isn't just a song; it's an experience that cuts across generations. What I adore about this song is its timeless appeal—it's as vibrant and colorful as the festival of Holi itself. I add it to my Holi set even today, and the audience simply loves it. The chemistry between Hemaji and Dharmendra Paji is simply magical, and that scene captures a rollercoaster of emotions, making it a complete Holi entertainer. Even today, whenever I hear it, it fills me with nostalgia. So, yes, 'Sholay' has given us an ever-colorful song that continues to bring people together in celebration.”

“Oh, Holi wouldn't be complete without a bit of mischief, right? My friends and I were infamous for my mischief and notorious behavior, always living by the mantra 'Bura na Mano Holi Hai'. I remember one particular prank vividly. While everyone was engrossed in the colorful water balloon fight, I decided to take it up a notch. Instead of regular colored water, I sneakily filled a balloon with permanent color, or as we call it, 'pakka color' in Hindi. With a mischievous grin, I aimed and SPLASHED! Needless to say, my friend was thoroughly drenched, but the color didn't wash off easily. It caused quite a riot, and I got my fair share of scolding from both my mom and his parents. But hey, what's Holi without a little bit of fun, right? As they say, 'Bura na mano Holi hai!!'”

“Whether in India or abroad, Holi is one such fun celebration that cuts across boundaries. I've been fortunate to celebrate Holi in various parts of India as well as abroad, and each experience has been unique in its own way. Celebrating Holi in different regions of India offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultural tapestry of our country. Whether it's the vibrant festivities in North India with its energetic 'lathmar Holi' in Mathura and Vrindavan or the more traditional yet equally spirited celebrations in South India, each place brings its own flavor to the festival."

"Moreover, celebrating Holi abroad has been a great experience as well. While the essence of the festival remains the same—filled with colors, music, and joy—the cultural amalgamation adds an interesting twist to the celebrations. It's heartwarming to see people from diverse backgrounds come together to revel in the spirit of Holi, showcasing the universality of joy and togetherness.”