Happy Raksha Bandhan 2021: Actors Nabanita Malakar, Sourya Bhattacharya and others share the most memorable gifts they received on Rakhi

The relationship between brother and sister is something magical. They might fight constantly but never hesitate to be each other’s protective shield when the storm comes. Elder sister or brother is like a shelter in one’s life. And Raksha Bandhan (August 22) celebrates the emotion beautifully. The eternal bond between a brother and sister makes the celebration magical. Rakhi gifts are yet another medium to express emotion. Sometimes, a sister flies from one part of the world to the other to give her brother a surprise on Rakhi while a brother uses up all his prize money to gift her sister. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, ETimes TV spoke with some Bengali actors who shared their emotions and spoke about the memorable gifts on Rakhi. (Photo: Facebook)

“Rakhi has always been a very special day since childhood. As kids, my cousins and I would all get together the day before and watch movies over delicious meals. I remember playing games and all having a ball! Then the next day, starting with luchi and Payesh, I along with my brother would relish all the hospitality we were offered with. I miss those days. We still make sure to meet, watch movies and celebrate the occasion, but those childhood days were really special,” says Samm as he takes a walk down memory lane. Speaking about the gifts, the actor recalls, how he used to save his pocket money to buy gifts for his sisters. “We didn’t have much pocket money when we were young. I still remember how I used to save the pocket money to buy chocolates and toys for my sisters. Those memories are most memorable gifts for me,” adds Samm. The model-turned-actor will play the lead role in the upcoming show ‘Mon Mane Na’.

The actress, who is set to make her debut with 'Dutta and Bouma', proudly spoke about her young cousin brother. “I tie Rakhi to my cousin brother every year. He is quite young and until last year, I used to give him gifts on Rakhi. I will never forget how he won a football match and used the prize money to buy makeup for me on Rakhi. I couldn’t be prouder,” says Titiksha.

Sourya celebrates Rakhi with his cousin sisters every year. “In our family, Rakhi and Bhai Phonta are celebrated with full enthusiasm. Initially, my cousin sisters used to time me Rakhi and wait for their gifts. But I also started handing them my wish list as Rakhi gifts (laughs). I received many gifts from them, but the handmade cards are always special. It bears special emotion. I had yet another memorable gift when my cousin sister, who lives in Singapore, gave me a surprise on Rakhi. She came to Kolkata, woke me up and tied Rakhi on my wrist,” says ‘Agni Shikha’ actor Sourya.

The actress celebrates Rakhi in a very special way. “I am the only child. But I have adopted 13 dogs at home. 11 of them are street dogs whom I have adopted. I celebrate Rakhi with them. I tie Rakhi and arrange special food for them. Their unconditional love is the best gift for me on Rakhi,” says Titly. The ‘Ke Apon Ke Por’ actress is busy with the shooting of her upcoming show.

The chirpy actress, who is busy with Sagar Jyoti’s shooting, also shared some fond memories. “In school, we used to tie Rakhis to our friends. It was really a special moment. Since we didn’t have any pocket money during school days, I used to ask my dad to buy Rakhis for my friends. Those Rakhis are more than a gift to me. Those are my most treasured possessions,” says the actress. Nabanita has a younger sister who is her friend and confidante too. “My birthday is also in August. My sister threw a belated birthday party, decorated the room and gave me some personalised gift items. But the best thing was she gave me two Rakhis. One for me and the other is for her. We tied Rakhi on each other’s wrist. That’s probably the best gift in my life,” adds Nabanita.

While most of the actors spoke about their brothers, sisters and memorable Rakhi gifts, the very mention of Rakhi made Sarmistha emotional. She says, “I am the only child. Since childhood, I have always wanted to have a brother or sister. Having a sibling is more like having a friend for life. When I see my friends celebrating Rakhi, exchanging gifts with their sisters and brothers, putting some effort to make them happy, I miss not having a sibling. To be very honest, I also feel the absence of having a brother or sister who would wait for me to tie Rakhi. I don’t want a gift on Rakhi but the very effort of being there as a brother or sister is more than enough for me,” says Sarmistha. (Photo: Facebook)