Shrenu Parikh, who was last seen playing the lead role in the TV show Maitree, loves playing garba but this year, she is unlikely to celebrate Navratri in Vadodara, her hometown. The actress, who will tie the knot with her Ghar Ek Mandir– Kripa Agrasen Maharaj Ki co-star Akshay Mhatre in December, tells us, “This year, Navratri feels extra special because I am busy with my wedding preparations. I was busy with the show and after that, I went to the US for a family trip. Now, I am occupied with shopping for the wedding and so, it is highly unlikely that I will get to play garba this year. But if Ambe Maa wants, maybe I will play garba for a day.”
‘The scale and authenticity of Vadodara’s garbas are unmatched’ Vadodara’s garbas are truly unique, and their scale and authenticity are unmatched. Unlike other cities, we don’t play garba in small groups and dancing in huge concentric circles around the stage is fascinating. The feeling of celebrating the festival with thousands of revellers is amazing. Also, just like the big garbas, even sheri
garbas in Vadodara have maintained their authenticity and true essence, I feel proud about that. There are revellers who travel to Vadodara from abroad just to play garba and even non-Gujaratis enjoy the festival. Atul Purohit is my favourite garba singer. Last year, Akshay (Mhatre) came to Vadodara for the first time to meet my parents. We performed
aarti at the United Way of Baroda garba and after that, along with my college friends and Shubham (her younger brother), I played garba for a while. While Akshay was a little scared to see the huge crowd and didn’t play garba, he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Now, like me, he also loves Vadodara’s garbas.
‘I have great memories of playing garba with fans in Vadodara’ In the last few years, I have been busy with shooting during Navratri. But there have been times when I have taken an evening flight from Mumbai to Vadodara just to play garba for a day, and then reached the sets the next morning to shoot! Although it used to be hectic, it was fun, and I also have great memories of playing garba with fans. I always tell my friends in Mumbai that I feel proud because garba venues in Vadodara don’t invite DJs to belt out Bollywood numbers at Navratri venues. My favourite garba songs include Maa Taro Garbo
, Ke Hove Hove,
and Tara Vina Shyam Mane
. During my student days, I would go to the Navlakhi ground (in Vadodara) every year for playing garba and I have won a few prizes too.
‘I don’t follow any trends while dressing up for Navratri’ At one point, I would insist on getting nine new outfits during Navratri every year and loved wearing gajra. When it comes to Navratri fashion, I have always loved doing a mix and match. For instance, I would use my mother’s Banarasi dupatta with a simple, black chaniya choli. I don’t follow any trends while dressing up for Navratri.
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