New Delhi, March 13: Several Bollywood celebrities such as Abhishek Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan and Shraddha Kapoor, wished a colourful Holi to their fans and urged them to play the festival of colours in a safe and eco-friendly manner.
Apart from extending vibrant greetings, stars also shared their favourite childhood Holi memories and emphasised on the innate significance of the celebration.
Abhishek Bachchan wished his fans a happy Holi. The Bachchans are not celebrating Holi this year as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s father is hospitalised. Amitabh Bachchan also wished his fans.
Saif called for a subtle yet bright Holi and said the festival holds a special place in his heart.
“Holi used to be the most fun, colourful and festive celebration of the year in my childhood. Now, we have mellowed (it) slightly… Environmental awareness and the shortage of water leads to a slightly more responsible attitude…”
“And I look forward to a bar-b-que by the pool, a bit of colour and a nice family day!! Happy Holi India!! Have a blast!! (with non-permanent colour please!!),” said Saif.
Sharing one of her dearest Holi memories, Vidya said, “Having bhaang without knowing it was bhaang and then laughing all day. This was I think when I was 16.”
Balan said her “favourite Holi song would be definitely Rang Barse. When you think of Holi, you think of that song.”
Shraddha said, “Holi has always been a special time for me and my family. Everyone is together, a day filled with food, fun and family.”
As harmony and brotherhood go hand-in-hand with the theme of Holi, actor Irrfan Khan emphasised that people should forget all their differences and immerse themselves in the riot of colours.
“Make mockery of all your social programmings, get rid of all chhaap, tilak, play with colours till you lose your identity. Holi hai #HappyHoli,” Irrfan wrote on Twitter.
Commando 2 actor Adah Sharma also took to the micro-blogging site, where she asked people to abstain from troubling street dogs by putting colours on them.
“On behalf of all the stray dogs (yes, I’m their official spokesperson)… This Holi, colour your hair red… Not your dog’s! Enjoy #happyholi,” wrote Adah alongside a video clip.
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur posted, “#Holi is also a festival of love. Celebrates the Divine love of Krishna for Radha. Let colours of love splash all over the world. #happyholi”
While Juhi Chawla gave advance greetings, by tweeting a colourful poster which read “Happy Holi”.
Amit Sadh, who is currently in Gulmarg, told PTI his only message on Holi is to “do something different, be with your loved ones, surprise yourself and do something adventurous.”
Vivek Oberoi wrote, “Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Holi! May God bless you with colours of love and happiness! Have fun, play safe and keep it dry #Holi.”
Gurmeet Choudhary said, “I would like to wish my fans and well-wishers a happy and colourful Holi. But, at the same time I would urge them to play safe and enjoy the festival.”
Indian Idol host Karan Wahi said although he does not play Holi, he hopes those who celebrate the festival “don’t go berserk wasting water.”
TV actress Asha Negi said this time she is in no mood to party on Holi as she wants to make the festival a family affair by celebrating it “with close ones and lots of food”.
