Mumbai: Akshay Singh, who acted, directed, and produced the acclaimed web series Naam Gum Jayega currently streaming on Amazon MX Player, is a man of many talents. This festive season, the filmmaker shares what Diwali signifies for him, touching on childhood memories, sweet treats, and personal insights regarding light, darkness, and gratitude. For Akshay, Diwali transcends being merely a festival of lights; it serves as a moment to reconnect with close friends and family. “For me, Diwali is all about tradition and togetherness, celebrating it with close friends and family. The week leading up to Diwali is a marathon of invitations for home get-togethers,” he expresses with a smile.
“There are a few friends who remain so caught up in life otherwise, that I end up meeting them only ‘Diwali to Diwali’. So, I genuinely look forward to those warm, laughter-filled evenings.” When asked about his celebrations, Akshay reveals that Diwali at his home is a grand occasion. “Oh, it’s always a big celebration! Friends, family, food, laughter: that’s my kind of Diwali,” he states. Known for his love of sweets, Akshay indulges during the festive season. “I generally monitor my sweet intake, but during Diwali I let myself indulge.
I have a fondness for our desi Indian mithaais, from besan ke laddoo to rasmalai, even sneaking an extra bite from someone else’s share.” Reflecting on the deeper meaning of Diwali, Akshay recounts a challenging time in his career. “There was a period when everything felt stagnant. I had written three films for different producers, all promising immediate starts, yet none made it to the shooting stage. It was frustrating and disheartening,” he shares. “But that’s when I realized, no one else was going to turn on the light for me.
I knew I had to ignite my own lights in life.” This led to a pivotal moment for him with Pinky Beauty Parlour, his first feature film as a director and producer, and the initiation of his banner Akshikha Entertainment. He explains, “I took control, stepped behind the camera to narrate my story my way, and that leap of faith resulted in Pinky Beauty Parlour, my film that took me around the world, earned me acclaim, and most importantly, reignited my creative passion. That was my true Diwali, where my light triumphed over darkness.” Over the years, Akshay’s Diwali celebrations have transformed. “As a child, I was extremely fond of firecrackers. However, I later recognized the environmental damage they cause.
Now, my Diwali centers more on laughter than noise,” he clarifies. “We start the evening with a puja at home, light diyas and candles, and transform the house into a glowing wonderland. We begin decorating a week in advance and keep the lights on for ten days post-Diwali. It sustains the festive spirit for nearly twenty days.” Reflecting on the past year, Akshay comments, “This year has been exceptionally special. Professionally, it has been a time of growth and momentum.
Two of my feature film scripts have developed beautifully, one of which is set to start production by the end of this year and the other by April 2026.” He adds, “During this process, I have met and collaborated with some incredibly talented individuals, which has been greatly inspiring. By next Diwali, I hope to celebrate the completion of both my feature films. That prospect alone fills me with gratitude and excitement.” Recalling his childhood, Akshay fondly remembers, “My sweetest Diwali memory takes me back to my native village. One year, I insisted on assisting my mother and our house helpers in making boondi laddoos. I was captivated watching them roll those golden drops into perfect spheres.
That evening, the entire family gathered in the courtyard to distribute laddoos to the villagers, a tradition that persists to this day. However, that year was special because I got to hand out my own tiny, slightly misshapen laddoos. The pride and joy I experienced then still brings a smile to my face every Diwali.