When it comes to Holi, it looks like some celebrities are determined not to let the pandemic dampen the spirit of the festival. With strict restrictions still in place across much of India, the festival of colours, which also marks the arrival of spring, has been largely muted for a second year.
In Mumbai, for instance, where Covid-19 cases have spiked in recent days, municipal authorities issued a circular banning all private and public celebrations. Strict action would be taken against offenders, it said.
Some celebrities have been sending well wishes to their fans on social media, while others posted throwback pictures from previous years, advising followers to stay safe. Priyanka Chopra, meanwhile, celebrated in London with husband Nick Jonas and her in-laws, but urged everyone to stay at home.
Chopra posted images from her celebrations with Jonas and her extended family doused in colours.
"Holi, the festival of colours, is one of my favourites. Hope we can all celebrate it with our loved ones, but in our homes! #HappyHoli everyone," she wrote.
Bollywood producer and director Karan Johar hosted a small celebration just for his twins, Roohi and Yash.
"Organic, safe and still celebratory. Happy Holi to everyone. Let the colours of the festival change the grey and dark times forever," he wrote, along with pictures of his children, as well as his mother, Hiroo.
Kareena Kapoor also posted a photo of her son, Taimur, doused in colours.
"Stay safe people. Happy Holi from me," she shared.
The actress had earlier posted a still from the 2015 film Gabbar is Back with the message: "Reminiscing the happy Holi days."
Actress Genelia Deshmukh showed fans how you can get creative while still keeping safe.
"Find your own way to make festivals special (following all Covid restrictions) – even if it’s small and intimate, it’s the spirit that counts," she posted, along with a video featuring husband and actor Riteish Deshmukh.
Soha Ali Khan posted an adorable video of her daughter, Inaaya being doused in water.
"Favourite festival by far! #happyholi," the actress, who is married to actor Kunal Kemmu, posted.
Actor Akshay Kumar urged everyone not to "play Holi" and celebrate at home safely.
Do me a favour let’s not play Holi! Celebrate at home, for your safety and the safety of your loved ones 🙏🏻 Wishing you all a very Happy Holi 🌈
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) March 29, 2021
Sanjay Dutt had the same message, asking fans to celebrate at home.
"Keep the celebrations at home this year for the safety of your loved ones.
Wishing you all a very Happy Holi!" he posted along with a picture of himself with wife, Manyata, and children, Shahraan and Iqra.
Actress Kajal Aggarwal shared a photo with her husband Gautam Kitchlu, with their faces smeared with colours.
"May this Holi bring you and your family lots of love, joy, positivity and good health. Stay home. Stay safe," she wrote.
Kangana Ranaut wished her fans a happy Holi and used the opportunity to promote her upcoming film Thalaivi, in which she plays the late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa.
Abhishek Bachchan, who is married to Aishwarya Rai, reminded fans about rising cases and posted a throwback picture instead.
"A throwback to safer and more carefree times. Happy Holi everyone. Please celebrate this most beautiful festival, but from the safety of your homes. The number of Covid-19 cases are on the rise and we have to remain disciplined.
Stay home, eat gujjias, take the blessings of your parents and take care of your family," he posted, along with a picture of himself with Rai and their daughter, Aaradhya.
Bachchan's father, Amitabh Bachchan, who is known for his big Holi parties, also settled with a black and white photo featuring his actress wife Jaya Bachchan and a young Abhishek.
He posted the photo along with a line from the song Rang Barse Bhige Chunar Wali from his 1981 film Silsila, which has become a Holi anthem.
Ananya Panday's throwback photo featured her best friends Shanaya Kapoor, who recently announced her first Bollywood film, and Suhana Khan, the daughter of superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
"My best Holi memories are with these two! Major missing. Stay safe everyone! Love and light and colour and joy and positivity always," she wrote.
Actress Preity Zinta also posted a throwback photo with husband Gene Goodenough.
"Happy Holi everyone. May this festival of colours add the colour of happiness, health and positivity to all our lives. Feels strange to have no Holi celebration this year due to the pandemic ... So I’m putting up some previous Holi photos to keep the spirit of Holi alive," she wrote.
Madhuri Dixit asked fans to celebrate virtually and share their throwback photos.
"This year is different so join me to celebrate the festive joy virtually by sharing your throwback Holi pictures. Happy Holi, everyone!" she said.
