After two years of subdued celebrations, Diwali parties are back in full swing, and Bollywood stars are joining in on the fun. The festival of lights is a major holiday in India, and usually spread across a number of days, marked by grand dos, glamorous events and massive fireworks.
One of the first major parties was hosted by Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana and wife Tahira Kashyap at their Mumbai home last week.
Stars who attended included newlyweds Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha, Varun Dhawan, Kartik Aaryan, Sanya Malhotra, Ananya Panday, Nushrratt Bharuccha, producer Karan Johar and fashion designer Manish Malhotra.
"Houses are nothing it’s the people who make it a home," Kashyap shared on Instagram, along with a video, which showed the celebrities dressed in their traditional best and letting their hair down.
"Everyone brought in such amazing energy last night. The warmth and love we all felt was magical! I really wish everyone gets to celebrate Diwali with their favourite and loved ones."
But one of the biggest Diwali bashes this year was hosted by designer Malhotra, whose star-studded party included everyone from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and husband Abhishek Bachchan to new generation actors including Siddhant Chaturvedi, Sharvari Wagh and Sara Ali Khan.
Malhotra, who's dressed some of the biggest Bollywood stars and designed for dozens of films, also shared a photo with actress Kajol and director and producer Johar. The trio worked together in the 1998 film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, considered by many as a landmark Bollywood film.
"Friends since 1993 and celebrations are incomplete without them. Love and only love for them," Malhotra shared on Instagram.
Kareena Kapoor Khan too hosted a party at her home in Mumbai on Sunday, although hers was a more intimate gathering, featuring members of her extended film family.
The Kapoor family are often referred to as the first family of Bollywood.
"This is us. From mine to yours… Happy Diwali friends," Kapoor Khan shared on Instagram, along with an adorable photo of husband, actor Saif Ali Khan, as well as their sons Taimur and Jehangir.
Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
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