Mumbai: Holi, the festival that has played a significant role in many Bollywood movies has undergone a massive makeover in the industry over the years.
Celebrations around the festival have distinctly diminished with several Bollywood biggies known for their big and lavish parties breaking the tradition of playing hosts to the who-is-who of the industry.
The last big Holi bash was hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, way back in 2004. The highlight of the celebration was a patch-up between Shah Rukh Khan and politician Amar Singh, with whom the superstar had a verbal duel at an award ceremony previously.
Reportedly, the superstar stopped celebrating Holi after that when his mother, Teji was taken ill and had to be hospitalised. Subhash Ghai too stopped hosting festivities at his Madh Island bungalow about a decade ago.
Work comes first
Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi celebrated the festival at her parents' home in Juhu every year. However, this time surprisingly they're giving it a miss.
As Shabana says, "I'm in Rajkot shooting for Vishal Bhardwaj's movie and my brother Baba (cinematographer Baba Azmi) is also shooting. So unfortunately, we will not be celebrating Holi this year at my parents' home in Janki Kutir."
The actress admits that she is disappointed considering that her father, late noted poet Kaifi Azmi started the tradition 40 years ago. "Our friends are disappointed too.
Holi, Diwali, Eid and Christmas have always been celebrated in our home because India's secular culture is our proud heritage," she maintained.
Farhan Akhtar too is preoccupied with Rakeysh Mehra's biopic on the legendary Milkha Singh to host any celebrations in their place.
Tough times
Sanjay Gupta too was known for his Holi bashes at his Versova bungalow, though most of the guests comprised his close friends. This year the director is going through a tough time owing to an invite 'for Shootout At Wadala', his collaboration with Ekta Kapoor.
Among the stars, Aamir Khan is preoccupied with his television show, while Salman Khan is coping with the pain due to his nerve trouble.
Shah Rukh Khan is in London, Hrithik Roshan is shooting for 'Krrish 3' in Hyderabad, Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt are filming 'Son Of Sardar in Patiala' and Akshay Kumar is shooting in Delhi.
Blame it on the colours
Interestingly, one of the reasons for the wane of the Holi celebrations is the colours that are used. An actress on condition of anonymity says, "Instead of gulaal, a lot of fast colours are used.
It's a pain getting rid of them. Sometimes the skin burns for a day. Besides, it takes two-three days to get rid of the colours completely."
Waning interest
Another reason for the decline in the celebrations of the festival of colours is the fading interest. As Tusshar Kapoor tells us, "I was a huge fan of Holi parties and remember Amitji's last big bash. Today, I think people are not so keen to celebrate Holi."
Those were the days
Talking of celebrations, none can be complete without the mention of the parties hosted by the original showman Raj Kapoor.
The industry still recalls the days when the showman hosted Holi parties at RK Studios, where everyone turned up to celebrate. Those were the most memorable Holi days, recall many industry folks.
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