Amruta Khanvilkar: There's nothing better than celebrating Gudi Padwa in my new house

In the last few months, Amruta Khanvilkar has been through some rough things, the most stressful being her mother's open heart surgery. But the Lootere actress thanks her stars that her mother is well, and is now looking forward to welcoming the Maharashtrian New Year with family. As Amruta gears up to celebrate Gudi Padwa, she tells us what she's looking forward to and why today is when an afternoon siesta is a must.


Speaking about her mother, Amruta tells us that the surgery was shocking to all of them. "My mother has always been a fit person so when we heard that she would have to undergo an open heart surgery it came as a shock," says Amruta, adding, "We were in the middle of buying a new house then. On one side, I was looking at paperwork for the house and on the other side, I was signing Aai's hospital papers." For a moment Amruta had second thoughts about the house too. "I kept questioning myself if I was doing the right thing and should I put this on hold. But I feel fortunate that with the blessings of almighty, things fell into place," she adds.


Amruta recently moved into her new house, which she has named Ekam, and will be celebrating her first festival in the space today. She shares, "I am very attached to Gudi Padwa. It symbolises new beginnings for me. I think there's nothing better than celebrating this day in my new house. It's like this was meant to be. This is also the first time in 25 years that I don't have to worry about the finances for my new house. I feel like my work and dedication is paying off."
Ask her what her plans for the day are and she replies, "I love decking up the gudi. I have seen my father doing it since my childhood and I wish to continue that tradition. After the morning traditional celebration a nice homemade lunch is a must. Puri, bhaaji and, of course, basundi! I may not eat basundi the entire year but on Gudi Padwa, I give in to the temptation. This is followed by a nice afternoon siesta!"


The Chandramukhi actress says that this year is a busy one work-wise and she has some dreams she wishes to turn into reality. "I want to work on stage, produce a film and work with some fantastic directors. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is on the top of that list. I am just putting this out in the universe and I know it will happen soon," she smiles. Amruta is also hopeful of changes in the film industry. She says, "With cinema, everyone looks for an escape from the daily routine. We experience so many emotions through that and I think as an industry we should focus on giving the audience that escape by creating a new world for them to step into. I am hopeful about that happening regularly."