The Aroras and the Khans mirror a secular spirit with their family members following different religions. However, the diversity only packs in an extra punch to the celebrations, be it Diwali or other festivals, writes Shubha Shetty-Saha

Amrita Arora and Malaika Arora Khan’s father, Anil Arora, is a Punjabi while their mother, Joyce, follows Christianity. Malaika’s hubby Arbaaz Khan’s father Salim Khan is a Muslim while mother Salma was a Hindu before marriage. His stepmother Helen is a Christian. However, Diwali in both their homes is celebrated like in any Indian home says Arbaaz. “At home we always do the usual. Since our family comprises of followers of different religions, we celebrate all festivals. For Diwali, we burst crackers, make sweets, call friends over and do all that is a part of tradition. Right now, my biggest high is bursting crackers with my son Arhaan. He gets so excited about them!” he shares. In fact, Arhaan has been actually hounding maasi Amrita to burst crackers with him a week before the festivities actually began!

Amrita and Malaika, both having busy schedules, try to spend as much time together on Diwali as possible. Amrita says, “Since dad is a Punjabi, we have always celebrated Diwali with a lot of gusto. We have the usual special lunches and dinners and light up diyas all over the house.”

This Diwali is all the more special for the family because  Amrita’s film Golmaal Returns and Arbaaz’s Fashion is releasing on Diwali day. It would have been a triple whammy if Malaika’s much-talked about film’s (EMI) release was not postponed. Malaika says, “While it’s not unusual for Amrita and Arbaaz to have releases, it’s a rare thing for me. What’s interesting is that all the three films are totally different,” she ends.