Actors share their first Kite-Flying experience this Makar Sankranti!

Actors share their first Kite-Flying experience this Makar Sankranti!

Makar Sankranti, also known as the Kite Festival, is joyously observed throughout India. The festive spirit is marked by flying kites, symbolizing the onset of spring. &TV artists share their memorable first experiences of flying kites during this auspicious occasion. These include Vyom Thakkar (Young Atal, Atal), Geetanjali Mishra (Rajesh Singh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Vyom Thakkar, essaying Young Atal in &TV’s show Atal, says, “Being a Gujarati, we refer to Makar Sankranti as Uttrayan, a festival we celebrate with great enthusiasm. Our entire family gathers at our home for this occasion. We begin the festivities with prayers, and then, we all head to the terrace to engage in the traditional activity of flying kites. This has become a cherished tradition for us. I vividly recall my first experience of flying a kite. Initially, I felt a bit nervous amidst the multitude of kites soaring in the sky, and I wasn't even familiar with handling the manjha (kite string). That's when my father stepped in as a hero, guiding me on the art of carefully lengthening the string. He taught me to hold one part in one hand and bring the other hand a little further down to brace the kite once it goes up in the air. Despite numerous failures in the initial attempts, I didn’t give up. I repeated the entire process with the hope of success. Slowly but steadily, my kite began to ascend, with both me and my father skillfully holding the string. The joy of seeing my kite flying high in the sky was immensely gratifying. Over the years, I have honed my kite-flying skills to the point where I can confidently declare myself a pro. Now, it has become quite a challenge for anyone to outdo me in this traditional and thrilling festival activity.”

Geetanjali Mishra, aka Rajesh Singh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “In Uttar Pradesh, kite flying is not just a seasonal activity reserved for Makar Sankranti; it's a year-round passion. The vibrant hues of kites paint the sky throughout the year. As a kid, I dedicated endless hours to this exhilarating pastime on terraces. Anticipation builds up two weeks before Makar Sankranti, prompting my friends and me to embark on a kite-buying spree. Armed with bulk purchases, we would go to our terraces, transforming them into lively arenas for aerial battles. The thrill of cutting opponents' kites and engaging in spirited chases from one terrace to another became the essence of our days. Among these joyous escapades, one incident remains etched in my memory. During a spirited pursuit of a soaring kite, I took a tumble that resulted in minor injuries. Determined to keep it a secret from my mother, I hid the mishap. However, mothers possess an uncanny intuition, and mine soon discovered the truth. The revelation triggered disappointment and concern in my entire family, a testament to the inherent risks associated with our beloved pastime. In my hometown, remnants of those spirited kite-flying days still linger in the form of mementoes – a collection of kites that serve as nostalgic artefacts, preserving the essence of a cherished childhood activity. The laughter, the camaraderie, and the occasional mishaps are all woven into the fabric of these kites, symbolizing not just a seasonal festivity but a year-round love affair with the skies.” Shubhangi Atre, aka Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “My encounter with kite flying remains etched in my memory as an unforgettable experience. It granted me the chance to relish the excitement of manoeuvring a kite through the sky. The initial foray into kite flying was marked by a surge of enthusiasm and eager anticipation. The vibrant and enchanting kites dotting the sky captivated my attention, intensifying my eagerness to launch my own. Witnessing the myriad kites soaring above, I couldn't wait to join the ranks. The moment finally arrived when I propelled my kite into the sky, and with each passing second, it ascended to greater heights. The sheer exhilaration of seeing my kite glide through the air was beyond description, filling me with immense joy. A delightful memory from that day includes a playful squabble with my sisters over our respective kite-flying prowess. They couldn't help but express a hint of jealousy as my first attempt proved successful, prompting them to redouble their efforts amidst laughter. The entire experience was wonderful, and the festive ambience of Makar Sankranti continues to evoke a profound sense of happiness in my heart. I extend my warm wishes to everyone for a Happy Makar Sankranti!”

Watch your favourite artists in Atal at 8:00 pm, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!