I knew I had to Switch On the Lights for Myself in Life” : Filmmaker Akshay Singh on Finding His Own Diwali Moment

Mumbai:Akshay Singh, who acted, directed, and produced the acclaimed web series Naam Gum Jayega streaming currently on Amazon MX Player, is a man of many talents. This festive season, the filmmaker opens up about what Diwali means to him. From childhood memories and sweet indulgences to personal reflections on light, darkness, and gratitude. For Akshay, Diwali is much more than just a festival of lights. It’s a time to reconnect with close friends and family.

“For me, Diwali is all about tradition and togetherness, celebrating it with close friends and family. The week leading up to Diwali is a marathon of invitations for home get-togethers,” he shares with a smile. “There are a few friends who remain so caught up in life otherwise, that I end up meeting them only ‘Diwali to Diwali’. So, I genuinely look forward to those warm, laughter-filled evenings.” When asked how he celebrates, Akshay admits that Diwali in his home is a grand affair. “Oh, it’s always a big celebration! Friends, family, food, laughter : that’s my kind of Diwali,” he says. Known to have a sweet tooth, Akshay doesn’t hold back during the festive season. “I generally keep a check on my sweet intake, but during Diwali I let myself go. I love our desi Indian mithaais, from besan ke laddoo to rasmalai, even having an extra bite from someone else’s share.”

Speaking about the deeper symbolism of Diwali, Akshay recalls a challenging phase in his career. “There was a phase when everything felt stuck. I had written three films for different producers, all promising immediate starts, which however never reached the shooting floors. It was frustrating and disheartening,” he says. “But that’s when I realized, no one else was going to switch on the light for me. I knew I had to switch on my own lights myself in life” That led to the turning point in his life in the form of Pinky Beauty Parlour, his first feature film as a director and producer, and also the start of his banner Akshikha Entertainment. He said, “I took charge, stepped behind the camera to tell my story my way and that leap of faith became Pinky Beaity Parlour, my Film that took me travelling across the world, brought me acclaim, and most importantly, reignited my creative fire. That was my true Diwali, of my light triumphing over darkness.” Over the years, Akshay’s way of celebrating Diwali has evolved. “As a kid, I was a total cracker enthusiast. But with time, I realized how much harm it does to the environment. Now my Diwali is more about laughter than loudness,” he explains. “We begin the evening with a puja at home, light diyas and candles, and turn the house into a glowing fairyland. We start decorating a week in advance and keep the lights on for ten days after Diwali. It keeps the festive spirit alive for almost twenty days.” Reflecting on the year gone by, Akshay shares, “This year has been truly special. Professionally, it’s been a phase of growth and momentum. Two of my feature film scripts have shaped up beautifully, one of which is set to go on floors by the end of this year and the other by April 2026.” He adds, “In this process, I have met and collaborated with some incredibly talented people, which has been deeply inspiring. By next Diwali, I hope to be celebrating the completion of both my feature films. That thought alone fills me with gratitude and excitement.” Reminiscing about his childhood, Akshay fondly recalls, “My sweetest Diwali memory takes me back to my native village. One year, I insisted on helping my mother and our house helps make boondi laddoos. I was fascinated watching them roll those golden drops into perfect rounds. That evening, the whole family sat in the courtyard distributing laddoos to the villagers, a ritual that continues to this day. But that year was special because I got to hand out my own tiny, slightly misshapen laddoos. The pride and joy I felt then still makes me smile every Diwali.”