Rhea Chakraborty Embraces New Beginnings This Poila Boishakh

Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, holds a special significance for the talented actor Rhea Chakraborty. She views this occasion as a chance for a "fresh start" in her life. "The New Year signifies permission; permission to begin again, to forgive yourself, and to try differently. Take it, with love, always," she expresses.

Reflecting on her childhood memories, Rhea recalls, "My earliest memory of Poila Boishakh is honestly just the smell of it. New clothes, flowers, my mum’s cooking. We would wake up really early; the whole house had this energy, like everyone was somehow lighter. I remember being dressed up before I was even fully awake. That feeling of a fresh start, even as a child, felt so real."

She continues, "The excitement for new clothes is still very much intact. Maybe even more now because I understand what it means. It’s like you’re literally wearing a new beginning."

As she steps into the Noboborsho, Rhea is also preparing for her professional comeback with the upcoming series Family Business after a seven-year hiatus. "The professional goal this year is to keep building my fashion brand with the same honesty I started it with," she shares.

Food plays an essential role in the celebrations for Rhea. She fondly remembers, "My dida's Luchi and Alur Dom defined the New Year for me. She’d make it in the morning and the whole house smelled insane. I don’t think any restaurant version has ever come close. It’s one of those tastes that just takes you back in time instantly."

Today, she treats herself to indulgent Bengali sweets without guilt, saying, "It is absolutely a cheat day. Some things are non-negotiable, and Bengali sweets on Poila Boishakh is one of them. Mishti Doi and Rosogolla are a must. We move on."

Rhea also reminisces about the joy of visiting local shops for sweets and calendars, stating, "Oh absolutely. That was the whole point honestly. The sweets and the new calendar that you’d take home and put up like it was the most precious thing. I miss that simplicity so much," she smiles.

On how she decorates her home for the festivities, she notes, "I keep my decor pretty simple but intentional. Fresh flowers everywhere, especially white ones, some diyas, and lots of mishti (which is my nickname too). Nothing overdone. The energy of the space matters more to me than how it looks."

Noboborsho Rapid Fire

Luchi-alur dom or panta ilish? Luchi-alur dom. Always and forever.

Morning puja or evening get-togethers? Morning puja. That quiet is everything.

Mishti doi or rosogolla? Mishti doi.

Adda with friends or a quiet family dinner? Family dinner, especially now.

Favourite accessories on Poila Boishakh? Red and white sari, and a bindi. That’s it. That’s the look.