Actor Akshay Nalawade, who is currently winning hearts with his performance as Garud Dev in Shiv Shakti: Tap Tyag Tandav, opened up about his special yet unconventional way of celebrating Raksha Bandhan. While many mark the occasion with sisters tying rakhis on their brothers’ wrists, Akshay’s celebration comes with a heartfelt twist.
“Raksha Bandhan is one of my favourite celebrations,” he shares. “I don’t have a real sister, but I have two cousins. Unfortunately, they’re not around, so my celebration doesn’t go the way it usually does for others. Still, they send me rakhis, and my mother ties them on my wrist. As a brother, I send them my love through gifts.”
Despite the physical distance, the emotional bond remains strong. “My relationship with my sisters is quite pure and filled with love. Whenever we get a chance to meet, we laugh a lot, chill together, and I love teasing them—which, of course, irritates them! But it’s that classic cat-and-mouse relationship. Even if we fight, we can’t stay away from each other,” he smiles. When it comes to gifts, Akshay believes in being thoughtful. “I prefer giving them something useful. Not the usual chocolates or sweets. I like choosing things like dresses, purses, or headphones—practical gifts they can use.”
