Abhika Malakar, the popular Bengali actress who debuted on Hindi TV with Pocket Mein Aasmaan, relates a lot emotionally to the festival of Raksha Bandhan. As we celebrate Raksha Bandhan today (9 August), Abhika talks about her close bond with her sister, and also about making brotherly bonds with people in the industry.
Says Abhika, “Raksha Bandhan is a festival which is very emotional for me. It is not just about tying a rakhi; it is about a bond that is always there, silently protecting you. I don’t usually get time to express my love to people who care about me. Rakhi is one day where everything pauses, and I get to show that love openly. It is a day for simple gestures with so much emotion behind it.”
Abhika has found special bonds, away from home, in the industry. “I have made brotherly bonds in this industry. Only a few stay near your heart. There have been some co-actors and friends with whom I share a brotherly bond. They are not blood-related, but it is a special bond that we share.”
On life after Pocket Mein Aasmaan, Abhika shares, “After Pocket Mein Aasmaan, I was on a break. I explored a bit. Now I am working on a few new scripts, preparing for new projects. I am giving time to myself to grow and heal as a person. Also, I realise that being emotionally strong is important in this industry. So I make sure I give time for myself amid all my work.”
She talks about her sister and their bond, saying, “Abhira and I turn the special day of Raksha Bandhan into a full-blown celebration. We have a few cousin brothers, too. We usually make the day special. Even if I am working on the day, I carry a few rakhis with me, for my brothers from the industry.”
“Abhira and I used to fight over who would get the bigger gift on Rakhi. But on the day of the festival, we used to hug each other and shower love. I also used to tie rakhis to my cousins and friends who are like brothers to me. All are living in different directions. But I send them rakhi with a special note every year,” she talks about the routine she observes during the festival,” recalls Abhika about the happy memories.
Ask her whether she will take up work in the Hindi industry, and she says, “I love Bengali content. It is my root, my identity. At the same time, I am also drawn to Hindi projects. I want to do work that excites me, irrespective of whether it is in the Bengali or Hindi industry.”
Best of luck!!
