Made in China Stars Rajkummar Rao and Mouni Roy Share Their Interesting Navratri Memories

Rajkummar Rao and Mouni Roy are all set to be seen together in the comedy entertainer, Made in China. It is brought to audiences by the makers of Stree, and is directed by Mikhil Musale. Apart from Rao and Roy, the movie also stars Boman Irani, Sumeet Vyas, Gajraj Rao and Paresh Rawal. The trailer of Made in China has got enough attention for bringing discussions of sex and a few sex-related problems out in the open, while treating them in a light-hearted manner. Made in China Trailer: Rajkummar Rao and Mouni Roy's Jugadu Comedy Will Tickle Your Funny Bone (Watch Video)

While the movie is all set to release during Diwali, Made in China has a very strong connection to another festival - Navratri. One of the songs in Made in China, where the lead is a Gujarati, is a recreated version of the folk song, "Ke Odhni Odhu Odhu Ne Udi Jaye", which is a staple for every dandiya function. Odhani Song from Made In China: Rajkummar Rao and Mouni Roy's Dance Number is Hit for Navratri but Flop According to a Gujarati.

With the festival beginning in India, the lead stars Rajkummar Rao and Mouni Roy shared their memories of the festival, Rao said, "I grew up in Gurugram, and over there, Navratri was about pooja-path and fasting, and watching Ram Leela being performed by local actors. I used to observe the fast with my mother on all the nine days. I do that even now, though I can’t continue for all the nine days. At that time, I saw garba only in films. During my years in the Film and Television Institute, we used to celebrate all the festivals. I had a Bengali friend with whom I would visit Durga Puja pandals. Now, Patralekhaa and I visit pandals together and offer prayers. We’re regulars at a pandal in Andheri and we’ve also been to Dadar Shivaji Park. I’ve also been to many garba-dandiya pandals, where I’ve always felt high energy among people. The same festival is celebrated differently across India and everything co-exists. That’s the beauty of a country like ours."

Rao also mentioned how much he loved dancing in such functions. He added, "I enjoy dancing and garba is among my favourite dance forms. It’s so synchronized and beautiful to look at. In fact, I love dancing so much that I have danced in random baraats with people I don’t know. Uske baad kai baar jaake shaadiyon mein khaana bhi khaya hai. During my years in Gurugram, I was part of a dance group and have performed Bhangra, Odissi, Haryanvi and Rajasthani folk dance forms. It’s something that makes me very happy."

To which Mouni had her own experience to share. She said, "Navratri is celebrated across the country in different ways. Call her Maa Durga or Ambe, she is the Mother we worship. As children, Durga Puja was very special - pandals, onjoli, dancing, enjoying some amazing food, hanging out with friends and wearing new clothes. When I was studying in Delhi, I would go back home (Kolkata) to be with my parents during the festival. When I came to Mumbai, I was introduced to Navratri celebrations and garba outings. I see the same enthusiasm here, too — dandiya raas, garba, colourful clothes, young and happy faces, and some fabulous music."

She adds, "When my father was alive, I would leave Mumbai and head back home for Pujo, but now, my mother comes over and stays with me. I try and make time for onjolion Maha-Ashtami and the other days, too."

Ask if they had a chance to do some garba raas in Made In China, and Mouni replies, “I don't know how to do garba all that well. I can manage the steps, but every dance form has its own flair and bounce. I had to work hard to get that right. In the film, we don’t have an outright garba song, but it’s a wonderful dance number.”

(This is an unedited story from a Partnered feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 29, 2019 09:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).