Akshay Singh Reflects on His Journey of Light, Faith, and Self-Belief This Diwali

For filmmaker and actor Akshay Singh, Diwali is far more than a festival — it’s a feeling, a philosophy, and a reminder of resilience. The man behind the acclaimed web series Naam Gum Jayega, currently streaming on Amazon MX Player, is a storyteller who finds meaning in every flicker of light. This year, as he reflects on his journey, Akshay speaks candidly about the joy of togetherness, the sweetness of memories, and the light he had to ignite within himself.

“For me, Diwali is all about tradition and togetherness, celebrating it with close friends and family,” he shares with an easy smile. “The week leading up to Diwali is always a marathon of home get-togethers. Some friends are so caught up in life that I end up meeting them only ‘Diwali to Diwali’. So, I genuinely look forward to those warm, laughter-filled evenings.”

At his home, the celebration is nothing short of grand. “Oh, it’s always a big celebration! Friends, family, food, laughter — that’s my kind of Diwali,” he says. Known for his sweet tooth, Akshay laughs as he admits, “I generally keep a check on my sweet intake, but during Diwali, I let myself go. I love our desi Indian mithais — from besan ke laddoo to rasmalai — even if it means stealing a bite from someone else’s plate!”

But beyond the festive indulgence, Diwali holds a deeper, more personal significance for him. Akshay recalls a phase in his career when darkness seemed to surround him. “There was a time when everything felt stuck. I had written three films for different producers — all promising immediate starts — yet none reached the shooting floors. It was frustrating and disheartening,” he says thoughtfully.

It was during that time that he had his true “Diwali moment.” “I realized no one else was going to switch on the light for me. I had to switch it on myself,” he shares, his voice steady with conviction. That moment of clarity led him to create Pinky Beauty Parlour, his first feature film as a director and producer, marking the birth of his banner, Akshikha Entertainment. “I took charge, stepped behind the camera to tell my story my way, and that leap of faith became Pinky Beauty Parlour — the film that took me across the world, brought me acclaim, and most importantly, reignited my creative fire. That was my true Diwali — my light triumphing over darkness.”

Over the years, his way of celebrating Diwali has transformed. “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 reflects. “We begin 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.”

Professionally, 2025 has been a fulfilling year for the filmmaker. “This year has been truly special. Two of my feature film scripts have shaped up beautifully — one will go on floors by the end of this year, and the other by April 2026,” he shares with excitement. “In this process, I’ve met and collaborated with some incredibly talented people. By next Diwali, I hope to be celebrating the completion of both films. That thought alone fills me with gratitude.”

Reminiscing about childhood, Akshay’s eyes light up as he describes one of his sweetest memories. “My fondest 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, we distributed laddoos to the villagers — a tradition that continues even today. 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 make me smile every Diwali.”