For Pratibha Ranta, Navratri is more than just a festival; it's a vibrant tapestry woven with childhood memories, cherished family traditions, and deep-seated spiritual beliefs. The "Laapataa Ladies" star, who is 24 years old, connects the festival to her early years, remembering the excitement of visiting homes, savoring delicious food, and receiving gifts and money. "Navratri really takes me back to my childhood," she shares. "I would eagerly wait for it because I'd go to people's houses, eat delicious food, and they would give me gifts and money. By the end of Navratri, I would sit and count how much I made and feel so rich – even if it was just ₹500, it meant the world to me".

Ranta comes from a spiritual family, so Navratri is an auspicious time for new beginnings, prayers, and blessings. She says that if she wants to start something new, she waits for this time because she knows she'll have all the blessings around her. Worshipping goddesses has always been central in her life, especially since her parents raised three daughters and strongly believe in goddess energy.

Growing up in Shimla, Navratri held a special charm for Pratibha. She fondly recalls visiting a particular house for over a decade, even after she reached puberty, and how special it made her feel. She misses the simplicity of those days – returning from school hungry and being treated to hearty festive meals. "The Bhandara, the langar, the prasad during these days was something we all looked up to," she reminisces.

Moving to Mumbai introduced her to a different facet of Navratri – the exhilarating world of garba and dandiya. She admits to falling head over heels for Mumbai's Navratri celebrations. "Whoever comes to Mumbai becomes a fan of this festival. You witness it here, and you can't help but fall in love with it – the energy, the culture, the togetherness," she exclaims.

While she appreciates the spiritual essence of Navratri, Pratibha confesses she can't observe fasting for all nine days. "With the kind of lifestyle I lead, always moving around and meeting people, I honestly can't stay hungry. I've only fasted on the final day of Navratri, never all nine days. I get too angry without food," she says with a laugh.

For the actress, Navratri is a time to mark new beginnings and kick-start new ventures. She associates Navratri with blessings, beginnings, and the power of the goddess, and it gives her strength to move forward, both personally and professionally.

Pratibha's journey from Shimla to Mumbai mirrors her character Jaya's determination in "Laapataa Ladies". Just as Jaya sought a chance to define her own life, Pratibha left her home to pursue her acting dreams. She has come a long way since her debut in the television series "Qurbaan Hua". Aamir Khan praised her versatile acting potential after "Laapataa Ladies".

Now, as Navratri 2025 unfolds, Pratibha Ranta embraces the festive spirit of Mumbai, cherishing the memories of her childhood celebrations while reveling in the city's vibrant energy.