Today on Raksha Bandhan, actresses Harleen Sethi, Aditya Seal, Avneet Kaur, and Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia reflect on their unique sibling connections.
Today, on Raksha Bandhan, actors Harleen Sethi, Aditya Seal, Avneet Kaur, Pavail Gulatie, and Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia reflect on their particular ties with their siblings.
Actor Avneet Kaur, 22, says her brother Jai, a 21-year-old professional gamer and influencer, has always treated her like a friend. “Probably because we’re so close in age—he’s a year younger than me. I could tell him things I couldn’t tell our parents as a kid. We adore family time, whether we’re out or staying in. He likes going out and I’m a homebody. Jai shares my love of family and understands me. When I argue with my parents, Jai always mediates and helps us resolve the issue. I’m pleased of his wisdom and responsibility, which never ceases to astound me despite his youth.”
Harleen Sethi says her brother Karan Sethi, a businessman, is “pretty much like Tom and Jerry”—they “can’t do with or without each other”. I’m Jerry (smarter) and he’s Tom (emotional fool). He gets upset with my idiosyncrasies first, but I like taking risks and making mistakes. I’m gregarious and expressive, whereas he prefers seclusion. He likes nightlife, excellent bars, and finger foods, while I love nature—mountains, lakes, sunsets. My dad is my mom’s favorite if I’m his. Our home and parents unite us despite our differences. Because of our profound connection and willingness to stick together, we thrive in pure and loving relationships. Additionally, we’re both pampered.”
Aditya Seal compares his personality to his sister Konica Seal Shrivastav. Konica rarely partied in college, but I stayed out until everyone was asleep. We now switch roles—she parties and I relax at home. Konica was a doctor-to-be, whereas I was an athlete who won gold. She handled crises and academic concerns, whereas I’m not even on the family’s quick dial. Despite our differences, we have fundamental similarities. We have the same college mates that have been our closest friends for years. Our love of cricket is unmatched—Konica watches every match, regardless of the opponent.” He adds, “Our sibling bond is unbreakable despite our differences and similarities.”
Actor Pavail Gulatie adds, “My cousins, Mishtha in Canada and Simran in the US, and I rarely see each other. When we reconnect, it feels like we resume where we left off. The friendship we share is lovely. Feeling safe with them lets me cry in front of them like no one else. Despite my cousins’ higher education—Simran is a doctor and Mishtha has an MBA—and my lower education, our kinship is stronger. Mishtha’s adventurous spirit contrasts with my penchant for staying put, but I value our honesty and support.”
Ahluwalia recalls her childhood and how she celebrates Raksha Bandhan with her siblings: “My brother Advit, who is younger than me, and my masi’s son Karan, who is older, and I grew up together. The whole family went to the Gurudwara and celebrated all holidays. Our friendship undoubtedly strengthened due to our smaller age gap. Despite our shared ideals and religious views from our grandparents, our personalities differ. I’m the most sensitive, while my siblings are rowdier and less emotional unless inebriated. I keep their love lives and college hijinks confidential. My cousin lives in Dubai and my brother has been in the US for seven years, so Zoom calls and updates keep us close. We constantly continue from where we left off. Our first Rakhi celebration in nearly a decade was recently. Our Rakhi reunion was lovely despite the lengthy time apart. I mail Rakhi postal to them and schedule a Zoom call to celebrate when they’re away. I pray on Zoom, they tie the Rakhi on themselves, and they complete the ceremony in front of Baba ji.”
