Have a blast with ‘Sonakshi pataka’

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Kareena Kapoor phuljhari, Sonakshi Sinha pataka or Aishwarya Rai sky shot. This Diwali is going to be a star-studded festival. Firecrackers covers in the city markets are a bright galaxy of stars, with not just pictures of Bollywood and Hollywood actors; but also Hollywood singers, music bands, wrestlers, and even the winners of reality shows like India’s Got Talent and Chota Packet Bada Dhamaka.

“Many crackers are sold solely because of the stars’ pictures. They are like our brand ambassadors,” says shopkeeper Rajiv Jain in Chandni Chowk as he picks up a flower pot (anaar) packet with Katrina Kaif’s picture on it. The sky shots with Aishwarya and Britney Spears’ photo are called Hot Girls. Esha Deol and Celina Jaitley on a sparklers box are labelled Texas Riders while another is called Back Street Boys.
“But Sonakshi Sinha beats all,” says Sameer Juneja from Om Sai Traders. “She is one of the fresh faces this year. Earlier mostly South Indian actresses used to be on the cracker covers. But now we have not just Bollywood but Hollywood actresses also. Since usually kids accompany their parents to the markets, this year we have made sure that we have covers that attract children as well,” he adds.
Among the teenagers, Selena Gomez, singer Justin Bieber’s girlfriend, is a hit. The manufacturers have cashed in on her popularity. “Selena Gomez crackers are becoming very popular. She is selling like anything,” insists Sonu Thakur from Kalishwari crackers distributor. Among film
While films, Chak De India! and Koi Mil Gaya continue to be popular on cracker boxes.
The cracker prices have increased like never before. Last year, the most expensive cracker Sonu sold was worth `10,000. This year, a packet of 500 sky shots in his shop costs `15,000, making it one of the most expensive crackers in the market. “Though there are few takers for crackers costing more than `10,000, we always manage to sell these expensive crackers,” he adds.
Eco-friendly crackers which promise less noise and pollution are also finding takers in the city. These crackers make almost no noise but spread light, says Mukesh Kumar who runs a cracker shop in Seelampur. “In last three years these crackers have had about 40 percent increase in sales,” adds Mukesh.
As the eco-friendly crackers gain new customers with rising awareness among customers; Angelina Jolie, Katy Perry, Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone add oomph and appeal to the bright and ever-exploding firecrackers market. While they might not be the sole reason for enthusiasts to buy crackers, an interesting packaging does attract attention.
Get set for a crackling and sparkling Diwali!