No Diwali celebration is complete without the razzmatazz of taash tables laid out and high stakes played. It is said that Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva, and she declared that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the following year.
Over the years several Bollywood personalities have hosted some of the biggest taash parties. Card parties are a norm for many nights before the auspicious day with Teen Patti, Rummy and Flash being the popular card games. This year producer Ramesh Taurani has already hosted his taash party at his residence with friends Shahid Kapur, Siddharth Anand, Sajid Khan, Sajid Nadiadwala, Riteish Deshmukh and Sonu Sood having played their stakes there.
Yesteryear actor Jeetendra has been playing the game for ages and is known for his grand parties. Son Tusshar remembers Rishi Kapoor and Rakesh Roshan joining them. “We have been holding these parties for many years now. Dad and mom play and invite their friends over. Sometimes they go over to play at a friend’s place. The stakes go as high as `50,000, but it’s all in the right spirit — friendship and fun. We have a taash party at home this year too, but I hate cards. I played as a kid for fun, but prefer to chill out with my friends.”
TV actor Sahila Chadda, plays with the intention of good shagun. “Most stars play taash for fun and it is an excuse to meet your near and dear ones. We do it only because we consider it auspicious,” she says.
The first family of Bollywood who popularised the tradition still continues to have it on a smaller scale. Rishi and Neetu Kapoor are continuing with the original showman’s tradition of holding these parties, albeit less grand. The other Kapoors, comprising Anil, Boney and Sanjay make it a point to come together for Lakshmi puja and games after that.
Shilpa Shetty, who always hated playing cards, will be hosting a taash party at her new home in Juhu alongwith husband Raj Kundra, who loves the game. She has invited practically everyone from Bollywood.
Chunky Pandey too is known for inviting friends over to his place for a taash party. Over the years, biggies like Salman and brother Sohail Khan, Sanjay Dutt and actress Neelam Kothari have become regulars at his do. Even the very reclusive Rekha joins them for some celebrations.