India, Nov. 1 -- Playing Urmila in director Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, set to release this week, has given Diwali a whole new meaning for actor Sonia Balani. With the epic's emotions becoming part of her everyday life, the festival feels more personal this year. It is also a special homecoming, with family, friends and neighbours eager to hear about her experience on set. "My family and friends are excited to meet me and hear about the shoot. Going home for Diwali is unmissable. I can miss work, but not the festivities back home. My mom tells me that even the neighbours are thrilled that I am part of this iconic story. We have all grown up watching Ramayana on TV, so I understand the love everyone has for the story and the character," says the actor, known for The Kerala Story (2023). The character has also changed how Balani now looks at the festival. "Somewhere along the way, Sita began to feel like my own sister, and I found myself experiencing the story through Urmila's emotions. Earlier, Diwali was about firecrackers, puja and the joy of Lord Ram's return. This year, I understand the deeper emotions behind Ram, Sita and Lakshman's return to Ayodhya. It has given the festival an entirely new meaning," adds the 35-year-old, who hails from Agra. Describing her preparation for Urmila as challenging, Balani recalls, "I did monologue exercises, walking around my room, and wrote letters as Urmila to Lakshman, Sita and Janak. It also involved physical conditioning. I naturally speak and walk very fast, but Nitesh sir would keep reminding me to slow down." On working with her co-stars, she says, "Ranbir Kapoor (who plays Rama) was completely immersed in his character, from table reads to shoots. He was punctual and brought incredible detail to the role." She adds, "Sai Pallavi carries Sita's grace effortlessly. I'd sometimes catch her sneaking quick naps between takes. With Shiamak Davar's choreography and beautiful music playing, both of us in heavy lehengas were secretly struggling not to jump up and dance."...