Parvati-Aashrith: Vishu feels even more meaningful

This year, Vishu is extra special for actress Parvati Nair, of The GOAT fame, and her husband, Aashrith, a Chennai-based businessman. Parvati, who hails from Kerala, and Aashrith, a Telugu raised with deep Tamil roots, are celebrating their first festive season as a married couple. With Vishu coinciding with the Tamil Puthandu, the couple has found a beautiful way to honour both the traditions. In a candid chat with us, they share their thoughts on blending cultures, starting new traditions, and what makes this year so meaningful. Excerpts:
This Vishu is your first as a married couple. Does it feel different this time?
Parvati: It feels more meaningful — celebrating as husband and wife brings a deeper sense of togetherness. We’re embracing each other’s cultures and languages even more.
Aashrith: It feels really special. It’s my first time celebrating as a husband. Everything carries a little more weight now. We’re honouring Tamil Puthandu together with Vishu.
Was it challenging to blend Malayalam and Tamil customs for the celebrations?
Parvati: It actually felt natural and joyful as both traditions share similar roots — family, gratitude, and celebrating new beginnings. It’s like bringing together two sides of the same coin. My family goes all out with the Vishukkani, while his family loves long lunches and storytelling around the table. There’s always lots of laughter on both sides.
Aashrith: The spirit is the same. It’s all about family, food, and good vibes, just expressed through different customs. We usually keep it simple and intimate with just immediate family, but it’s always filled with good food, banter, and conversations.
Do you plan to start any new traditions as a couple this year?
Parvati: Yes, we’ve decided to celebrate both Vishu and Puthandu every year, no matter where we are. One tradition we’re starting is writing each other a wish or blessing every year. We’ll read them aloud and keep them in a box as a collection of memories.
How important is it to you both to keep these festivals alive?
Parvati: Very important — they are part of our roots, and we want our future family to feel that cultural connection, too.
Aashrith: It’s our way of staying connected to our heritage and passing it on to the next generation.
How would you describe this year’s Vishu and Puthandu in one word?
Parvati: Wholesome — it’s a perfect mix of love, food, tradition, and new beginnings. If I had to choose a Malayalam word, I’d say santhosham (happiness).
Aashrith: Sneham, because this year has been all about love, friendship, family, and togetherness.
A dish from each of your cultures that you’ve introduced each other to...
Parvati: I introduced palada payasam to him; he loves it!
Aashrith: Manga pachadi. And now, she’s hooked!
What are you both wearing for the celebrations?
Parvati: We’re both wearing Malayali traditional outfits this time — a settu sari for me with traditional jewellery.
Aashrith: I’m wearing a veshti and a shirt — picked by her, so I guess there’s a Kerala element in there.