As the Rains Return: Celebrities Open Up About Monsoon Nostalgia, Comfort Food and Their Go-To Rainy Day Playlist

The first showers of monsoon have a way of transporting everyone back to simpler times, and celebrities are no exception. From childhood memories of splashing in puddles to steaming cups of chai paired with timeless Bollywood melodies, the season continues to hold a special place in the hearts of India's favourite stars. The Cine Buzz caught up with a few well-known faces to find out how they're welcoming this year's monsoon.

Shubhangi Atre says the rains never fail to make her feel like a child again, with the fragrance of wet soil and the rhythm of falling rain stirring up old memories. Given the chance, she'd rather stay in with a warm cup of ginger tea, lose herself in a book, or simply watch the downpour from her window. The classic Rimjhim Gire Saawan tops her monsoon playlist, and she insists no rainy day is complete without crispy pakodas and chai. Come monsoon, she also loves escaping to the hills for a dose of greenery.

For Adrija Roy, monsoon is synonymous with calm. The rains bring back fond memories of a carefree childhood, and on a lazy rainy afternoon, she's happiest curled up at home with coffee, a good book, or simply doing nothing at all. Her monsoon anthem is Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein, and comfort food means homemade khichdi with ghee, papad and pickle. If given the choice, she'd love to spend a monsoon getaway in Shillong.

Anjali Phougat describes the season as nature's way of hugging the earth back to life. The petrichor, the cool breeze and the lush green surroundings put her in a reflective mood - one she likes to spend reading, journaling, clicking rain-soaked photographs, or bingeing a favourite show over hot masala chai. Her monsoon soundtrack includes evergreen numbers like Rimjhim Gire Saawan, Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein, Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si and Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua. When it comes to travel, Lonavala's waterfalls and misty hills make it her go-to monsoon retreat.

Pallavi Chatterjee believes the monsoon transforms the mood of an entire city, calling it a season that's as vital for the soil and farmers as it is soothing for the soul. She prefers staying in during heavy downpours, letting music fill the room. A childhood staple - khichdi with ghee, or onion pakoras with papad - remains her comfort food of choice, while Rimjhim Gire Saawan stays close to her heart for capturing the essence of Mumbai's rains. Her dream monsoon escape ranges from Darjeeling to Thailand.

Neha Rana lights up at the memory of playing in the rain as a child, and says the smell of wet earth combined with lush greenery still feels magical to her. Rainy days call for chai, books, comfort films, or a long, quiet drive in the drizzle. Her monsoon playlist is stacked with romantic favourites - Tum Se Hi, Baarish from Half Girlfriend, Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse and Sawan Aaya Hai. Naturally, hot pakoras and masala chai make the season complete, and her dream monsoon destination is the misty hills of Coorg.

Soniya Bansal fondly recalls running out in the rain without a care, making paper boats, and soaking in every drop - memories that still bring a smile to her face. She finds something deeply calming in the sound of rainfall, and her ideal rainy day begins with chai by the window, followed by a book, a feel-good film, or quality family time. When the showers ease up, she loves driving around a monsoon-drenched Mumbai. Her pick for the season's best song is the evergreen Tum Se Hi from Jab We Met - a melody she says perfectly mirrors the romance of the rains.

From nostalgia to new-age playlists, one thing is clear: monsoon continues to be more than just a season for these celebrities - it's a feeling.