Mumbai: Namrata Ramsay, who has explored both acting and writing, has been associated with several popular television shows over the years. As an actor, she has been part of shows like Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasman, starring Smriti Irani, Bani – Ishq Da Kalma, Parvarrish, Jugni Chali Jalandhar and Jersey Number 10. She later made her mark as a writer with shows like Diya Aur Baati Hum, Ae Mere Humsafar and Mitegi Lakshman Rekha, produced by Shashi-Sumeet Productions. She has also been associated with the scripting and development team at BBC Studios India. The youngest daughter of legendary filmmaker Shyam Ramsay, one of the pioneers of horror cinema in Hindi films, Namrata has now stepped into the horror genre as a writer, carrying forward her family's creative legacy. Her show Hostel Haadsa is currently streaming on ZEE5. She is also working with Banijay Asia on another horror project for the platform.
As Diwali approaches, Namrata looks forward to celebrating the festival with family, following traditions and welcoming new beginnings. For her, the festival has become much more than lights and celebrations. It is about togetherness, gratitude and spreading happiness.
Talking about what Diwali means to her, Namrata says, “For me, Diwali has always been about new beginnings, and this year definitely feels like one for me because I've stepped into a new genre as a writer, horror, which is also my family's legacy. I feel that as you grow older, the significance of festivals keeps evolving, and that has certainly happened with Diwali for me. Today, it's less about the festivities alone and more about togetherness, warmth, prayers, laughter and celebration. It's also about giving back, spreading happiness and putting a smile on someone's face, something we often get so caught up in our daily lives that we forget to do.”
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Nov 6, 2026Remembering her childhood celebrations, she shares, “One of my fondest Diwali memories is sitting down with my sister and friends to make rangolis. We would take hours to finish one because, quite honestly, none of us was particularly good at it! We were hilariously bad, but the fun we had in the process is something I still cherish. Diwali was always about spending time with family, performing Lakshmi Puja together and, of course, the excitement of our parents buying us new clothes. Those little moments and the simplicity of those celebrations are what I remember most fondly.”
For Namrata, Diwali is also an opportunity to take a break from professional commitments and spend time with loved ones. However, she admits that a writer's mind rarely takes a complete break. “Absolutely! Diwali is that time of the year when everyone collectively enters a no-work zone. Everyone wants to spend time with family, enjoy the festivities and take a little breather before bouncing straight back into work. But honestly, as a writer, your mind never really stops working. Even while celebrating, you're constantly observing people, picking up little nuances and making mental notes. So, while I may not necessarily sit down with my laptop, I'm always churning out stories and characters in my head. I guess that's the writer in me!”
Talking about the traditions she follows every year, Namrata says that cleaning the house is something she takes very seriously. “One ritual I'm almost fanatic about, and I drive everyone around me crazy with, is cleaning the house! I find the entire process incredibly therapeutic. I love the thought that the more you clean and beautify your home, the more you welcome the auspiciousness and blessings of Goddess Lakshmi into it. Decorating the house, lighting diyas and doing the Lakshmi Puja are all things I look forward to. And even though I'm not much of a cook, I do make it a point to prepare some sweets with my own hands for the puja. I feel there's something very special about putting that little personal effort into the festivities.”
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Nov 6, 2026Apart from rituals and decorations, dressing up and shopping are also an important part of her celebrations. She says, “Oh yes, I absolutely love dressing up in Indian attire! In fact, I've been travelling extensively across different cities lately, and I've managed to do quite a bit of Diwali shopping in places like Jaipur, Delhi and Kolkata. I love bringing back little pieces from these cities, carrying a bit of their culture back home and incorporating them into my styling and wardrobe. I think that's what makes shopping so exciting for me, every piece has a story and a memory attached to it. Apart from that, I love the entire festive experience of playing cards and meeting friends.”
Looking back at the year, Namrata feels professionally fulfilled as she has explored a genre that holds a special place in her family. She is also happy about the response to her latest work. “This has been a particularly special year for me professionally because, as a writer, I've ventured into a completely new genre, horror. Horror is very personal to me because it is my family's legacy, and being able to reconnect with that legacy through my work has been incredibly fulfilling.”
She adds, “I'm extremely grateful that my show Hostel Haadsa is streaming on ZEE5, and just today I received a call from the producers telling me that it is trending at number one on the platform! That's certainly made this Diwali even more special. I have a very interesting horror show coming up with Banijay Asia for ZEE5, and I'm extremely excited about that. Also, my first book as an author gets published in May, which is again in the horror genre.”
As she looks forward to the coming year, Namrata hopes to continue exploring new stories while keeping her family's legacy alive. She concludes, “As I look ahead, I'm manifesting another year filled with good health, peace and some wonderful creative opportunities that allow me to carry my family's legacy forward. I hope to be part of meaningful projects and tell stories that stay with people. Above all, I wish for happiness, good health and peace for my loved ones. I believe in manifesting big dreams, but also in appreciating the little blessings along the way
