It's drizzling, and the smoke from the dhunuchi fills the air at Kamalistan Studios, Jogeshwari, as Ayushmann Khurrana and Parineeti Chopra pose for a Durga Puja shoot for HT Cafe. The duo, who is currently shooting for their upcoming film, Meri Pyari Bindu, is dressed to perfection for the occasion - Parineeti in a traditional pink and peach sari and Ayushmann in a blue Nehru jacket paired with a grey kurta.

Ayushmann plays a Bengali in the film. The actor seems more or less accustomed to Bengali traditions now. Even the first shot of his debut Hindi film, Vicky Donor (2012), was shot in a Durga Puja pandal. `There was a Durga Puja scene in the song 'Pani da'. Dada (director Shoojit Sircar) wanted a shot of Durga ma on the first day of the shoot. That was the first time I had been in a pandal. It turned out to be auspicious for me,` he says.

The actor is fascinated by Bengalis and the way their community gatherings are held. `I was introduced to Bengali food during the movie's shoot. I am a foodie. I enjoyed the delicacies, especially Sondesh (a Bengali dessert),` says Ayushmann.

Although, there are no Durga Pujas in Chandigarh, (Punjab), where Ayushmann grew up, Navaratri is celebrated with gusto. `It has been a while since I visited Chandigarh during Navaratri. My mother is religious. She used to do Kanjak Puja.

My brother Aparshakti (Khurrana) and I would join the girl gang in our vicinity for free food and gifts,` he says. Parineeti, too, loves Bengali sweets such as Rasgulla, Sondesh and Mishti Doi. `In fact, when I was shooting for the movie in Kolkata, my friends brought a variety of food for me every day,` she says. The actor has learnt about Bengali culture through her film. `I have never visited a Durga Puja pandal. I hope to do so his year. I have only seen them in films,` she says.

Parineeti says her look (for the photo shoot) is inspired by the outfits Rani Mukerji wears during Ganpati and Durga Puja celebrations. `I have visited Rani's house during the two festivals. She looks beautiful. Rani is my favourite actor. I was thinking of her when I was getting ready today,` says the Bollywood actor.