From Pennywise to Stree, Amdavadis get their spook on

Hair and makeup: Makeup by HilleryWritten by: Ancela JamindarFrom creepy clowns and haunted dolls to iconic Indian horror characters, Halloween always brings out the city's spooky side. While some love recreating their favourite horror characters through elaborate makeovers, others embrace the occasion with themed dinners, gothic aesthetics and nostalgic memories of horror shows that once kept them awake at night. For some, the celebration is also a way to remember loved ones, making Halloween a mix of fright, fun, and personal expression.I am inspired by Pennywise: Shivani JoshiShivani Joshi, inspired by Pennywise from the film It, posed with the iconic red balloon as she recreated a spooky look. She says, “I am dressed as a haunted doll, inspired by Pennywise from the 2017 Hollywood horror film It. This Halloween, I plan to keep things low-key, cosy and chic. I want to create a warm atmosphere with pumpkin lanterns and fairy lights, followed by a Halloween-inspired family dinner featuring red sauce spaghetti, roasted vegetables, and chocolate mousse."She adds, "Annabelle from The Conjuring is the scariest horror character for me. I also enjoy Wednesday for her witty, spooky humour, while I find Munjya mischievous and fun to watch. As a child, I loved watching horror shows, although I was equally scared. I would watch shows like The Zee Horror Show, Mano Ya Na Mano, Woh and Ssshhhh... Koi Hai. After watching Woh, I stopped going anywhere near clowns!"The Stree 2 look will always remain special: Bhumi RajgorStree 2 actress Bhumi Rajgor created the character's signature scary look in a shoot with us. She says, “I’m dressed as Stree, my character in Stree 2, which makes this look particularly special. Stree is the most beautiful woman in the village, but there is much more to her than meets the eye. She is mysterious and powerful, and in her own way, a protector who destroys evil and safeguards the innocent. I think she has become one of the most iconic and beloved Indian horror characters in recent times. So, I’m embracing my inner Stree this year! Halloween is the perfect excuse to dress up, have fun and let your spooky side take over."She adds, "The horror character that scares me the most is Samara from The Ring. There is something deeply unsettling about the way she appears, and her eerie, unpredictable presence stays with you long after the film ends. I think the best horror characters are those that get under your skin without even having to do very much. I have nostalgic memories of watching horror shows as a child. My siblings, cousins, and I would switch off the lights, hide behind pillows, and watch Aahat, The Zee Horror Show and horror films by the Ramsay Brothers. We would be terrified, but we simply couldn’t stop watching! Another funny memory is how we would dress up in scary masks and long, white, flowing clothes, sneak out late at night and stand silently in the middle of the road to scare unsuspecting passersby."Billy the Puppet is one of my favourites: Maulika PatelMaulika Patel, who dressed up as Billy the Puppet from Saw, says, “I love his iconic creepy smile, red bow tie, and mysterious vibe. He looks innocent at first, but there is something terrifying about him. After all, who says a smile can’t be scary?"She adds, "For me, Halloween is more than just a spooky evening. It is also a tribute to the people who are no longer with us. There is something comforting about the belief that, on this evening, the line between the living and the dead becomes thinner. It makes me feel that the people I miss are a little closer to me. At the same time, Halloween is about celebrating life with your people, enjoying music, dressing up as your favourite characters and embracing the gothic aesthetic. Last year, I dressed up as Bellatrix and Morticia Addams. Billy the Puppet is one of my favourites because of his iconic look and the psychological horror associated with him. But if we’re talking about a character who genuinely gives me chills, it has to be Valak from The Conjuring universe. That creepy presence is something else! Also, Aahat and The Zee Horror Show were iconic. They had a different kind of horror, with suspense, haunting background music, and stories that stayed with you long after an episode ended. Indian horror from that era had its own charm. Sometimes, the fear was all about the atmosphere, and that made it even scarier.”Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!