The grandeur of Ganesha

Divine blessing

 After all, it’s colourful festivals like these that mark the rich culture of India. And why would the stars lag behind in any of the festive celebrations? On the occasion of ‘Ganesha Chaturthi’, Metrolife speaks to a few actors from Bollywood and Sandalwood to find out how they are going to celebrate the festival of the adorable elephant-headed deity.

Bipasha Basu

The Bengali beauty visits her friends every year during Ganesha. “I am not overtly religious so I am not into fasting or praying. For me, it’s more about connecting with God. I just go in front of the idol and pray in English. And that’s the case with every festival, be it Ganesha Chaturthi or Durga Puja.” Bips admits she gorges on sweets and calorie-laden food during the festival. “But then, I work out like a maniac,” she laughs. 

Tharun Chandra

As a child, young Kannada actor Tharun Chandra would visit his friends who would keep Ganesha idols. “And my breakfast, lunch and dinner everything used to be Kadubu only. I used to dance with the groups that immersed Ganesha idol in Sankey Tank. But this year, I am busy with the promotions of Gaana Bajaana. The saddest part is that I am on a diet for my upcoming film Dil Khush. So I can’t eat my favourite Kari Kadubu liberally,” he laments. “My humble request to everyone is to bring home a small eco-friendly Ganesha. As Ganesha represents bio-diversity, let us not harm nature in the name of celebrations by bursting noisy crackers and polluting water resources.”  

Harshika Poonacha

Promising Sandalwood actress Harshika Poonacha never misses the opportunity to see as many Ganesha idols as possible.

“I feel Ganesha is a very powerful God and I pray to Him daily. I admire the beautiful Ganesha idols which come out in various shapes and sizes during this festival. Every year, I pay a visit to my neighbours and friends as they install the Ganesha idols in their homes. After entering Sandalwood, I have been attending many functions and TV programmes as a guest, which is also great fun. I wish everybody a happy and prosperous Ganesha festival.”

Ramesh Aravind

South Indian superstar Ramesh Aravind will be shooting for the film Happy Husband on Ganesha Chaturthi. “Generally, we have simple celebrations. We have a mantap at home where we keep the idol,” he says. “My children really look forward to the festival every year as they have a great time at home,” he exclaims. “They have been taught in their schools to immerse the Ganesha idol in a bucket of water to prevent pollution, which is a great initiative on part of the school.” The actor is also looking forward to eating modakas, the traditional dish of the festival. 

Amrita Rao

Petite actress Amrita Rao will be visiting the community Ganesha idol kept at Wadala, Mumbai.

“I have always made it a point to visit that pandal every year since my childhood. The best part about that pandal is that the huge idol of Ganesha over there is completely eco-friendly. It is made with eco-friendly paints and dissolves in water immediately. It is upsetting to see the Plaster of Paris idols that destroy the sanctity of our environment.”

She adds, “We also make this sweet Marathi dish, which is like a modaka, but is deep fried.”

Shriya Saran

Shriya Saran, the gorgeous beauty of Shivaji and Awaarapan fame, will be in London on Ganesha Chaturthi.

“Incidentally, September 11 is my birthday too. So I am planning to visit some temples in London and pray for everyone’s well-being and for peace and harmony in the country,” she says. Shriya is planning to celebrate Id as well.

Chunky Panday

Smiles the popular Bollywood actor, “I am a modaka extortionist! I go to every household that invites me on Ganpati day and I usually pack off with at least 12 modakas. I think I love modakas as much as Ganpatiji.” 

Ritiesh Deshmukh

The funny man of Bollywood Ritiesh Deshmukh has a family puja at home. “We have a Ganesha that comes home every year. So we have puja in the mornings followed by a family lunch,” he says.

“We prepare modakas and puran polis, the food that is associated with
Ganesha Utsav. Later, the idol is immersed in the sea.”