Page 45 - The Indian EYE 090525

EYE ON BOLLYWOOD SEPTEMBER 05, 2025 | The Indian Eye 45

Bollywood’s Eternal Bond with

Ganpati: Stars Welcome Bappa

with Devotion and Glamour

From Salman Khan to Ananya Panday, Bollywood once again reaffirms its deep-rooted cultural and

emotional connection with Lord Ganesha during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations

OUR BUREAU
Mumbai
he streets of Mumbai echo with chants of
“Ganpati Bappa Morya”, and the city’s heart-
Tbeat is matched by the rhythm of dhol-tasha.
Every year, Ganesh Chaturthi turns into a grand spec-
tacle in India’s film capital, as Bollywood celebrities
welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes. For the
film fraternity, this festival is not just about rituals—
it is a celebration of faith, culture, and the unbreak-
able connection between cinema and spirituality.
Over the decades, Ganesh Chaturthi has be-
come one of Bollywood’s most celebrated festivals.
From lavish pujas in star homes to grand pandals
graced by celebrities, Bappa’s presence unites the
industry in festive spirit. Bollywood’s love for Gan-
pati is not new; iconic stars like Raj Kapoor, Jeet-
endra, and Nana Patekar were among the earliest
to embrace the tradition publicly, and the younger
generation continues it with the same zeal.
This year, the celebrations have been as vi-
brant as ever. Ananya Panday brought home Gan-
pati and shared heartfelt pictures with her fami- Devotees participate in the procession carrying the idol of Lord Ganesha towards the pandal ahead of ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ (ANI)
ly. “Welcome home my favouritestttt Bappa,” she
wrote on Instagram, dressed in white attire with a
radiant smile that reflected the joy of the occasion. personalities across domains. pati Bappa Morya”, Ganesha often makes his way
Bhumi Pednekar, another young star, celebrat- Beyond the pujas, Bollywood adds its unique onto the silver screen as a symbol of triumph, new
ed with her family by singing devotional songs for sparkle to Ganesh Chaturthi. Stars often share beginnings, and faith. For actors and filmmakers,
Bappa. Kareena Kapoor offered glimpses of her snippets of their rituals online, allowing fans to celebrating Ganpati at home mirrors this cinemat-
celebrations, with little Jeh seeking blessings, while feel part of their festivities. This year, Jacqueline ic narrative—seeking blessings for prosperity, cre-
Sara Ali Khan penned an emotional note from a film Fernandez welcomed Bappa for the very first time, ativity, and success.
set, thanking Ganpati for the blessings in her life. wearing a pink saree and performing the puja with Ganesh Chaturthi in Bollywood is more than
The Khan household once again showcased reverence. Nushrratt Bharuccha and Divya Dutta an annual ritual; it is a reaffirmation of identity.
its traditional grandeur. Superstar Salman Khan too showcased their intimate celebrations, high- For many celebrities, bringing Bappa home marks
performed the Ganesh aarti with his parents Salim lighting how the festival brings together families, new beginnings—films being launched, careers be-
and Salma Khan, siblings Arbaaz and Sohail, and friends, and colleagues. ing blessed, or personal milestones being celebrat-
extended family. The ritual, streamed on social Actress Hrishitaa Bhatt summed up the senti- ed. The festival also allows the industry to momen-
media, gave fans a peek into their devotion. Join- ment beautifully: “Nothing feels complete without tarily pause from its hectic schedules, reconnect
ing the Khans were Riteish Deshmukh and Gene- Bappa. Every year he comes with happiness and with traditions, and spend time with loved ones.
lia D’Souza, who arrived with their children, add- blessings for everyone.” As the festival continues, more celebrity
ing to the familial warmth of the occasion. The connection between Bollywood and Gan- homes will light up with prayers and festivities. Im-
The newly-wed couple hosted a glittering puja pati is both cultural and emotional. Mumbai, the mersions, which mark the end of the festival, are
at their Mumbai residence, bringing together Bol- home of the Hindi film industry, is also the city often as grand as the arrivals, with celebrities bid-
lywood and cricketing stars. Guests included Anan- where Lokmanya Tilak first popularised public ding Bappa farewell amid chants and music, prom-
ya Panday, Ranbir Kapoor, and Riteish-Genelia, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations as a symbol of uni- ising to welcome him again next year.
who showcased festive fashion rooted in tradition. ty and cultural pride. Over time, Bollywood ad- In essence, Bollywood’s Ganesh Chaturthi cel-
Rakul stunned in a pink lehenga, while Jackky opted these traditions, blending cinema’s glamour ebrations reflect the city’s spirit—devotional yet
opted for a vibrant kurta-dhoti ensemble. Former with the festival’s devotion. glamorous, traditional yet modern. With every idol
cricketer Irfan Pathan and even Sachin Tendulkar Ganpati also holds a special place in Bolly- welcomed, every aarti performed, and every chant
joined the festive cheer, underscoring how Ganesh wood’s storytelling. From the iconic “Deva Shree of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, Bollywood reaffirms its
Chaturthi transcends cinema and sport to unite Ganesha” sequences in films to songs like “Gan- eternal bond with the beloved elephant-headed god.

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