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
The streets of Mumbai echo with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, and the city’s heartbeat is matched by the rhythm of dhol-tasha. Every year, Ganesh Chaturthi turns into a grand spectacle 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 unbreakable connection between cinema and spirituality.
Over the decades, Ganesh Chaturthi has become 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 Ganpati is not new; iconic stars like Raj Kapoor, Jeetendra, 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 vibrant as ever. Ananya Panday brought home Ganpati and shared heartfelt pictures with her family. “Welcome home my favouritestttt Bappa,” she wrote on Instagram, dressed in white attire with a radiant smile that reflected the joy of the occasion.
Bhumi Pednekar, another young star, celebrated with her family by singing devotional songs for Bappa. Kareena Kapoor offered glimpses of her celebrations, with little Jeh seeking blessings, while Sara Ali Khan penned an emotional note from a film set, thanking Ganpati for the blessings in her life.
The Khan household once again showcased its traditional grandeur. Superstar Salman Khan performed the Ganesh aarti with his parents Salim and Salma Khan, siblings Arbaaz and Sohail, and extended family. The ritual, streamed on social media, gave fans a peek into their devotion. Joining the Khans were Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza, who arrived with their children, adding to the familial warmth of the occasion.
The newly-wed couple hosted a glittering puja at their Mumbai residence, bringing together Bollywood and cricketing stars. Guests included Ananya Panday, Ranbir Kapoor, and Riteish-Genelia, who showcased festive fashion rooted in tradition. Rakul stunned in a pink lehenga, while Jackky opted for a vibrant kurta-dhoti ensemble. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan and even Sachin Tendulkar joined the festive cheer, underscoring how Ganesh Chaturthi transcends cinema and sport to unite personalities across domains.
Beyond the pujas, Bollywood adds its unique sparkle to Ganesh Chaturthi. Stars often share snippets of their rituals online, allowing fans to feel part of their festivities. This year, Jacqueline Fernandez welcomed Bappa for the very first time, wearing a pink saree and performing the puja with reverence. Nushrratt Bharuccha and Divya Dutta too showcased their intimate celebrations, highlighting how the festival brings together families, friends, and colleagues.
Actress Hrishitaa Bhatt summed up the sentiment beautifully: “Nothing feels complete without Bappa. Every year he comes with happiness and blessings for everyone.”
The connection between Bollywood and Ganpati is both cultural and emotional. Mumbai, the home of the Hindi film industry, is also the city where Lokmanya Tilak first popularised public Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations as a symbol of unity and cultural pride. Over time, Bollywood adopted these traditions, blending cinema’s glamour with the festival’s devotion.
Ganpati also holds a special place in Bollywood’s storytelling. From the iconic “Deva Shree Ganesha” sequences in films to songs like “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, Ganesha often makes his way onto the silver screen as a symbol of triumph, new beginnings, and faith. For actors and filmmakers, celebrating Ganpati at home mirrors this cinematic narrative—seeking blessings for prosperity, creativity, and success.
Ganesh Chaturthi in Bollywood is more than an annual ritual; it is a reaffirmation of identity. For many celebrities, bringing Bappa home marks new beginnings—films being launched, careers being blessed, or personal milestones being celebrated. The festival also allows the industry to momentarily pause from its hectic schedules, reconnect with traditions, and spend time with loved ones.
As the festival continues, more celebrity homes will light up with prayers and festivities. Immersions, which mark the end of the festival, are often as grand as the arrivals, with celebrities bidding Bappa farewell amid chants and music, promising to welcome him again next year.
In essence, Bollywood’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations reflect the city’s spirit—devotional yet glamorous, traditional yet modern. With every idol welcomed, every aarti performed, and every chant of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, Bollywood reaffirms its eternal bond with the beloved elephant-headed god.
