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STAR One actors say 'Ganpati Bappa Morya'
Dhanashri Kulkarni & Natasha Coutinho/Hill Road Media
Ganpati Bappa arrives in just a few days, and everyone is busy preparing to welcome their favourite God. Our STAR One actors too adore Lord Ganesha and love this festival, and are awaiting to welcome him with great pomp. We caught up with them to find out what their plans are for Ganesh Chaturthi this year. We also put a short Ganesha quiz to them. Read on and have fun'
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ABHAY aka VIVIAN DSENA from PYAAR KII YE EK KAHAANI
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What's the one story about Lord Ganesha that comes to your mind?
There are many stories about Lord Ganesha, but I remember the one where Sage Parashurama visited Mount Kailash, the home of Shiva. Lord Shiva was asleep, so Ganesha stopped Parashurama from awakening his father. Parashurama got angry and threw his axe at him. As Parashurama had got the axe from Shiva, Ganesha recognised it and received it with respect. The axe cut one of his tusks. Since then, Ganesha is called Ekdanta, which means one-toothed.
There are many stories about Lord Ganesha, but I remember the one where Sage Parashurama visited Mount Kailash, the home of Shiva. Lord Shiva was asleep, so Ganesha stopped Parashurama from awakening his father. Parashurama got angry and threw his axe at him. As Parashurama had got the axe from Shiva, Ganesha recognised it and received it with respect. The axe cut one of his tusks. Since then, Ganesha is called Ekdanta, which means one-toothed.
Which has been your best memory of the festival?
Back in my home town, Ujjain, we used to keep the Ganpati idol for 10 days, which was a lot of fun. We used to have different skits for kids, which I enjoyed the most, and miss a lot today.
Best pandal you ever visited on Ganesh Chaturthi ?
Back in Ujjain, the pandal in my colony was really good and huge. I feel Lal Baugcha Raja would be best pandal in Mumbai.
What is your most favourite part of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi?
The fact that everyone celebrates this festival, forgetting all their worries. Hindus, Muslims and Christians together take part in the aartis.
In the spirit of going green, do you think the festival should be celebrated in a environment-friendly manner? What suggestions would you give people in this respect?
We need to understand our civic duties properly, so that our environment is free from pollution. People should buy eco-friendly murtis mad from mud and not plaster of paris, as it doesn't dissolve in water.
What are your plans for the festival this year?
We might visit to Lal baughcha raja, and for my fans, there is a surprise in store.
QUICK 5
Which is your favourite Ganpati song from Bollywood?
All-time favourite: Deva O Deva Ganpati deva tumse badkar kaun...
What dish or sweet do you make as prasad for Ganesh Chaturthi ?
Modak known as okdiche modak, which is white in colour.
Who are Ganapati's parents?
Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati
What are the names of Ganpati's wives?
Riddhi and Siddhi
What are the other names of Ganpati ?
There are many like Ekdanta, Moreshwar, Siddhivinayak
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PANCHI aka VAHBBIZ DORABJEE from PYAAR KII YE EK KAHAANI
What's the one story about Lord Ganesha that comes to your mind?
I have heard stories from my friends about the birth of Lord Ganesha, especially the story of how he got the elephant head.
I have heard stories from my friends about the birth of Lord Ganesha, especially the story of how he got the elephant head.
Which has been your best memory of the festival?
Last year, I had visited my friend Reza Sharifi's place for Ganpati, and I was in awe of the idol of Ganpati there, known as Kala Ganpati. Back in Poona, we used to take part in dance competitions, which was fun. I also visit my friends from the industry - Meghna Naidu, Sachin (Krishna) Sharma for Ganesh Chaturthi.
Last year, I had visited my friend Reza Sharifi's place for Ganpati, and I was in awe of the idol of Ganpati there, known as Kala Ganpati. Back in Poona, we used to take part in dance competitions, which was fun. I also visit my friends from the industry - Meghna Naidu, Sachin (Krishna) Sharma for Ganesh Chaturthi.
Best pandal you ever visited on Ganesh Chaturthi ?
When I was in Poona, I used to visit different pandals. Last year, I really liked the pandal in Seven Bungalows, which was huge. I was fascinated by the huge idol.
When I was in Poona, I used to visit different pandals. Last year, I really liked the pandal in Seven Bungalows, which was huge. I was fascinated by the huge idol.
What is your most favourite part of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi?
Shopping for the Ganpati idol, going to different pandals, and watching how the entire Mumbai and Mahrashtra gears up for the big festival. I also love eating different kinds of sweets like modaks, laddus, etc.
Shopping for the Ganpati idol, going to different pandals, and watching how the entire Mumbai and Mahrashtra gears up for the big festival. I also love eating different kinds of sweets like modaks, laddus, etc.
In the spirit of going green, do you think the festival should be celebrated in a environment-friendly manner? What suggestions would you give people in this respect?
Just be aware of the pollution and act accordingly. Please don't throw plastic bags on beaches, as it simply adds up to a lot of garbage.
Just be aware of the pollution and act accordingly. Please don't throw plastic bags on beaches, as it simply adds up to a lot of garbage.
What are your plans for the festival this year?
I might visit my friends house for Ganesh Chaturthi. I am also planning to visit Lal Baughcha Raja. Let's see how things work out for me.
I might visit my friends house for Ganesh Chaturthi. I am also planning to visit Lal Baughcha Raja. Let's see how things work out for me.
QUICK 5
Which is your favourite Ganpati song from Bollywood?
The aarti from Vaastav
The aarti from Vaastav
What dish or sweet do you make as prasad for Ganesh Chaturthi ?
Modak
Modak
Who are Ganpati's parents?
Lord Shiv and Parvati
Lord Shiv and Parvati
What are the names of Ganpati's wives?
No clue
No clue
What are the other names of Ganpati ?
Siddhivinayak and Ashtavinayak
Siddhivinayak and Ashtavinayak
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TANUSHREE 'T' aka MADHURA NAIK from PYAAR KII YE EK KAHAANI
What's the one story about Lord Ganesha that comes to your mind?
There are many interesting stories like the birth of Ganpati. I also know that the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi means the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that on the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi, one should not see the moon, and if any person sees the moon, then he/she is blamed for theft.
There are many interesting stories like the birth of Ganpati. I also know that the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi means the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that on the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi, one should not see the moon, and if any person sees the moon, then he/she is blamed for theft.
Which has been your best memory of the festival?
I remember, during my childhood, my brother and I heard the story of Ganpati's vahana, the mouse. To impress my parents and Ganpati bappa, my brother and I caught a small mouse in a gumboot and showed it off to everyone. People got petrified to see a mouse in our hand, but today, we can laugh off our mischief.
I remember, during my childhood, my brother and I heard the story of Ganpati's vahana, the mouse. To impress my parents and Ganpati bappa, my brother and I caught a small mouse in a gumboot and showed it off to everyone. People got petrified to see a mouse in our hand, but today, we can laugh off our mischief.
Best pandal you ever visited on Ganesh Chaturthi ?
Last year, in Versova, I saw a huge Ganpati, which was awesome. During my childhood, we used to go to our hometown in Indore, MP, and visit a small temple of Lord Ganesha. I still love the decoration of that temple during Ganesh Chathurthi.
Last year, in Versova, I saw a huge Ganpati, which was awesome. During my childhood, we used to go to our hometown in Indore, MP, and visit a small temple of Lord Ganesha. I still love the decoration of that temple during Ganesh Chathurthi.
What is your most favourite part of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi?
Meeting relatives and friends or going out to friends' places and having modak.
Meeting relatives and friends or going out to friends' places and having modak.
In the spirit of going green, do you think the festival should be celebrated in a environment-friendly manner? What suggestions would you give people in this respect?
Please don't pollute your surroundings. Try to keep garbage to the minimum. Be responsible.
Please don't pollute your surroundings. Try to keep garbage to the minimum. Be responsible.
What are your plans for the festival this year?
I will be visiting my friend's house for Ganesh Chaturthi.
I will be visiting my friend's house for Ganesh Chaturthi.
QUICK 5
Which is your favourite Ganpati song from Bollywood?
Deva O Deva Ganpati Deva and also, the visarjan song from Don, which I find very catchy.
Deva O Deva Ganpati Deva and also, the visarjan song from Don, which I find very catchy.
What dish or sweet do you make as prasad for Ganesh Chaturthi?
Modak and puran poli (sweet chapatti).
Modak and puran poli (sweet chapatti).
Who are Ganpati's parents?
Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati
Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati
What are the names of Ganpati's wives?
No clue
No clue
What other names of Ganpati ?
Vinayak, Gajamukhi, Gajanan
Vinayak, Gajamukhi, Gajanan
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JEH aka RITHWICK DHANJANI from PYAAR KII YE EK KAHAANI
What's the one story about Lord Ganesha that comes to your mind?
The one and the best story that comes to my mind about Ganpati is when he and lord Karthik were asked to take three rounds of the entire world. Ganpati won, because he just went around his parents.
The one and the best story that comes to my mind about Ganpati is when he and lord Karthik were asked to take three rounds of the entire world. Ganpati won, because he just went around his parents.
Which has been your best memory of the festival?
Every little thing - from choosing the Ganpati murti to the mandir, to the decorations, to the mithai and aartis till the visarjan - is a precious memory.
Every little thing - from choosing the Ganpati murti to the mandir, to the decorations, to the mithai and aartis till the visarjan - is a precious memory.
Best pandal you ever visited on Ganesh Chaturthi ?
There are innumerable number of pandals I have visited, and honestly, every pandal is the best in its own way. I can't compare them, as Bappa is just the cutest, sitting anywhere.
There are innumerable number of pandals I have visited, and honestly, every pandal is the best in its own way. I can't compare them, as Bappa is just the cutest, sitting anywhere.
What is your most favourite part of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi?
I have been celebrating the festival for about 14 years. Every little detail is cherishable.
I have been celebrating the festival for about 14 years. Every little detail is cherishable.
In the spirit of going green, do you think the festival should be celebrated in a environment-friendly manner? What suggestions would you give people in this respect?
Definitely, people should go green, because the environment's safety is a big issue when it comes to Ganpati murtis. As long as the festival is about calling Bappa home and spending a few days with him, it doesn't make a big difference in your belief if the statue is environment-friendly. I request you to opt for an environment-friendly idol.
Definitely, people should go green, because the environment's safety is a big issue when it comes to Ganpati murtis. As long as the festival is about calling Bappa home and spending a few days with him, it doesn't make a big difference in your belief if the statue is environment-friendly. I request you to opt for an environment-friendly idol.
What are your plans for the festival this year?
I am totally looking forward to the festival. I have booked my Ganpati. The other preparations are being sorted as and when I am off my shoots. I'm looking forward to the five best days of the year, having Bappa sleeping right next to you.
I am totally looking forward to the festival. I have booked my Ganpati. The other preparations are being sorted as and when I am off my shoots. I'm looking forward to the five best days of the year, having Bappa sleeping right next to you.
QUICK 5
Which is your favourite Ganpati song from Bollywood?
I would say Moriya Moriya from Don, because that's the only Bollywood song I remember.
I would say Moriya Moriya from Don, because that's the only Bollywood song I remember.
What dish or sweet do you make as prasad for Ganpati ?
Modak. In some parts of India, people also make motichur ke laddu.
Modak. In some parts of India, people also make motichur ke laddu.
Who are Ganpati's parents?
Shivji and Maa Parvatiji
Shivji and Maa Parvatiji
What are the names of Ganpati's wives?
Ridhhi and Siddhi
Ridhhi and Siddhi
What are the other names of Ganpati ?
There are about 1001-plus names of Ganpati, but the most-known names are Vigna Harta, Siddhi Vinayak, Ganesha, and Ganpati. Also, I guess, in southern languages, Eka danta and Dayavanta.
There are about 1001-plus names of Ganpati, but the most-known names are Vigna Harta, Siddhi Vinayak, Ganesha, and Ganpati. Also, I guess, in southern languages, Eka danta and Dayavanta.
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KABIR aka VISHAL GANDHI from PYAAR KII YE EK KAHAANI
What's the one story about Lord Ganesha that comes to your mind?
My parents used to tell me stories of Ganesha's birth, of how he was the ideal son, and how he is remembered before staring anything.
My parents used to tell me stories of Ganesha's birth, of how he was the ideal son, and how he is remembered before staring anything.
Which has been your best memory of the festival?
This year should be the most memorable, as I will be getting Ganpati home for the first time. I am currently shopping, and I am so excited. During childhood, I used to be excited about shopping for the Ganpati in our colony, all the colourful decorations, and also having pav bhaji and cold drinks with my friends after all of us were tired.
This year should be the most memorable, as I will be getting Ganpati home for the first time. I am currently shopping, and I am so excited. During childhood, I used to be excited about shopping for the Ganpati in our colony, all the colourful decorations, and also having pav bhaji and cold drinks with my friends after all of us were tired.
Best pandal you ever visited on Ganesh Chaturthi ?
There is one in Ashok Nagar in Andheri, which keeps getting awards every year. I never miss visiting that pandal.
There is one in Ashok Nagar in Andheri, which keeps getting awards every year. I never miss visiting that pandal.
What is your most favourite part of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi?
My favourite part is getting Ganpati home. We have never brought him home because we believe that once you bring him, you have to keep bringing him for a certain number of years. This time, I rebelled, saying that 'I will bring him home, no matter what'.
My favourite part is getting Ganpati home. We have never brought him home because we believe that once you bring him, you have to keep bringing him for a certain number of years. This time, I rebelled, saying that 'I will bring him home, no matter what'.
In the spirit of going green, do you think the festival should be celebrated in a environment-friendly manner? What suggestions would you give people in this respect?
Last year, I visited Juhu beach a day after the visarjan, and it was such a sad sight. Some idols had broken hands, some with heads cut off, but no one was bothered. I wondered whether people worship just for show. Eco-friendly Ganpatis are better, as they disolve as soon as you put them in water. They do not pollute the water. However, I wish they had idols in bigger sizes. The eco-friendly Ganpatis are only available in small sizes.
Last year, I visited Juhu beach a day after the visarjan, and it was such a sad sight. Some idols had broken hands, some with heads cut off, but no one was bothered. I wondered whether people worship just for show. Eco-friendly Ganpatis are better, as they disolve as soon as you put them in water. They do not pollute the water. However, I wish they had idols in bigger sizes. The eco-friendly Ganpatis are only available in small sizes.
What are your plans for the festival this year?
I will be getting Ganpati home, and I am super excited.
I will be getting Ganpati home, and I am super excited.
QUICK 5
Which is your favourite Ganpati song from Bollywood?
The aarti from Vaastav gives me goosebumps. I want to learn it.
The aarti from Vaastav gives me goosebumps. I want to learn it.
What dish or sweet do you make as prasad for Ganesh Chaturthi?
Motichoor Ladoo. I love them so much that I have them whenever I am at Siddhivinayak. I am such a fanatic for ladoos that I don't even mind asking any unknown person to give me a piece, if I spot anyone eating it.
Motichoor Ladoo. I love them so much that I have them whenever I am at Siddhivinayak. I am such a fanatic for ladoos that I don't even mind asking any unknown person to give me a piece, if I spot anyone eating it.
Who are Ganapati's parents?
Shankar-Parvati
Shankar-Parvati
What are the names of Ganpati's wives?
Gauri
Gauri
What are the other names of Ganpati ?
Vignaharta, Ganesha, Ashtavinayak, Siddhivinayak
Vignaharta, Ganesha, Ashtavinayak, Siddhivinayak
Arjun
