Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, accompanied by her mother and husband, Raj Kundra, made a notable visit to Mumbai’s revered Lalbaugcha Raja to seek blessings during the ongoing Ganesh Chaturthi festival. This visit came just days after the actress bade farewell to her own Ganpati idol at home. The trio’s devout actions and traditional attire drew considerable attention and admiration from those present.
Shilpa Shetty, an established name in the Bollywood industry, was seen making the pilgrimage barefoot, draped in an elegant traditional saree. Her husband, Raj Kundra, mirrored her devotion, also walking barefoot and clad in traditional garments. The couple carried with them a giant modak — a traditional sweet often associated with offerings to Lord Ganesha. This large sweet symbolized their devotion and desire to honour the deity with the best possible gifts.
The Lalbaugcha Raja pandal in South Mumbai is one of the most prominent and well-visited sites during Ganesh Chaturthi. This vibrant ten-day festival commenced on September 7 and will conclude on September 17, which is celebrated as Anantha Chaturdashi. Known widely as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi, the festival honours Lord Ganesha, revered as the ‘God of New Beginnings’ and the ‘Remover of Obstacles.’ It is a time marked by exuberant celebrations and reflections on Ganesha’s wisdom and intelligence.
Shilpa Shetty’s participation in these festivities has been noteworthy. Prior to her visit to Lalbaugcha Raja, the actress celebrated Ganpati Visarjan, the traditional immersion ceremony of the Ganesha idol, with significant zeal. On Sunday, Shilpa, Raj Kundra, and their daughter, Samisha, bid adieu to their Ganpati idol. In a heartfelt ceremony, the family performed aarti — a Hindu ritual of waving lighted lamps before one or more deities. Shilpa’s participation was not just limited to the traditional rituals; she displayed her musical prowess by playing the drums and immersing herself in the joyous atmosphere.
The visuals of Shilpa and Raj dancing to the rhythmic beats of the dhol further amplified the festive ambiance. It was a sight of pure joy and devotion — a family united in celebration.
. They wore matching traditional outfits, embodying the cultural heritage and essence of Ganesh Chaturthi. These moments were shared extensively on social media, capturing the hearts of millions of their followers.
Speaking to the media, Shilpa Shetty expressed her heartfelt sentiments regarding the festival. She conveyed, “We celebrate the festival with a lot of enthusiasm. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all, may Bappa remove all obstacles and give us all prosperity and success.” Her message of positivity and hope resonated deeply with many who look up to her as an icon of grace and achievement.
On the professional front, Shilpa Shetty continues to thrive. She recently made an appearance in Rohit Shetty’s OTT debut series, ‘Indian Police Force,’ which also stars Sidharth Malhotra and Vivek Oberoi. The series, available on Amazon Prime, marks a significant step in her career, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Furthermore, Shilpa is set to feature in the upcoming film ‘KD-The Devil Part 1’. Directed by Prem, this Pan-India multilingual film is set to release in multiple languages, including Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi. ‘KD-The Devil’ is a period action entertainer based on true events from the 1970s in Bangalore, featuring an ensemble cast including V. Ravichandran and Sanjay Dutt.
Shilpa Shetty’s balance of cultural devotion and professional commitments paints her as a model of modern Indian womanhood. Her actions at Lalbaugcha Raja, combined with her vibrant celebration of Ganesh Visarjan, showcase her as a person deeply connected to her roots while simultaneously evolving in her career.
In summary, Shilpa Shetty’s recent activities around Ganesh Chaturthi reflect a blend of piety and celebration, anchoring her place in both her community and the filmi world. Her visit to the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja and her joyous celebration of Ganesh Visarjan have set a positive example, embodying the spirit of the festival and leaving a lasting impact on her fans and followers.
