Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, known for her roles in Indian cinema and her dedication to fitness and wellness, recently made headlines as she made a spiritual journey to Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja pandal in the midst of the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. Accompanied by her mother and husband Raj Kundra, Shetty sought blessings from Lord Ganesha, the revered deity during this vibrant festival.
The family’s visit to the famous South Mumbai pandal took place on Tuesday, mere days after Shilpa had bid a heartfelt farewell to the Ganpati idol she had brought home for the festival. Decked in a traditional saree and walking barefoot, Shilpa, alongside her equally traditionally dressed husband, Raj Kundra, made their way to the pandal with a giant modak in hand. This large sweet offering symbolized their devotion and gratitude to Lord Ganesha.
Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival filled with fervor and devotion lasting ten days, began on September 7 and will culminate on September 17 with Anantha Chaturdashi. Also referred to as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi, the festival honors Lord Ganesha, celebrated as the ‘God of New Beginnings’ and the ‘Remover of Obstacles.’ The festivities are marked with elaborate rituals, prayers, and offerings, celebrating the wisdom and intelligence attributed to the deity.
The Shetty-Kundra family’s devotion didn’t end with the offering of the modak. Just days earlier, Shilpa was seen deeply engaged in the Ganpati visarjan ceremony, where she and her family bid adieu to their household Ganpati idol. Alongside Raj and their daughter Samisha, Shilpa participated in conducting the aarti, an act of spiritual reverence performed with lighted lamps. The atmosphere was lively and filled with joy as the couple danced to the beats of the dhol, immersed in the festive spirit.
Social media was abuzz with clips of Shilpa playing the drums, showcasing her enthusiasm for the festival. The family, donning coordinated traditional outfits, was captured in joyous celebration, reflecting a sense of unity and tradition.
. Their participation in such festivities not only highlighted their devotion but also their inclination to keep cultural traditions alive and engaging.
During an interaction with the media, Shilpa expressed her fervor for the festival. “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,” she said, embodying the spirit of the festival that is embraced by millions across India.
Shilpa Shetty’s public appearances during Ganesh Chaturthi come at a time when she is active on the professional front as well. The actress was recently featured in Rohit Shetty’s OTT debut series, “Indian Police Force,” which is available on Amazon Prime. The series, also starring Sidharth Malhotra and Vivek Oberoi, marks Shilpa’s entry into the web series domain, reflecting her versatility and ability to adapt to changing entertainment mediums.
Additionally, Shilpa is set to grace the silver screen with her role in the upcoming film ‘KD – The Devil Part 1,’ a Pan-India multilingual venture directed by Prem. Set in the 1970s Bangalore, the period action entertainer is based on true events and promises to be a compelling watch. The film features an ensemble cast, including V Ravichandran and Sanjay Dutt, and will be released in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi.
Shilpa Shetty’s balancing act between her personal life and professional commitments continues to be a source of inspiration for her fans. Her participation in traditional festivals, paired with her active engagement in new-age digital platforms and films, underscores her multifaceted personality and enduring popularity in the entertainment industry.
As the Ganesh Chaturthi festival progresses, the star’s involvement in cultural rituals serves as a reminder of the importance of staying connected to one’s roots, even while navigating the complexities of modern life. Through her actions and words, Shilpa Shetty has shown that true devotion and success come from balancing traditional values with contemporary ambitions.
