When Swapnil drove Ganpati bappa in

When Mannish Goel drove Ganpati bappa in his new car...

That was last year. What are our TV actors' plans this year for Ganeshostsav? Harshada Rege finds out

Mumbai's favourite God — Lord Ganesha is all set to arrive in the city. And like other devotees, our very own TV actors too are all geared to welcome Ganpati Bappa. And despite their hectic schedules many actors love to bring home the deity. Actor Mannish Goel who has been a devotee for many years started bringing the idol home only last year. "I knew that I couldn't do it alone. So, when I got married, Poonam and I decided to bring Ganpati home for three years. This year, it's a special occasion because my birthday falls on the same day," says Mannish. And the actor makes sure that he is not tied up in shoots. "Both, me and Poonam inform our producers in advance
that we won't be able to shoot during these two days," he says. The actor loves the gorge on the food prepared during the festival. "I love eating modaks," he laughs.
Shital Thakkar does not only bring Ganpati home, she also ideates on the theme of the decoration. "Besides the decoration, this year I am going to try and make the mithai myself. Of course, my mom will help me out," says Sheetal. The actor says they have been bringing Lord Ganesha home for five days every year. "I cannot avoid shooting, but I ensure that I am home on the first day and for the aartis," she says.
For actor Prachee Shah this year's Ganpati festival is going to be a special occasion, as it's her first Ganeshotsav post marriage. The actor says that being environment friendly her family has a idol at home which do no immerse after the festival. "We have a brass idol which we do not immerse. We got the idol home last year as we realised that this way we do not only celebrate the festival but also ensure that the the celebration is environment friendly," says the actor. Since the Ganpati at Prachee's home is oneand-a-half day long the actor says it's quiet easy to keep the days free. "I am looking forward to the day. It's a great time to meet family and friends. The whole atmosphere is very lively," she says.
Actor Sharad Kelkar too feels it's the atmosphere that makes the festival so special. "We have been bringing an idol home for up and he can enjoy the festival along with his friends the last 25 years and it's a great feeling. Of course with my schedule I cannot stay home like I used to previously, but the festival is still as special." This year too the actor hopes that a shoot doesn't come and family.
Actor Swapnil Joshi says for Ganpati for him is a special occasion because he gets a legitimate reason to take a holiday. The actor says her stays home for the two-day Ganpati at their home. With around 1,000 people visiting their house Swapnil says most of the visitors are absolute strangers. "That's because people believe that if you pray to the Ganpati at my home for something, you are most likely to get it," he says. Besides the festival the actor says this is his favourite festival because it's the only time when you get to bring Ganesha home rather than going to meet home.