Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 2, 2019)

Basking in the good opening weekend of Saaho, Shraddha Kapoor is all set to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with aplomb. “I am feeling really good and grateful. It’s my first pan-Indian film and for it to have such a wide reach and acceptance feels really good. Just filled with a lot of gratitude right now,” she gushes. She also has the release of Chhichhore to look forward to this week.

The Stree star has been busy juggling the promotions of her two back-to-back releases, but today, she will make sure to be there for the festivities. “It has been extremely hectic but I am trying my best to come out of work mode and be at home for Ganpati, even if it’s for a short while, as this is one festival that’s close to my heart,” says the pretty actress.

Shraddha has fond memories of the celebrations from her childhood. For several years now, the family has been bringing an idol of the elephant-god to her grandfather’s place, which is in the same building as the actress’s home. Her grandparents are no more but they have carried on with the tradition of hosting Ganpati. “My first ever modak was given to me by my nani. What I love the most about this festival is that I get to catch up with all my relatives during this time. While growing up, all my cousins, aunts and uncles would come to the house and we would do the aarti together. My grandfather, Pandharinath Kolhapure, was a classical singer and we’d have a musical evening. Even my mom and aunt would join him. I’d be extremely nervous to sing in front of everyone but I would, and I gradually got better with each year,” she smiles.

Interestingly, it was during this festival that Shraddha discovered that she has aunts who are younger to her! “Ganpati is the best time to meet everyone from my mother’s (Shivangi Kapoor) side. And that was when I found out that there is a big age gap between my mom and some of her cousins,” the actress laughs.

Since the last few years, they have been bringing an eco-friendly Ganpati idol home. “The credit goes to my aunt Tejaswini (Kolhapure). She is environmentally conscious, and does everything for the cause. She was the one who told us about it and we followed it,” says Shraddha. They host the God for one-and-a-half days and during the period, there is a veritable Maharashtrian feast at home. “There is everything from varan bhaat, koshimbir to khatkhata. There is Idli also. It is spread out on a leaf and we all sit down on the floor and eat. It is great fun,” she shares.

On the day of the festival, Shraddha usually wears salwar kameez while her mom and aunt drape traditional saris. “I feel better in a salwar kameez because it is convenient to run to and fro bringing plates or glasses. I enjoy this aspect also where all of us work together,” she says. What will she ask the Lord for this year? “I won’t ask for anything. I will just pray and thank him for everything,” she says signing off.