Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 8, 2019)

Cousins Rani Mukerji and Kajol were in perfect sync in pretty pink saris as they brought in Navami on Monday at the family Durga puja celebrations at a suburban five-star. Rani drove in past 2 pm and was greeted with cheers from fans who had packed the venue. Kajol got an equally rapturous welcome. Her mother Tanuja, sister Tanishaa and cousins Ayan and Sharbani were there too, along with star guests, Ayan’s bestie Ranbir Kapoor, his ladylove and Brahmastra co-star Alia Bhatt, and Hrithik Roshan. RK arrived around 5 pm while both Hrithik and Alia visited earlier in the afternoon.

All three performed ‘anjali’, seeking Maa’s blessings but while both Hrithik and Alia left without partaking of the bhog, RK sat for the daily prasad which on the ninth day included pulao, begun bhaaja, paneer, dum aloo, chutney, kheer and another sweet. While Ayan sat for the havan, it was Rani, Kajol and Tanishaa’s day to serve bhog and the latter exulted, “Sisters who serve together, rock together.”

TV actress Sumona Chakravarti, known as Kapil Sharma’s former better half on his comedy show, was among the first guests to arrive, spreading sunshine in a yellow sari. Actor Vipin Sharma was also spotted in the crowd of revelers.