The aroma of authentic Maharashtrian delicacies filled the air, while steaming hot modaks were lovingly plated before Bappa at the Ganpati celebrations at Mrunal Thakur’s home. The actress wore an elegant paithani sari that she accessorised with a nath and bugadis. “The nath was given to me by my ajoba. This is a South meets Maharashtra look,” said the actress, pointing at her neckpiece. Mrunal made a mark in South cinema with Sita Ramam (2002).

Originally from Dhule, Mrunal has lived in various states across India. Her family has been welcoming Lord Ganesha into their home for over six decades.

“This year marks the 62nd year of that cherished tradition. We have many fond memories of the festival. I remember my sister doing the decoration, and we all making fried modaks together. The tasks were divided – where I made the khirapat (filling), my sister would roll the rice flour dough, and then my mom would fry them. We would enjoy coming up with different themes for the decor. The most difficult part was the visarjan. I would always ask mom, ‘Why does Bappa come home and then leave us?’ And my mom would sweetly reply, ‘He has to go back to his mother like you come back to me after school.’ As we moved from one state to another due to my father’s posting, it was fun to do this. Ganesha is a pan-India God, well, actually, he is universal.”

Speaking of her deep emotional connection with Bappa, Mrunal says, “I just close my eyes and pray to Lord Ganesha, and then the vignaharta and sukhkarta does wonders for me. Ganesh Chaturthi and the following days are the most beautiful time of the year because the entire family comes together. This year, I made a conscious decision to be at home. Some of my school friends came over, whom I met after a long time. I planned everyone’s outfits, including my mother’s. I love photography and I clicked lots of pictures with everyone, so that at the end of it we can make a family album.”

Mrunal, who has previously performed an aarti scene in her film Toofaan, hopes to be part of a full-fledged Ganpati sequence in a movie. She says, “I dream of playing a role where the girl goes to Lalbaugcha Raja and does lejhim. I want to see myself on the big screen doing a massive Ganpati song like Deva Shree Ganesha from Agneepath one day.”