Cinema VinesA Mumbai native, Aamna Sharif says Ganesh Chaturthi is more than a festival— it’s a yearly reminder of faith, family and the city’s vibrant pulse. On September 19, the actress visited the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja pandal, describing the experience as “particularly personal” and noting how the surrounding faith, warmth and energy left her feeling “genuinely grateful and peaceful.”
Sharif’s bond with the deity dates back to childhood. She recalls one of her fondest memories as traveling to Lalbaugcha Raja with her parents, a moment that continues to shape her view of the celebration. “Some of my fondest Ganpati memories are simply seeing Mumbai come alive every year, the celebrations, the warmth and people coming together,” she added.
Though married to producer‑filmmaker Amit Kapoor, Sharif has yet to bring Ganesh home. “I still haven’t got Bappa home, but would love to someday,” she said, explaining that she enjoys both the public festivities and quieter moments with her family. She values the “energy of public celebrations, the creativity and devotion behind each pandal installed, and then returning home and celebrating with family,” but says she loves “my inner connect with Bappa and my alone time with him.”
For the actress, the festival’s childlike excitement is as vital as its spiritual depth. She muses that the best lives are those that retain a sense of wonder, and for her, that means indulging in modaks, watching the city dance on the roads and embracing all the festive, divine aspects. Her favorite treat is the malai kesar and coconut‑steamed modaks, which she can “literally finish an entire box.”
While the festival offers an excuse to dress up, Sharif’s heart lies in gratitude. She says she rarely asks for specific blessings, instead praying for her family’s health, happiness and well‑being. “With time, I’ve realised that peace of mind and having your loved ones around you are perhaps the biggest blessings one can ask for,” she reflected, a belief she attributes to her upbringing and her parents’ teachings to respect and celebrate every festival.
