Actor Aadesh Chaudhary, who is currently seen in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, shares his thoughts on Ganesh Chaturthi, his childhood memories of celebrating the festival with his family and the special significance Bappa holds in his life. For Aadesh, the festival has always been associated with faith and new beginnings, but living in Mumbai has made his connection with Ganpati even deeper.
Talking about what Ganesh Chaturthi means to him today, Aadesh says, “Ganesh Chaturthi for me has always been about new beginnings and faith. As a kid, it was about excitement, ladoos, and decoration. But living in Mumbai, the meaning has become much deeper. Here, Ganpati is not just a festival, it’s an emotion. The energy of the whole city changes. For me today, it means hope. No matter how tough the year has been, when Bappa comes, you feel everything will be okay. Mumbai has taught me the true power of faith.”
Aadesh also has a fond childhood tradition that he continues to cherish. “Yes, in our home we always used to make modaks together as a family. My mother would make the filling and we kids would try to give it a shape, however imperfect. I still try to keep that tradition alive. Even if I’m busy, I make sure to sit together and make modaks or at least help in the kitchen. It reminds me of home, of togetherness. For me, a festival is not just puja, it’s doing things together,” he shares.
For the actor, Lord Ganesha’s identity as Vighnaharta also carries an important lesson about handling challenges. “The biggest lesson is patience and wisdom over power. Lord Ganesha could have used power, but he always used buddhi. Whenever I face a challenge in life or career, I remind myself, don’t react immediately, think, be wise, and the obstacle will go away on its own. Bappa teaches us that every vighna has a solution if you keep a calm mind,” says Aadesh.
With Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations becoming increasingly grand and commercialised, Aadesh feels there is a need to maintain a balance between celebration and devotion. “I think both things are happening. Celebrations have become bigger, which is beautiful because it shows our love for Bappa. But sometimes in the noise and show, we forget the silence inside, the spiritual part. The essence of Ganesh Chaturthi is simplicity, humility and wisdom. I feel if we bring in more eco-friendly idols, less noise pollution, and more devotion than display, we can keep the balance. Celebration is important, but bhakti is more important,” he says.
Aadesh also makes it a point to bring Bappa home whenever his work schedule allows. He shares, “Yes, I love to bring Bappa home whenever I can. Mostly I keep for one and a half days or five days depending on my shoot schedule. Even if it’s for a short time, the feeling of Bappa being at home is magical. The whole house lights up.”
Even when his shooting schedule doesn’t allow him to bring Ganpati home, the actor makes sure he doesn’t miss out on the festivities. “Absolutely! That’s the best part of Mumbai. If I’m not keeping Ganpati at my home that year, I make sure to visit my friends. I love going for darshan, doing aarti, eating prasad. There is so much warmth in Mumbai during Ganpati, every home welcomes you like family. I never miss that,” he says.
And when it comes to festive food, Aadesh has no hesitation in naming his favourite. “Modak, without any doubt! Ukadiche modak is my absolute favourite. And puran poli and all the festive Maharashtrian food. During Ganpati, I forget my diet completely. Bappa’s prasad has no calories!” he says with a laugh.
As he looks forward to the festival this year, Aadesh has a heartfelt wish for Bappa. “My only wish is good health and peace for everyone. For my family, friends, for the whole industry, and for everyone who is struggling. And I pray that Bappa removes all obstacles from everyone’s path and brings more compassion and wisdom in this world. Ganpati Bappa Morya!”
