Celeb's favourite God

The pandals are ready, idols decorated and the loud speakers are being tested.
It’s time to welcome Lord Ganesh for the 10-day celebrations.
It’s the time for one and all to revel in divine glory.
How can the celebs take a backseat, then?

Celebrities visiting pandals in Mumbai is a common sight. Then there are others who like to celebrate the festival in the plush confines of their homes.
Here’s a look at the famous Ganesh festivities from the lanes of Bollywood.

The Chembur studio never fails to impress the devotees year after year with its grandeur. The first Bollywood family brings Ganesha to one of the oldest studios.
It has been a tradition, initiated by the late Prithviraj Kapoor, over 50 years ago.
The three brothers Randhir, Rishi and Rajiv are always present, and of late even Ranbir Kapoor has been spotted during the visarjan procession.

Nana Patekar loves Ganesh Chaturthi and celebrates it in true Marathi style. The puja takes place at his house. Even a common man is allowed to visit, and get blessings from the elephant God. Patekar's family has been celebrating the festival for the last 80 years.

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar is also an old hand at Ganapati celebrations. His divine affair is a good 40-year-old. For him, it’s a chance to take a break and spend time with family and friends.

Actor Salman Khan and his family celebrate Ganesh festival at their home. Being a Muslim has not deterred this family from bringing the idol home and seeking Ganesha's blessings. Talk about national integrity! Ganapati stays at their residence for one-and-half day.

Actress Urmila Matondkar is an ardent fan of the Ganesh utsav. The Marathi mulgi makes it a point to visit the Lalbaugcha Raja aarti at Mumbai every year. She even visits the Siddhivinayak temple and performs the puja and aarti there.
The celeb connection with Ganesha doesn’t end here. There are many others like Rati Agnihotri, Isha Koppikar, Aarti Chhabria, Tara Sharma, Geeta Basra, Suresh Wadkar, Sonu Niigaam, Sanjay Dutt, Priety Zinta, Sunil Shetty, Sachin and Neeta Lulla, who celebrate the festival in their homes.

When it's about the B-town, any divine intervention is most welcome. And Ganesha ranks high on devotion and celebration for the Bollywood biggies.

Ace singer Sonu Niigaam also released his solo album with Times Music 'Maha Ganesha'

Pics courtesy: BCCL