Every year during Ganesh Chaturthi, Mumbai transforms into a vibrant city of joy, devotion, lights, and rhythmic drumbeats. At the very heart of this cultural celebration sits Lalbaugcha Raja—the ‘King of Lalbaug’—a historic idol established in 1934 that attracts millions of devotees from across India. For Bollywood, Indian business leaders, and cultural titans, an annual pilgrimage to this sanctum sanctorum has become an indispensable rite of devotion and humility.
Shah Rukh Khan Arrives with Gauri and Suhana
Stealing national headlines, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan paid his respects at Lalbaugcha Raja in the early hours to offer prayers for his family and upcoming cinematic projects. Accompanied by his wife Gauri Khan and daughter Suhana Khan, the family was greeted with tight security arrangements.
- Shah Rukh opted for an understated white linen kurta paired with a traditional red tilak on his forehead.
- Suhana Khan looked ethereal in a pastel festive salwar suit, bowing reverently before the colossal idol to receive the divine prasad.
- The family was captured folding hands in quiet contemplation before the majestic 14-foot Ganpati idol.
The Ambani Family in Festive Splendor
India’s preeminent industrial family also made a dedicated visit to the central Mumbai pandal. Industrialist Mukesh Ambani was spotted arriving alongside daughter-in-law Radhika Merchant Ambani and son Anant Ambani. Anant, an ardent devotee of Ganeshotsav who actively supports cultural initiatives across the city, wore a rich marigold-orange silk kurta as he participated in the traditional maha-aarti.
Bollywood Stars in Full Force
A diverse cross-section of Indian cinema stars made their presence felt throughout the festive week:
- Ranveer Singh: Radiating festive charisma, Ranveer arrived in a vibrant traditional kurta, cheerfully greeting fans while showing utmost deference at the feet of Bappa.
- Shilpa Shetty Kundra & Shamita Shetty: Celebrated as one of the festival’s most devoted celebrity hostesses, Shilpa visited Lalbaug with sister Shamita, both draped in coordinated Maharashtrian printed sarees.
- Riteish Deshmukh & Genelia Deshmukh: The beloved couple arrived dressed in pristine ivory handloom attire, expressing gratitude for their recent film successes.
- Prithviraj Sukumaran: The acclaimed pan-Indian actor made a rare Mumbai public appearance, dressed in an immaculate white kurta-pyjama, pausing for quiet darshan.
- Taapsee Pannu & Kanika Dhillon: The powerhouse actor-writer duo arrived together to seek blessings for their forthcoming cinematic scripts.
Photo feature and reporting via Mid-Day Entertainment. Photos by Yogen Shah & Instagram.
