Latest news with #Bappa
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Chitar Oli's young sculptors shaping Bappa with devotion
Nagpur: With just over 45 days away, Chitar Oli, the hub of idol-makers, is already alive with the rhythm of chisels, the scent of wet clay, and the silent devotion of artisans. But this year, the spotlight isn't just on the idols, it's on the young hands shaping them. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Across these age-old workshops, a new generation of sculptors is stepping into their fathers' shoes, not out of compulsion, but out of passion. They have chosen clay over keyboards, tradition over trends. "My brother is an engineer, but I couldn't leave this behind. I grew up watching my father breathe life into Ganesh idols. This isn't just work, it's who I am," says a young sculptor, carefully smoothing Bappa's trunk with a wet sponge. Divyang Ajaykar, another young murtikar, echoes this emotional bond: "My father started this in Mumbai before moving here. For us, murti-making isn't business. It's bhakti. Now, this work is my worship." What's heartening is how these young artisans are also adapting. This year, more and more devotees are asking for eco-friendly idols, especially those made with shadu clay. "There's a clear preference for aesthetics that feel soft, serene, and soulful — light pastel colours, minimal decorations, and calm facial expressions. People don't want glitter and loud hues anymore," says a senior artisan. This evolving taste reflects a deeper cultural shift. "Post-Covid, people want idols that radiate peace. They're choosing simplicity over grandeur," says another sculptor. The aesthetic now leans toward idols that look divine, delicate tilaks, folded palms, soft smiles, and eco-safe materials. Mandals, too, are responding to this change. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While many are still finalizing their themes, others have already placed orders. Most of them are opting for compact idols that are light to carry and easy to immerse. Natural colours, biodegradable decorations, and water-soluble paints are in demand when it comes to idols for homes too. "We come here every year as a family to choose our Bappa," says a devotee, Sujata Deshmukh, browsing through rows of small clay idols. "We always go for shadu idols. It feels right natural, sacred." Ramesh Gokhale, who booked his idol weeks in advance, says, "We always look for an idol that has a calm, smiling face. You can feel the devotion in the details in the idols." Ved Jagtap, who came with his father, shares his excitement. "I wanted a peach and white Ganpati with a soft smile and we found exactly what I imagined!" he says. "We make sure the clay is pure, the paints are chemical-free, and even the accessories are kept simple," shares an artisan mixing natural dyes. "Earlier, it was about standing out. Now, it's about staying grounded." After the pandemic lull, there's cautious optimism in the air. "We aren't back to full strength yet, but the orders are increasing. The joy is coming back," says an artisan. "When I work, I feel my father's presence in every curve I shape. This is his blessing. This is my offering," says a young sculptor.
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Ye badi khaas cheez hai mere liye; Jo Anupamaa mein mere father ka role play karte the…': Inside actor Sudhanshu Pandey's home
Actor Sudhanshu Pandey, best known as Vanraj from Anupamaa, gave a tour of his Mumbai home, and what unfolded was a heartfelt walkthrough of a space that balances luxury with spiritual grounding. The home opens into a quiet, thoughtful foyer. 'Yeh area isliye banaya gaya hai… do Maharaja chairs isliye lagayi gayi hain kyunki yeh ek secluded sa area hai,' he explains. It serves as a semi-private zone for guests who want a quick chat away from the party. But it's also spiritual. 'Aate jaate Bappa ki ek badi pyaari si murti nazar aati hai. It's a reminder — Bappa ka aashirwad hai. It's a very good vibe.' Sudhanshu's bar cabinet is as elegant as it is functional, even if he rarely drinks. 'Fitness mere liye obsession hai… lekin jab log ghar aate hain, unko drinks toh offer karna padta hai.' The cabinet holds everything from wine glasses to whisky tumblers, and the space naturally becomes a hub. '10 log bhi ho, toh sab yahaan ikattha ho jaate hain… achhe conversations hoti hain.' Just steps away sits a black piano, placed thoughtfully in a corner. 'Mere bade bete aur wife ne kaha piano hona chahiye. Salim Suleiman se poocha, aur yeh piano liya.' For Sudhanshu, a musical instrument in the home changes the vibe completely. 'It's a feel-good thing—it changes the house's energy.' Pointing to two framed photos of his dogs, Sudhanshu beams: 'Yeh Jack Pandey aur Pepper Pandey hain—hamari aankhon ke taare. Sabse important members of this house.' The dining space doubles as a conversation zone. 'Khaana khatam ho jaata hai, par baatein nahi.' The table is custom-designed and cleverly transforms into a pool table. 'Kabhi mann kare toh flip karo aur pool khel lo!' Above it hangs a chandelier that was placed with purpose. 'Lighting ka bhi khaas dhyaan diya gaya tha.' Sudhanshu showcases a water-art piece given to him by actor Arvind Vaidya (his on-screen father in Anupamaa). 'Ye badi khaas cheez hai mere liye. Vaise toh ye mandir nahi hai but ye jo art piece hai mujhe mere ek bahaut hi khaas mere bapu ji hai unhone mujhe gift kiya tha. Jo anupama mein mere father ka role play karte the, Arvind uncle, unhone mujhe gift diya tha,' he said. 'Ismein continuous abhishek hota rehta hai… ek fountain jaise. It's very positive.' The living room is simple yet elegant. 'Maine ghar ko minimalist rakha hai… heavy furniture nahi chahiye tha. Ghar spacious lagna chahiye.' Most conversations happen here, he says. To balance out the whites, he introduced pops of pink through custom chandeliers and matching Maharaja chairs. 'Pink adds a lot of life… It's the colour of love.' A small deck area sits just outside. 'Jab December–January ka mausam hota hai… breezy hota hai, toh wahaan baithna bahut achha lagta hai.' Sudhanshu moved into this home in December 2018. '2017 mein ghar lena start kiya… 2018 December mein shift hua. Interiors 6 mahine mein done ho gaye.' Unlike most, he didn't take a year. 'Kaafi breaking aur changes kiye. Maharaja chairs thodi fancy thi, but they changed the feel of the house.' The theatre room is also his office. 'Zoom calls, meetings sab yahaan hote hain. Yahaan Bajrangbali aur Nataraj bhi hain.' Behind him sits a projector and shelves lined with awards. 'Pichle 3-4 saal ke trophies hain. ITA Best Actor do saal mila… Mid-Day Showbiz… Dadasaheb Phalke. Yeh sab mujhe yaad dilate hain ki main theek-thaak kaam kar raha hoon.'
India Today
02-07-2025
- India Today
Kolkata court awards death penalty to man in 2015 elderly couple's murder
A Kolkata court on Wednesday awarded the death penalty to a person accused of murdering an elderly couple in the Chitpur area of the city a decade back. Sanjoy Sen alias Bappa, was convicted of double murder by Judge Anirban Das at the Sealdah Court, who held him guilty under Sections 302 (murder) and 394 (robbery) of the Indian Penal case dates back to July 16, 2015, when officers from Chitpur Police Station were alerted to a foul smell from a flat on Rani Debendra Bala Road. Upon arrival, officers broke open the flat which was locked from entering the flat, police discovered the bodies of 77-year-old Pran Gobinda Das and his wife, Renuka Das, lying in pools of blood in separate rooms of their residence. Both victims had suffered fatal injuries. A complaint was lodged by Partha Sen, nephew of the deceased, following which a First Information Report (FIR) was registered under Sections 302 and 394 of the IPC against an unknown the gravity of the crime, the case was transferred to the Homicide Squad of the Kolkata Police Detective the investigation, police arrested Sanjoy Sen, a resident of the Chitpur area and an acquaintance of the victims. He was arrested after evidence collected from the scene linked him directly to the interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime and, based on his statement, police recovered a large cache of gold ornaments and Rs 1.87 lakh in cash hidden in Nandigram in East Midnapore. The murder weapon-an iron pipe-and the blood-stained clothes of the accused were also recovered from a pond during the trial was conducted in the Sealdah court, where 30 witnesses were examined. Special Public Prosecutor Sandip Bhattacharya presented a watertight case backed by circumstantial, physical, and digital evidence. On Tuesday, the court found Sanjoy Sen guilty and sentenced him to death on Wednesday, July 2.- EndsTune InMust Watch
