Latest news with #GanpatiBappaMorya
News18
6 days ago
- News18
Case Against Five For Illegal Drone Use During Kalachowki Mahaganpati Procession In Mumbai
Last Updated: The accused were reportedly using drones to capture visuals of the iconic Kalachowki cha Mahaganpati idol's arrival, despite prohibitory orders in place, said officials. Mumbai Police have registered a case against five individuals for allegedly operating drones without official clearance during the Mahaganpati Aagman procession in Lalbaug on Sunday. The accused were reportedly using drones to capture visuals of the iconic Kalachowki cha Mahaganpati idol's arrival, despite prohibitory orders in place, said officials. Kalachowki Police confirmed the seizure of three drones from the area near Rejoice Hotel, where they were being flown in violation of restrictions imposed for the high-security event. 'The five accused claimed they were recording the event, but drone activity was strictly prohibited. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway," a Mumbai Police official said. Mahaganpati Aagman The Mahaganpati Aagman procession is among the most prominent religious events in Mumbai's Lalbaug-Parel region, drawing large crowds each year. This year's procession witnessed thousands of devotees thronging the streets to welcome the idol with traditional dhol-tasha beats, conch shells, and chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya." Participants, including men, women, and children in traditional attire, took part with enthusiasm. The idol — representing Lord Ganesh in the form of Lord Shiva — was mounted on a flower-decked vehicle illuminated with vibrant lights, drawing admiration for its intricate craftsmanship. While most attendees used mobile phones to capture the celebrations, some individuals deployed drones in violation of security protocols. Authorities had previously declared a temporary ban on drone operations across key locations during the festive period, citing safety and crowd management concerns. As Mumbai prepares for Ganesh Chaturthi, similar security advisories have been issued across the city. The movement of large idols from workshops in Parel to pandals has begun, signalling the onset of the city's most celebrated religious and cultural festival. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
‘One Month To Go': Gurmeet Choudhary, Debina Bonnerjee Ready For Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, which falls in August this year, is one of Maharashtra's most significant festivals. Television's beloved couple, Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee, have officially kicked off their Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations with an emotional social media update. The actors, adored for their family moments and festive spirit, are eagerly waiting to welcome Lord Ganesha into their home this year. Sharing his excitement, Gurmeet took to Instagram and posted a family moment, featuring himself, Debina, and their children. In the caption, he wrote, 'One month to go for the most awaited time of the year 😍❤️ Our Bappa, chosen with love by our girls, will be home soon! #GanpatiBappaMorya ✨🙏🏻 #grateful". The heartfelt words suggest that the idol of Lord Ganesha for this year's celebration has been lovingly selected by their daughters, adding an even more personal touch to the festive season. Fans Flood Post With Love The post struck a chord with fans, with many showering love and sending Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee Ganesh Chaturthi wishes. Comments like 'So sweet to see your little ones involved in traditions" and 'Bappa will bring even more happiness to your family" flooded the actor's timeline. Gurmeet and Debina, who often give fans a glimpse of their family life through social media, are known for celebrating festivals with grandeur and warmth, creating a bond with their followers. A Special Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration Ganesh Chaturthi, which falls in August this year, is considered one of Maharashtra's grandest and most significant festivals. For Gurmeet and Debina, this year's celebration promises to be extra special, as it will be the first where their daughters actively participated in choosing the idol of Lord Ganesha for home. Gurmeet Choudhary has been busy with diverse projects. He headlined the Disney+ Hotstar thriller Commander Karan Saxena, showcasing his action-hero avatar in 2024. On television, he and his wife, Debina Bonnerjee, joined Colors TV's reality show Pati Patni Aur Panga and earlier featured on Laughter Chefs: Unlimited Entertainment. The couple also reunited onscreen after over a decade for the short film Shubho Bijoya on BiiggBang, inspired by The Gift of the Magi. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Ganeshotsav Now Maharashtra's State Festival: What Does It Mean? Do Other States Have Such Fests?
Last Updated: Ganeshotsav Now Maharashtra's State Festival: What does the status from state mean? Are PoP idols allowed? What does Ganpati Bappa Morya mean? The history and tradition explained Ganeshotsav Now Maharashtra's State Festival: Maharashtra has declared Ganeshotsav, the 10-day festival which starts on Ganesh Chaturthi, as 'Maharashtra State Festival' or 'Rajya Utsav '. The demand was made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Hemant Rasane. Maharashtra's Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar made the announcement in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. Ganeshotsav began in Maharashtra as a private, household celebration of Lord Ganesha, but it was transformed into a large-scale public festival in 1893 by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Pune. At the time, British colonial rule had banned public political gatherings, so Tilak used the religious and cultural appeal of Ganesha—widely worshipped across all castes—as a unifying symbol to promote nationalism and community spirit. By organising Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav with large idols, public processions, bhajans, speeches, and social activities, Tilak turned the festival into a platform for anti-colonial sentiment and social unity. This idea quickly spread across Maharashtra—especially in cities like Mumbai, Nagpur, and Kolhapur—where local mandals formed and the festival grew into a vibrant public event. After independence, Ganeshotsav evolved further into a major cultural tradition marked by artistic pandals, social messaging, and mass participation. How does Maharashtra celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi? What does the chant 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' mean? Ganpati: Another name for Lord Ganesha, meaning 'Lord of the Ganas (attendants)". Bappa: A Marathi word meaning father, lord, or a term of deep affection and reverence. Morya: Refers to Morya Gosavi, a 14th–15th century saint and ardent devotee of Ganesha from Chinchwad, near Pune. The chant became popular when Tilak made it a public festival. What did Ashish Shelar say on Maharashtra's Ganeshotsav? 'Public Ganeshotsav was started in Maharashtra in 1893 by Lokmanya Tilak. This festival is deeply rooted in social, national, freedom, self-respect, and linguistic pride. It continues in the same spirit today. It is a matter of pride and honour for Maharashtra," he said. He emphasised that the Government of Maharashtra is committed to preserving and promoting the cultural significance and global presence of this festival. बाप्पा मोरया!गणेशोत्सव म्हणजे केवळ सण नसून, श्रद्धेची, एकतेची आणि आनंदाची भावना आहे. आम्ही मुंबईकर गणेशोत्सवाची, आणि आपल्या लाडक्या बाप्पाच्या आगमनाची वर्षभर आतुरतेने वाट पाहतो. तो सोहळा पुन्हा एकदा आपल्या सर्वांच्या आयुष्यात आनंद घेऊन आला आहे. आज लालबाग सार्वजनिक उत्सव… — Adv. Ashish Shelar – ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) July 10, 2025 What does 'State Festival' status for Ganeshotsav mean? There is no specific act or statute establishing this designation—rather, it is an executive and legislative decision. The status means: The festival will receive direct state-level funding for infrastructure, security (e.g. police), and organisation. The government will actively promote it nationally and internationally, integrating themes like social initiatives, armed forces, and Operation Sindoor into mandal displays. Are PoP idols allowed in this year's Ganeshotsav? The previous government had imposed curbs on POP (Plaster of Paris) idols, citing guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 'We initiated a comprehensive study to explore eco-friendly alternatives and assess whether POP is truly harmful to the environment. We commissioned an in-depth study by the Kakodkar Committee through the Rajiv Gandhi Science Commission. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav approved the findings, and the earlier restrictions were lifted. As per the court's ruling, the making, displaying and selling of POP idols are now permitted," said Shelar. Do other states have 'State Festivals' like Maharashtra's Ganeshotsav? Arunachal Pradesh: Pakke Paga (Hornbill) Festival was declared a State Festival in January 2019 to highlight hornbill conservation and indigenous wisdom. Manipur: Shirui Lily Festival, a four-day event honouring the state flower was declared a State Festival in 2017. Jharkhand: Oraon Pilgrimage at Sirasita was elevated to state festival status in early 2025. Karnataka: Mysuru Dasara was has been officially designated as a State Festival. A grand 10-day cultural extravaganza during Navaratri, culminating in Vijayadashami, featuring palace processions with elephants, cultural performances, and state pageantry Wikipedia. Andhra Pradesh: Ahobilam Paruveta Utsavam was declared a state festival in March 2024. This centuries old mock-hunting festival is centered on the deity Narasimha Swamy, with rituals across several tribal villages. Ratha Saptami at Arasavalli Temple, too, is a State Festival. Telangana: Sadar Sammelan (Buffalo Parade) was declared as a State Festival in November 2024. Uttarakhand: Maa Varahi Bagwal Mela was declared a State Government fair/festival in July 2022. Held in Champawat during Raksha Bandhan, it involves unique rituals at the Maa Varahi temple and attracts devotees nationwide. With Agency Inputs Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Ganesh Chaturthi Ganeshotsav Ganpati Bappa Morya maharashtra news18 specials view comments Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: July 11, 2025, 12:24 IST News explainers Ganeshotsav Now Maharashtra's State Festival: What Does It Mean? Do Other States Have Such Fests? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Wild card: How Raghav Juyal risks it all and still wins big
In life, there's the safe road, and there's whatever journey Raghav Juyal is on. The actor, 33, has spent more than a decade in the spotlight – first as a dance contestant, then choreographer and show host and now, with roles on the big screen. And at every stage, people have known him to be a wild child. Talented, yes. Trustworthy, also yes. But surprisingly unconcerned about rules, hierarchy and the establishment. Raghav Juyal has spent more than a decade in the spotlight, first in TV shows and now on the big screen. (VISUAL AFFAIRS PHOTOGRAPHY) {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Here's a story he'll happily tell. About a decade ago, Juyal was a giddy second lead on the set of ABCD 2. Every day, at the end of filming, director Remo D'Souza would sign off by announcing, 'Ganpati Bappa Morya'. The cast and crew quickly took it as their cue to leave too. One day, Juyal, randomly took over the chant, right in the middle of the workday. The cast and crew scattered excitedly in all directions, echoing his words as D'Souza, furious, tried to call everyone back. 'It did get out of control,' the actor says, still unrepentant. {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} Somehow, Juyal always lands on his feet. He played a villain in last year's Yudhra, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi. He has projects lined up all the way into 2026, including the rumoured Aryan Khan directed-web series The Ba***ds of Bollywood, about the struggles of being an outsider in cinema. He's alsoreported to beshooting for the action thrillers King (starring Shah Rukh Khan) and The Paradise (alongside Telugu actor Nani). {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} How does the 'risk first, plan later' attitude work exactly? Is Juyal good at calculated risks or is he just listening to his gut more than we do? He's trying to make sense of it all himself, he says. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} How does the 'risk first, plan later' attitude work exactly? Is Juyal good at calculated risks or is he just listening to his gut more than we do? He's trying to make sense of it all himself, he says. {{/usCountry}} Read More The actor starred pulled a prank on the set of ABCD 2. Director Remo D'souza was not happy. (HT ARCHIVES) {{^usCountry}} Runner's high {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} Runner's high {{/usCountry}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Even his first brush with the spotlight is filmi. Juyal was in Class 12, in 2012, and supposed to be preparing for his board exams in Dehradun. Instead, he was itching to be in Mumbai, at the auditions for the reality show Dance India Dance. He knew what was at stake. He was the oldest son. His family expected him to join the armed forces. They got into a huge fight. 'They almost convinced me that skipping my exams would ruin my career. I remember going up to my room,' he recalls. Then, in a Bollywood twist, he remembered a line of dialogue from the 2007 film, Jab We Met. It's the point at which Geet was re-considering marrying Anshuman: 'Ek ajeeb sa darr lag raha tha... bechaini si, jaise kuch galat ho raha hain, jaise koi train chut rahi hain.' (I felt fearful and restless, a foreboding, as if I was going to miss my train.') {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} So Juyal escaped into the night and boarded the first Mumbai-bound train. He made it to the audition, and danced his heart out, but didn't make it to the show. Still, the risk paid off. 'My audition video went viral on YouTube, and Mithun Chakraborty [one of the judges] brought me back as a wild card.' He became famous for his slow-motion moves. Juyal had a comfy role as a reality TV host. But he wanted to be seen in films, so he went MIA. {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Going MIA From there, Juyal worked his way up, choreographing hopefuls for Zee TV's Dance Ke Superkids, hosting competition shows, participating in S7 of Khatron Ke Khiladi, and landing roles in ABCD 2, Nawabzaade (2018), and Street Dancer 3D (2020). The tricks continued. At one point, while filming Dance India Dance Season 4 in 2013, Juyal met a fan who'd turned up from Sikkim to watch the shoot. He decided, on a whim, to join the fan on a motorcycle trip to Bhutan, and left unannounced, overnight. His manager and team frantically tried calling him, fearing he'd been 'kidnapped or something'. He returned to an almighty scolding. 'I was still just a kid then. I thought I could get away with anything.' {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} In 2018, spurred by a dare, Juyal shaved off his hair right in the middle of hosting S4 of Dance Plus. The producers pulled him up for his ill-timed move – the show's sponsor was a shampoo brand. They had to tweak the promo script to mention how the product was good for the scalp too. But for the most part, Juyal was on set every week and got paid to have a good time. It's the thing that would make most filmi hopefuls excited. But it was exactly the thing that made him restless. 'I had become known as this goofy, fun-loving guy who could dance, whom viewers saw every day on TV,' he says. 'I knew I had to cultivate exclusivity, or things would never change. I wanted people to come and see me on the big screen.' {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} And so, another leap. He gave up his TV gigs to try out for films. Between 2018 and 2023, all he did, he says, is 'audition like crazy and work out'. No parties, no stable job, no spotlight. He'd often wonder if he'd catch a break. In Kill (2023) Juyal landed a role as the ruthless dacoit Fani, holding train passengers hostage. {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Stumbles and strides He did. In Kill (2023) he landed a role as the ruthless dacoit Fani, holding train passengers hostage. In Yudhra (2024), he was the menacing yet wickedly cool Shafiq. 'Suddenly I was playing the villain.' The risk paid off, again. Fans left comments such as 'I watched this movie for you' and 'First time we're supporting the villain instead of the hero'. There's buzz that his upcoming role in The Paradise has an evil side too. But he doesn't mind being typecast for the moment. 'Even Shah Rukh Khan played negative roles in Darr and Baazigar before he got the tag of a loverboy. This is one of my phases.' It's because Juyal leaps with such abandon that he doesn't mind when he falls. In 2020, he injured his knee playing football. The timing couldn't have been worse – he was shooting for Kill and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023) back-to-back. Doctors advised six months' bed rest. 'But I this was the most important moment of my career,' he says. So, he summoned his 'pahadi DNA' and worked through the weak spells and even a bout of dengue. Earlier this year, he injured the same knee shooting King. He jokes that being in your 30s means getting acquainted with parts of your body you didn't know existed: 'There are two screws in my jaw, my knee has been operated on, my C4, C5, and C6 discs are herniated and need constant physiotherapy...' It hasn't occurred to him yet that one's 30s can also herald a cautionary phase. In Yudhra (2024), Juyal played Shafiq, a menacing, wickedly charming villain. Risk assessment Movie-making is far less forgiving of those who skip shoots and shave their heads. They don't take kindly to expensive shoots cut short by pranks. So Juyal is channelling his trickster energy into being a bankable actor, with a little help from that old favourite Jab We Met. 'Main apni favourite hu (I'm my own favourite),' he says, quoting Geet in the movie. 'But really, I'm inspired by Shah Rukh Khan. He carved a niche for himself in an industry that was so closed-off, and still sets the benchmark for greatness. I also admire Irrfan Khan's work. There will be no one like him. His acting was almost spiritual.' There are still rules to bend, envelopes to push. But it's not life advice Juyal would give others. 'Everyone has a different risk appetite,' he says. 'There's so much pressure on young people to become someone else, that I don't want anyone to think they're worthless if they don't live up to my definition of success. If 25 people close their eyes and imagine a road, each of them will look completely different. Just take your path.' From HT Brunch, July 05, 2025 Follow us on SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
News18
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Sourabh Raaj Jain Visits Siddhivinayak Temple Before Tu Dhadkan Main Dil Premiere
Last Updated: Dressed in a casual white floral print T-shirt, pants and a cap, Sourabh Raaj Jain looked unapologetically handsome as he posed for the lenses. Remember Sourabh Raaj Jain, who played Lord Krishna in the renowned television series Mahabharat? The actor is now gearing up to impress the audience with his upcoming TV show Tu Dhadkan Main Dil. Ahead of the show's grand premiere, the actor took a spiritual sabbatical at the serene and sacred Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai. Taking to his Instagram stories, the actor dropped a couple of pictures from his spiritual visit on June 20. Dressed in a casual white t-shirt with blue floral prints, white pants and a cap, the actor looked unapologetically handsome as he posed for the lenses, exuding his bright smile. The picture presumably captured the actor before his visit inside the temple, as he was holding a puja thali in the first snippet. His caption read, 'Apka ashirwaad sab par bana rahey," expressing faith before this upcoming show. The second picture gave fans a distant glimpse of the holy Siddhivinayak temple. Sourabh posted it alongside 'Ganpati Bappa Morya" and the details of his show. Coming to Tu Dhadkan Main Dil, the show draws inspiration from the classic Beauty and the Beast narrative. It explores how love, music and emotional connection can bring out softness even in the ruthless hearts. Known for taking on a range of roles across genres, Sourabh Raaj Jain will be playing Raghav, a tough, emotionally reserved man, in Tu Dhadkan Main Dil. Raghav's character's life takes an unexpected turn when he's faced with love, vulnerability, and the challenge of reconnecting with his estranged daughter. Produced by Swastik Productions (SKT Origins), Tu Dhadkan Main Dil is all set to premiere on Star Plus from June 23 at 7 PM. The sitcom promises a refreshing departure from conventional family dramas, which is poised to connect with audiences seeking both heart and soul in storytelling. Sourabh Raaj Jain is a popular face in the Indian television industry, particularly remembered for his mythological shows. He played Lord Vishnu in the 2011 show Devon Ke Dev Mahadev, but it was his portrayal of Lord Krishna in the Mahabharat that skyrocketed him to fame. Apart from these roles, Sourabh has demonstrated his acting versatility in Patiala Babes, where he portrayed a cook. The actor has also participated in several reality shows like Nach Baliye with his wife, Riddhima Jain, and Khatron Ke Khiladi in 2021. He has also stupefied fans with his sci-thriller Baida. Co-starring Sudhanshu Rai, Puneet Sharma's film depicted a mysterious realm with sinister forces. Hiten Tejwani, Tarun Khanna, Shobhit Sujay, Manisha Rai, Sidharth Banerjee and others also starred in supportive roles in the series. First Published:
