Jackie Shroff has fond memories of Ganesh Chaturthi in his childhood home in Teen Batti. “That’s where I grew up. Ganesh Chaturthi was a time of great joy and camaraderie back then. We didn’t have money. But we had tremendous josh. My friends and I enjoyed every second of the festivities.”
Jackie’s earliest memories of the Ganpati festival? “The earliest memories are of Teen Batti where we used to go for the Sarjvajanik (public) Area Ganpatiji. We used to have prasad, do aarti and watch films that were screened on the road. Dev Anand-starrers being my favourite.”
Then came the highlight of the festivities: “The immersion was always the highlight. That sending off of Ganpati Bappa was so spectacular; it was like being part of a 70mm film. That, alas, is not there anymore, at least not for now. We have to celebrate Ganpati in our home, with just the family.”
Jackie is so happy to have his children carry on the Ganpati tradition. “Tiger and Krishna love Ganesh Chaturthi as much as I did. Of course we miss having guests over this year (and last year) during this festive season. But we have an idol at home as usual. The family is together. For me that is enough to be thankful for.”
Image source: SpotboyE archives, Instagram/apnabhidu