Ganesh Chaturthi: TV stars eager to bring 'Bappa' home

Mumbai: Television celebrities like Sharad Kelkar, Hiten Tejwani and Sukirti Kandpal are anxiously waiting to welcome the "cute, lovable and adorable" Lord Ganesha to their home, and worship his idols on Ganesh Chaturthi on Thursday.

While Ganesh Chaturthi special episodes are doing rounds on the small screen, off screen too, TV stars are waiting for 'Bappa' to come home.

Here's what the stars have to say:

Sharad Kelkar: We have been following the tradition that my father started of bringing Ganapati home for five days -- for the last 20 years. And this year my daughter is two years old, so now she can understand what’s happening and I’m sure she will be asking some questions. So I am preparing to answer them the best way I can. Other than celebrations at home, I will be visiting pandals like every year and will be going to Lalbaugcha Raja as well. That place has something inexplicably powerful about it.

Hiten Tejwani: Ganesh Utsav is the biggest festival in Maharashtra and my family likes to thank Ganeshji and seek his blessings by getting him home. I’m a big supporter of eco-friendly Ganesha. My wife Gauri and I celebrate the festival with a lot of enthusiasm and this year too we are awaiting Bappa to come home soon.

Sukirti Kandpal: It’s that time of the year when everyone looks forward to welcoming the most lovable and adorable guest - Ganeshji. It’s going to be fun visiting friends and singing the aartis. I celebrate the festival every year. Just like my character onscreen, I get a lot of happiness from the little pleasures of life even if it’s just having yummy modaks and pedas.

Sambhavna Seth: I’m quite religious in real life and especially love all the festivals that are celebrated with friends and family. What's better and more fun festival than Ganeshotsav? 'Razia Sultan' is based on the Mughals, so obviously I won’t be celebrating as the evil Shah Turkan is in the show. But, we’ll try to do something on the set and if nothing else, I will try to get some 'prasad' or goodies for my co-stars.

Ruhana Khanna: Since I’m from Delhi, I haven’t been a part of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Mumbai. But I love Ganeshji and everything about him. I think he is cute and in true sense a companion to many. I'm very excited to see the Ganapati celebrations in Mumbai this year. 

Deepali Pansare: I’m from Nashik and Ganeshotsav is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show there, same as in Mumbai. I already have a lot of plans lined up for the festival with my friends and family. So I will be helping catch criminals on screen in the TV show "Agent Vinod" and catching up on the festivities with my near and dear ones off screen this year.

Rohitash Gaud: I have always been a Ganpati devotee and in true sense, he is a 'vighnaharta'. If time permits, I will definitely be visiting some pandals as well as friends who have Ganpatiji over. But this year I am very happy because as Manmohan Tiwari, I will be welcoming Ganpatiji in my house in 'Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai!' We are all excited on the set and are looking forward to some off-screen celebrations as well.