Even today, she enjoys the sense of togetherness the festival brings. On September 19, the actor visited Lalbaugcha Raja, an experience she describes as particularly personal. Growing up in Mumbai, Ganpati has always been an integral part of Aamna Sharif’s experience of the city. For her, the festival is about faith, family and the way Mumbai comes alive every year. Her connection with Ganpati goes back to childhood, with one of her fondest memories being a visit to Lalbaugcha Raja with her parents.
“There was something about the faith, warmth and energy around me that left me feeling genuinely grateful and peaceful,” she says. “One of my favourite childhood memories is going with my mom and dad to Lalbaugcha Raja,” she recalls. “Some of my fondest Ganpati memories are simply seeing Mumbai come alive every year, the celebrations, the warmth and people coming together.”
Aamna, who is married to producer-filmmaker Amit Kapoor, is yet to bring Bappa home, but hopes to do so someday. For now, she enjoys both the public festivities and her quieter moments with Bappa. “I’ve come to appreciate both sides of it. The energy of public celebrations, the creativity and devotion behind each pandal installed, and then returning home and celebrating with family. For Sharif, the childlike excitement of the festival is just as important as its spiritual side. “I feel the life’s best lived are the ones where you never lose your childlike nature. She has a clear favourite when it comes to the festive treat. “I love modaks, especially the malai kesar ones and the coconut steamed ones. The festivities also give her an excuse to dress up. For Aamna, however, the heart of the festival lies in gratitude rather than asking for specific blessings. “More than asking for anything specific, I am always grateful for whatever I’ve got in life, and my prayer is always for the health, happiness and well-being of my family. With time, I’ve realised that peace of mind and having your loved ones around you are perhaps the biggest blessings one can ask for.
“I still haven’t got Bappa home, but would love to someday,” she says. But most I love is my inner connect with Bappa and my alone time with him,” she says. So for me, it’s still about the modaks, the way the city comes alive, the dance on the roads, and all things festive and divine about it,” she says. I can literally finish an entire box,” she says. “I usually love to dress up even on other days, so festivals just give me the opportunity to up the ante and celebrate the spirit of it,” she says. That outlook, she says, comes from her upbringing. “Irrespective of where I come from, my parents have always taught me to celebrate and respect every festival, and I keep that belief alive.”
