Ganpati celebrations in Mumbai are always a star-studded affair, but some Bappa darshans feel a little more special. On Thursday, actor Sidharth Malhotra and producer Ektaa Kapoor visited the iconic Mumbai Cha Raja in Ganesh Galli to seek Bappa’s blessings.
The duo arrived at the pandal dressed in traditional outfits and were welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd. Amid the chants and festive energy, Sidharth and Ektaa folded their hands before the grand idol and took a quiet moment to pray.
Mumbai Cha Raja Gets Its Blockbuster Bappa Moment
This year, Mumbai Cha Raja has been named Bombay Times’ Blockbuster Bappa – Most Iconic Ganesh Pandal 2026, adding another highlight to the mandal’s already rich legacy.
The Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal’s Mumbai Cha Raja has been a part of Mumbai’s Ganeshotsav celebrations since 1928. Now in its 99th year, the pandal continues to attract lakhs of devotees during the festival.
And this year’s idol has its own nostalgic connection. The murti draws inspiration from the mandal’s iconic 1988 idol and is adorned with 5.5 kg of 24-carat gold necklaces, making it one of the major attractions of this year’s celebrations.
Sidharth Malhotra Joins Mumbai’s Bappa Celebrations
For Sidharth, the visit was less about the cameras and more about soaking in the festive spirit. As the crowd gathered around the pandal, the actor joined Ektaa in offering prayers and seeking Bappa’s blessings.
Mumbai Cha Raja is known for its massive following, with the pandal reportedly drawing nearly two lakh devotees every day during Ganeshotsav. So, naturally, a celebrity visit here becomes a moment of its own.
But beyond the glamour, the mandal is also known for its community initiatives, including blood donation drives, cataract surgery camps and affordable computer education programmes.
From Bollywood faces to thousands of everyday Mumbaikars, Mumbai Cha Raja continues to bring people together under one roof and this time, Sidharth Malhotra and Ektaa Kapoor were among those who came to say, Ganpati Bappa Morya!
