14 hours agoAuthor: Virendra Shriram Mishra
Actress Isha Koppikar welcomed Ganpati Bappa home on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi 2026. During this time, she spoke exclusively to Dainik Bhaskar. Isha spoke openly about her preparations for Ganpati, childhood memories, and her faith in Bappa and spirituality. She said that this year, she had her home decorated around a South Indian temple theme.
Preparations began one and a half months ago
Isha said that for the past two years, she had been focusing more on flowers for Ganpati decorations, but this year she wanted to do something different. She had the decorations done in a golden theme, modelled on temples in southern India.
Isha said that this year, the Ganpati idol from Titwala had been installed at her home. Last year, she had installed the Dagdusheth Ganpati idol. She tries to make some changes to Bappa’s decorations every year.
According to Isha, she began preparations for this year at the end of July itself. She said that when you love someone deeply, the work you do for them does not feel like hard work; everything happens naturally and without any pressure.
As a child, she would even forget her studies for Bappa
Isha also shared memories of celebrating Ganpati during her childhood. She said that a public Ganpati idol was installed in her colony and there was a festive atmosphere for all 10 days.
Isha said preparations for Bappa would begin nearly two months in advance. Rehearsals for plays, dance shows and other programmes would continue. During that period, her studies would be left behind.
She said that after returning from school, she would throw her bag aside and head straight out to help with the Ganpati preparations. Her family also did not stop her much during this period.
Isha said that after Bappa’s immersion, the atmosphere at home and in the surrounding area felt completely empty. According to her, she felt a deep sense of emptiness after Bappa’s departure.
They used to keep Bappa for one and a half days; the celebration has now been extended to three days
Isha said that she used to install Ganpati Bappa at home for one and a half days, but has now extended the period to three days.
She said that during the one-and-a-half-day period, it became difficult for people to visit different homes to seek Bappa’s blessings. Therefore, she decided to keep Bappa at home for three days.
Esha said that her staff members also help her considerably with the preparations for Ganeshotsav.
Speaking about her faith in Bappa, Esha said that she used to make a complete list of her wishes before visiting a temple. She would go to seek the blessings of Lalbaugcha Raja or Siddhivinayak.
Esha said that things have changed now. As soon as she goes before Bappa, she forgets everything. She said that she loves Bappa so deeply that tears well up in her eyes as soon as she sees him, after which she simply bows before him and returns.
She said that she feels Bappa is always around her and supporting her.
Esha said, “Bappa did not give me several things; I now understand why”
Isha said that our needs and desires keep changing at different stages of life. Something that was important 10 years ago may not necessarily be equally important today.
She said that she had asked Bappa for many things in life, but did not receive several of them. However, she now understands that there was a reason behind this too.
According to Isha, if Bappa had fulfilled all her wishes, she might have strayed from the true goal of her life. She said that God knows what we are meant to become in life and which path we should take.
Isha said – One should connect with spirituality from childhood
Isha also appeared quite serious about spirituality. She said that it is important to make children and young people aware of spirituality from childhood.
She said that it is not right to think about God only in old age. The younger a person is when they begin to understand their spirituality and inner voice, the better it will be.
Daughter Riana seeks Bappa’s blessings to do well in her studies
During the conversation, Isha’s daughter Riana was also present with her. When asked what she had asked Bappa for, she expressed her wish to do well in her studies.
Isha said that, alongside her studies, Riana is also very active in sports. She takes part in the 100-metre and 200-metre races and also participates in inter-school competitions on behalf of her school.
Isha said that Riana had prayed to Bappa to do well in both her studies and sports.
