The storyline gets woven with the festive spirit: Anuj Kohli on celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in the show

We keep Bappa at the set and participate in all the festivities, and it's a time filled with positive energy and a great vibe. It brings the entire cast and crew closer, almost like a family celebrating together,” he said.

Sep 10, 2024 - 19:32
The storyline gets woven with the festive spirit: Anuj Kohli on celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in the show
The storyline gets woven with the festive spirit: Anuj Kohli on celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in the show


 
Anuj Kohli, who plays Saransh in Ravindra Gautam and Raghuvir Shekhawat’s Dahej Daasi, which is produced under their banner, Do Dooni 4 Films, says Ganesh Chaturthi is a significant festival for him, and it's reflected in the show as well.
 
“The storyline gets woven with the festive spirit—there's an added layer of joy, devotion, and cultural richness. It’s an amazing feeling, and we all have a lot of fun on set. We keep Bappa at the set and participate in all the festivities, and it's a time filled with positive energy and a great vibe. It brings the entire cast and crew closer, almost like a family celebrating together,” he said.
 
For him, portraying festive scenes on the show is truly special, as it feels like an extension of real-life celebrations. “Being able to perform rituals and celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi on-screen brings a deeper connection to the festival. It’s almost like we’re celebrating it twice—once in our personal lives and again on set, which makes the festival even more meaningful for us. The emotions, the joy, the devotion—it all feels very real, and it enhances our bond with the festival and with each other,” she said.
 
He shared that they do follow certain traditions on the set and said, “Every year, we bring in Ganpati with much enthusiasm, and there’s a small pooja ceremony where everyone on set participates. It's a beautiful moment where the entire team comes together in prayer.”
 
“We also have a tradition of sharing sweets and prasad after the aarti. The cast and crew often gather to sing bhajans and celebrate the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi together. It’s a time when everyone forgets the pressures of shooting and just enjoys the festival with a full heart,” he added.
 
Anuj shared that though taking time off during the festival can be challenging, they manage by planning ahead. “The production team is very considerate of the festival and tries to accommodate as much as possible. We prioritize the shoots, especially the festive segments, so that everyone gets a chance to participate without missing out on the celebrations,” he said.
 
“It actually brings us all closer because we’re not just working; we’re celebrating together. These moments make us feel more connected, not just to the festival but also to each other,” he added.
 
He also revealed that managing everything, from shopping to cooking and bringing Ganpati home while shooting, gives a sense of accomplishment. “It feels great to be able to balance both work and personal life, especially during such a joyous time. There’s a lot of running around, but it’s worth it when you see everything come together—the decorations, the food, and of course, Ganpati Bappa at home. It makes all the effort worthwhile,” he said.
 
What are your plans for this year? “This year, we’re not bringing home Ganpati this time but we’ll surely visit some of my friend's places for Ganpati but on set we’re gearing up for some special scenes that will bring out the essence of Ganesh Chaturthi. It’s going to be busy, but in the best possible way. Celebrating with both my on-screen family and my real family is what I’m most excited about,” he ended.

ST Correspondent Sangri Times Correspondent Desk