The popular concept of the ‘first look’ is not restricted only to movies, teaser-trailers and posters. This year the Mukherji 'parivaar' including veterans – the courteous Debu Mukherji and dignified Tanuja Mukherji, and the gen-next comprising the charismatic Kajol, her vivacious sibling Tanissha and charming cousin Sharbani Mukherji – unveiled the ‘pehla darshan’, in advance, of the revered Goddess Durga-Maa at the Shivaji Park artisan workshop.
Interestingly, the unassuming Kajol was ‘driving’ her own car, as she arrived with her family at the venue. Informs Kajol, “This year North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti, among the oldest Durga Puja utsavs founded by my grand-parents Sasadhar and Satirani Mukerji is celebrating its 70th year.
“The previous generation parampara of making this Puja a 'Gharua Puja' (family puja) continues as usual, where all are welcome. Earlier we used to have our Bhog (meals), on banana leaves but now we eat the same on disposable plates. The devotion remains the same in all our hearts. The 17-foot-tall awe-inspiring idol of Maa Durga is being specially sculpted by Amit Pal and his team, from pure natural raw materials arranged from Kolkata”.
Adds actress Sharbani, “Devotees will be fascinated as they enter our spectacular fully air-conditioned pandal at Tulip Star, Juhu, which has exotic architecture of an ancient Cambodian temple, like perhaps a Bollywood film-set. Also a fabulous ethnic ‘fashion show’ to flag off the ‘Subho-Sasthi’ Pujo festivities was organized yesterday evening.”