<\/a>It\u2019s a glitzy affair this Durga puja in the city with Bollywood celebrities upping the glam quotient to mark the gala five day festivities, reports NDTV.
\nBe it a promotional event or inaugurating a puja pandal, Kolkata is playing the host to director Mahesh Bhatt, critically-acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and the energetic Govinda.
\nBhatt, who came to cut the ribbons for a puja marquee in the satellite township of Salt Lake on Thursday, remarked that despite the drums and songs, he found a sense of tranquility amid all the celebrations.
\nThe marquee is themed on the Bon Bibi legend of Sunderbans (guardian of the forest) where the protector goddess Bon Bibi, worshipped by honey collectors and wood cutters, offers a safe passage into the dense mangroves from the Royal Bengal tigers.
\n\u2018I keep coming to Kolkata off and on but this is the first time I am witnessing the Durga Puja. This presents such unique chance for people irrespective of caste and creed to come together,\u2019 said Bhatt at the opening ceremony.
\nTalking about his forthcoming films Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa and Mountain Man, Nawazuddin fondly recalled his first shot from Kahaani that catapulted him into the limelight.
\n\u2018My first scene of the film was the Durga Puja shot…it is a very special moment. I feel connected to Bengal because of this film,\u2019 said the actor.
\nActor Govinda will be seen shaking a leg at the Dandiya Mela on Friday organised by the NGO National Institute of Professionals (NIP). Making it an inclusive affair, there will be a special stage for the differently abled.
\nThe magic of Gujarat will be recreated with decor and traditional haats of the region at the Milan Mela grounds.
\nActress Mahima Chaudhary was also among the guests of honour at a pandal.<\/p>\n

-With New Age<\/strong> input<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s a glitzy affair this Durga puja in the city with Bollywood celebrities upping the glam quotient to mark the gala five day festivities, reports NDTV. Be it a promotional event or inaugurating a puja pandal, Kolkata is playing the host to director Mahesh Bhatt, critically-acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and the energetic Govinda. Bhatt, who … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n