Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm in Mumbai, and it is a spectacle that the whole world witnesses. Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway director Ashima Chibber is excited to welcome Bappa, as the festival will begin on August 27. She said, “For me and my family, Ganesh Chaturthi is like hitting the reset button—a fresh start with Bappa’s blessings. It’s our way of saying goodbye to the old clutter (in life and in our heads!) and walking into new beginnings with a smile, modak in hand.”

“Every year we visit our friends’ Ganpatis, and I’ve had the privilege of taking blessings at National Award-winning actor Rani Mukerji’s home,” she added.

Sharing a special moment during the festival while shooting for her award-winning film, she said, “One of my most special memories was during the making of Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway. I placed the hard disk—which held the entire edit of the film—at Bappa’s feet. For a filmmaker, that hard disk is everything: months of work, sweat, emotions, and the soul of the film, all resting in that one little device. Keeping it there was my way of asking for Bappa’s blessings, for the film to reach the world smoothly and safely.”

She confessed she loves eating Puran Poli and loads of modaks during the festival and agrees that the festivities change the vibe of the city. She said, “Ganpati turns Mumbai into a beating heart of joy. What I love most is seeing women step out, claim the streets, sing, dance, and celebrate. For once the city belongs equally to them—that energy is infectious.”

In fact, she wants to give a modern twist to the festival. She said, “If I could add a modern twist, I’d say let’s tell Ganpati stories like we make films—from a woman’s lens. Imagine women directing the processions, composing the songs, and shaping the visuals—not just participating but leading.”

“For me, Ganpati is about new beginnings, and what better beginning than rewriting tradition so that women’s voices aren’t in the background chorus but in the director’s chair?” she added.

Asked if she feels that the younger generation can be encouraged to keep the tradition alive, she said, “The younger generation will keep Ganpati Chaturthi alive if they’re allowed to make it their own. Think of it like Chak De India—the rules of hockey were the same, but the spirit changed when a new team brought their fire to it. Ganpati is about community, art, and fresh starts.”

“If kids today get to blend tradition with eco-friendly practices, digital storytelling, and even music and theater, they’ll celebrate it not out of duty, but with the same passion they show for cricket finals,” she added.

A wish from Bappa? “My wish from Bappa is that cinema halls return to their past glory, packed with millions who come to be moved, entertained, and united by stories on the big screen. And may this new dawn of cinema give every filmmaker—women included—the chance to dream bigger, tell bolder stories, and be celebrated simply as directors,” Ashima ended.