Like most people, Rithvik Dhanjani is gearing for the forthcoming Ganpati festival, but with a difference. The actor who brings home a Ganpati idol every year, has this time decided to sculpt a Ganesh murti himself! And for this he has sought help from his friend and actor Raqesh Bapat, who has been sculpting one for years now.
Says Rithvik, “Raqesh has been making Ganpati idols for long and I found it intriguing. Also, every year I buy an idol from the shop. The first thing I do is look at the eyes of the murti because I feel the eyes call out to me. This year, too, I searched for it but I didn’t find any such murti. So, I decided to make one with the help of Raqesh. And now, that I am making it, I realise that not only do you invest time and effort, but also a part of your soul in it. It’s been an enriching experience.”
Using just silt and clay from the riverbanks, Rithvik has been carving an idol since last week. “I take one-and-a-half hour every day for it. Raqesh is guiding me and I am also adding my own inputs. It’s been six days and should be ready by tomorrow,” smiles Rithvik, who will be keeping the idol at home for five days.
Though the actor has been buying eco-friendly idols for four years now and immersing them in ponds, this year plans to do the visarjan at his house. “People who buy idols made of pop (plaster of paris), need to understand the hazards. The sight on the following day of the immersion is pathetic. All that you have done with love and affection and prayers is lying around at people’s feet. Have an eco-friendly Ganpati and save the environment because you are responsible for it.”
