“Please come to our family’s Durga Puja if you are in Mumbai. It’s the most joyous occasion for my family. We cook a delicious vegetarian meal for every visitor coming for the puja on Monday,” says the actor.
Talking about bhog (holy offering), Rani says that she looks forward to the entire year to having the delicious prasad made at her house (The North Bombay Sarbajanin Durga Puja Charitable Trust at Santa Cruz). “It’s delicious. We eat lots of sweets. The bhog that was made last year is unforgettable. In fact, I would urge my fans to take time out and visit at least once especially when they’re distributing prasad. We cook a delicious khichudi (khichdi in Bengali) and tomato chutney. It is a must-have for everybody,” says the actor.
Rani informs that Durga pujo is the time when the whole Mukerji family comes together to celebrate. But this year, it is even more special as her dad, filmmaker Ram Mukerji will be able to participate in it.
“My dad had fallen ill when I was about to go for Cannes this year. I cancelled my trip to be with him. And now he has completely recovered. He’ll be able to take part in the pujo this year, and I’m really excited about that. His presence makes the celebration even more special. Besides, there’s also my niece Mysha, who loves to be pampered by the elders. It brings back all my childhood memories. It’s always a good feeling to see my family rejoicing under one roof,” adds the actor.
She says that Durga pujo always had a special significance in her life because it signifies worshipping Shakti. “It’s also a celebration of womanhood — a goddess triumphing over an asura symbolising victory over evil. It’s in a way a celebration of womanhood and an acknowledgement that stree Shakti is the most powerful force in the world,” says Rani.
