Celebrities long for festival bash at homes

KANPUR: The charm of festivals and the desire to celebrate them at home is unbeatable. All the same, not everyone is lucky enough to take the first train or flight home. During the ongoing festival season, TOI checked out celebrities from the city who could make it home and those who despite having strong desire had to stay back.
Celebrities who will have to stay away from the city also include renowned playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya."Don't even remind me about the great time I had spent on Durga Puja and Dussehra in Kanpur. In Mumbai, although with the blessings of Maa, I organised Durga
Puja on a very grand scale every year at Lokhandwala, but here you wouldn't find giant-sized Ravana of Ramlila of Parade ground in Kanpur. I will miss it terribly."
For singer-music director Ankit Tiwari, whose songs, "Sun raha hai" from Ashiqui-2 and another song in the movie Ek Villain named `Galliyan' got him the worldwide acclaim, Durga Puja, Dusshera followed by Diwali means family time. "I don't think any other city in our country celebrates Durga Puja and Dussehra the way Kanpur does. Though I could'nt reach my native town and become a part of ongoing festive revellery, I would have loved to come home ahead to celebrate Diwali. I can never forget Ramlila of Bada Central park in Shastrinagar, which was performed in a makeshift open-air theatre. It is usually staged by the locals of the area and the environment is festive and the spectators cheer the artsistes with loud whistles". Besides, pandal hopping is a popular activity during the Durga Puja festival as people love to see the artistic decorations and idols. We just love to visit Model Town Durga Puja pandal, Tiwari recalls.
Renowned comedian Raju Srivastava, is kicked up about Durga Puja and Dussehra celebrations in Kanpur. "I am stuck in Mumbai with work, but I would have loved to celebrate Durga Puja and Dussehra with my siblings, nieces and nephews back in Kanpur. I would be enjoying with my friends but this is nothing closer to the fun that I had in my native town."
Raju recalls the years at Kidwainagar area in his golden days. "We used to bunk Ramlila and go to Anupam talkies and watch late night movie shows. I can never forget those old days. I would surely miss all those elements of Kanpur here in Mumbai."
Another city comedian Rajan Srivastava said, "I have landed in the city today only. I will be busy with my shows but at the same time I would love to witness grand Ramlila of Parade. Amid my busy schedule I have plans to offer prayers to the goddess on `ashtami' at some of my favourite city pandals."