14 September,2026 03:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vidyut Jammwal at Lalbaugcha Raja pandal. Pics via X
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Mumbai began with devotees thronging some of the city's most revered pandals, including Lalbaugcha Raja. Among those who sought Bappa's blessings this year was actor Vidyut Jammwal, who added a musical touch to his darshan with a traditional shankh and damru performance.
Vidyut visited the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal on Monday, September 14, dressed in traditional white attire. During his visit, he performed aarti and was seen immersed in the festivities as he played the damru and blew the conch shell. Videos from his visit have surfaced on social media, capturing the actor in a distinctly devotional mood.
Known for his high-energy action roles and martial arts skills, Vidyut offered fans a glimpse of a quieter, spiritual side during his visit to Bappa. His performance with the traditional instruments became one of the highlights of his darshan, as devotees gathered at the iconic Mumbai pandal for the first day of Ganeshotsav.
The damru, traditionally associated with Lord Shiva, holds an important place in Hindu religious traditions. Similarly, the conch, or shankh, is commonly blown during prayers and auspicious ceremonies. Vidyut's performance brought these familiar elements into the celebrations as he paid his respects to Lord Ganesha.
The actor has often spoken about discipline and spirituality alongside his martial arts practice, but his Lalbaugcha Raja visit offered a more personal glimpse of his connection with traditional practices. He will next be seen making his Hollywood debut in Street Fighter.
The Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal is celebrating its 93rd year, with this year's festivities beginning on September 14. As always, the iconic pandal has drawn devotees from Mumbai and beyond, with large crowds arriving to seek blessings from Lalbaugcha Raja.
This year, the mandap has taken inspiration from the Mahakaleshwar Temple, giving the setting a distinctly Mahadev-themed appearance. A large trident has also been incorporated into the decorations, adding to the temple-inspired ambience.
For Mumbai, Lalbaugcha Raja remains one of the biggest attractions of the 10-day Ganeshotsav, with celebrities regularly joining thousands of devotees at the pandal. Vidyut's visit and impromptu shankh-damru performance added another memorable moment to the opening day of the celebrations.
The actor's traditional appearance and devotional performance also stood in contrast to the action-packed image he is best known for on screen, giving fans a chance to see a different side of the Commando star.
