Anupam Kher visits Lalbaugcha Raja, says he took ‘no VIP darshan’; devotees react

Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently sought blessings at the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai during the ongoing Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. 

Sharing his experience on Instagram, the actor underlined that he chose to visit without any special arrangements, describing the moment as deeply fulfilling.

Posting pictures and videos from the visit, Kher wrote in Hindi, “Aaj Lalbaug ke Raja ke darshan ka saubhagya prapt hua. Bina kisi VIP darshan ke intazam ke gaya tha, toh kuch aur accha laga” (Today, I had the privilege of visiting Lalbaugcha Raja. I went without any VIP arrangements, which made it feel even more special). He also lauded the organisers and the devotees for ensuring smooth arrangements despite the massive crowds.

However, the actor’s remarks sparked mixed reactions among followers. While many praised his humility and devotion, a section of devotees raised doubts about his claim of skipping VIP treatment.

One user commented, “Happy you got to visit Bappa. But just to share, many of us stood from 12:30 am and only got darshan around 9:30 pm – almost 21 hours of waiting. For us common devotees it wasn’t easy; we were even held back at times. So when you say no VIP visit, it doesn’t feel accurate. The love for Ganpati is equal for everyone, but the treatment isn’t.”

Lalbaugcha Raja, one of Mumbai’s most revered Ganesh idols, attracts lakhs of devotees every year during the 10-day festival, with queues often stretching for hours. 

While VIP darshan passes are usually a point of contention, Kher’s statement has reignited debate on the distinction between celebrity visits and the long waits endured by ordinary devotees.