During Mumbai's grand Ganeshotsav festivities, the historic Lalbaugcha Raja pandal is witnessing an immense gathering of devotees and cultural energy. Following an annual tradition, numerous prominent film personalities have arrived to offer their prayers at the feet of Lord Ganesha. This season, notable industry figures including Parineeti Chopra, Rajpal Yadav, Shah Rukh Khan, and Govinda paid their respects. Joining the devotees, actor Sanjay Dutt arrived at the revered venue accompanied by his wife Maanayata Dutt to perform rituals and seek divine blessings.
Traditional Attire and a Devotional Gesture
For the pandal visit, Sanjay Dutt wore a striking bright orange kurta, while Maanayata Dutt chose a vibrant pink suit. Surrounded by their security personnel, the couple approached the deity with folded hands and took time to express gratitude to cheering fans in the audience. A particularly moving moment unfolded when Sanjay Dutt took sacred vermilion from the feet of the idol, marked his own forehead with devotion, and gently applied the remainder into the parting of Maanayata's hair. This devotional gesture garnered widespread praise from onlookers and followers online.
Words of Gratitude and Devotion
Visiting Lalbaugcha Raja remains a recurring annual pilgrimage for Sanjay Dutt. While interacting with press representatives present at the location, he shared that he felt deeply fortunate to receive an opportunity to seek Bappa's blessings once again this year. He observed that he was there solely because the deity had called him, adding his sincere wish that Lord Ganesha continues inviting him every single year without interruption.
Warm Encounter with the Panday Family
During the visit, Sanjay Dutt crossed paths with actor Chunky Panday, who had arrived at the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal at the very same hour with his daughter, actress Ananya Panday. The encounter brought immediate warmth to the surroundings as Sanjay, Maanayata, Chunky, and Ananya greeted one another with hearty hugs and paused to exchange pleasantries before moving ahead with their prayers.
Sanjay Dutt's Personal Journey and Marriage Timeline
Sanjay Dutt's wedding with Maanayata represents the third marriage in his personal life. The actor first married Richa Sharma in the year 1987. Later, in 1998, he tied the knot with Rhea Pillai, a relationship that ended in divorce in the year 2008. Following the separation, he married Maanayata Dutt that very same year in 2008. The couple shares an age difference of 19 years between them.
Maanayata Dutt's Background and Professional Responsibilities
Earlier in her career, Maanayata Dutt worked as an actress in films, but she now actively manages Sanjay Dutt's work commitments and professional affairs. Born Dilnawaz Sheikh into a Muslim family, she later adopted the name Maanayata after entering the film industry. Over the years, she is regularly seen participating enthusiastically in various cultural festivities and traditional celebrations.
