Actor Simran Budharup, known for her role in the popular TV show Kumkum Bhagya, recently visited Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja pandal during the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. However, what should have been a peaceful and spiritual experience turned sour due to an unfortunate incident with the pandal’s security staff.
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Budharup took to Instagram to share her “really disheartening experience,” revealing that a security personnel snatched her mother’s phone while she was trying to take a picture. “Today, I visited Lalbaghcha Raja with my mother to seek blessings, but our experience was marred by the unacceptable behavior of the staff,” the actor wrote. According to her, the phone was taken even though her mother was in the queue and not causing any delay during the darshan. When her mother attempted to retrieve the phone, the security guard allegedly pushed her.
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The situation escalated when Budharup intervened. She stated that bouncers “rough-handled” her, forcing her to capture the incident on her phone. In her post, she mentioned how the staff attempted to snatch her phone as well but retreated once they realized she was an actor. “In the video, I’m seen yelling, ‘Mat Karo! Kya kar rahe ho aap?’ It was only when they discovered I’m an actor that they backed off,” she wrote.
The actor emphasised the need for accountability and respectful treatment of devotees at such events. “People visit such places with good intentions, seeking positivity and blessings. Instead, we were met with aggression and disrespect,” she continued. Budharup acknowledged the challenge of crowd management during such large events but stressed that it is the staff’s responsibility to maintain order without resorting to mistreatment.
She concluded her post by calling for awareness and change. “I’m sharing this to bring attention to the issue and hope it serves as a wake-up call for event organizers and staff to treat visitors with dignity and respect.”
Lalbaugcha Raja is a major destination for celebrities during Ganesh Chaturthi. This year, visitors included Vicky Kaushal, Kartik Aaryan, and Esha Deol, among others.
