It’s a blessing to be in Kolkata on Mahalaya, says Vidya Balan

Resplendent in a festive sari with flowers in her hair, Vidya Balan renewed her bond with the Kahaani city on Mahalaya. Invited to inaugurate the Disneyland-themed pandal in Lake Town, the actress received a rousing welcome at the venue. Greeting the crowd with ‘Nomoshkaaar! Kolkata’ in the ‘Good morning Mumbai’ style, the actress sought blessings from the Goddess and performed other rituals with Bengal’s very own, actor Dev Adhikari.

Excerpts
'I would love to do a movie here. With so many great actors like Dev, I keep telling my friends in the industry to think of doing something here'

'I can’t express in words how happy I am today, standing in front of Maa Durga on Mahalaya in Kolkata. My happiness knows no bounds'

'I love coming to this city. Kolkata feels like second home’

‘I always feel that mon theke ami Bangali (In my heart, I am a Bengali)’

‘Khush rahiye, stay healthy, bhalo thaakben Kolkata, onek aador, onek bhalobasha roilo, Shubho Mahalaya!’

‘I have visited Shree Bhumi earlier also during Durga Puja and I wanted to come here again. Today, I am coming here after 10 years and am so happy. The pandal looks spectacular’

Balan’s pitstops in Kolkata: Kalighat Temple and two renowned dhabas in central Kolkata

Favourite Kolkata sweet: Nolen gur-er roshogolla Actor Dev Adhikari who was also present at the ocassion said, "I am a huge admirer of Vidya Balan and her work. I really like the kind of movies she does, the scripts she chooses," adding, "My secretary was telling me that this year we should release the movie on Mahalaya. I think he was right. Just look at the crowd! Pujo choleye elo."