Aly Goni Faces Backlash for Not Chanting ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ at Ganesh Utsav : A Balanced Perspective

Aly Goni, a well-known Indian television actor recognized for his role in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein and his appearance on Bigg Boss 14, recently found himself embroiled in controversy following his attendance at a Ganesh Chaturthi celebration in September 2025. A viral video from the event, hosted at actress Ankita Lokhande’s residence, showed Aly standing silently while others, including his girlfriend Jasmin Bhasin and friend Nia Sharma, chanted “Ganpati Bappa Morya.” This sparked a heated online debate, with some criticizing Aly for not participating and others defending his personal choice. Below is a detailed exploration of the incident, Aly’s response, and the broader implications as of September 2025.

The Incident: What Sparked the Controversy?

During the Ganeshotsav celebrations, Aly attended a Ganpati puja with Jasmin Bhasin and Nia Sharma. Clips from the event captured Jasmin and others chanting “Ganpati Bappa Morya,” a traditional slogan honoring Lord Ganesha, while Aly remained silent. In one video, Jasmin appeared to encourage Aly to join in, but he did not. Another moment showed Aly posing for photos with Jasmin and Nia as the crowd and paparazzi chanted “Ganpati Bappa,” with Jasmin and Nia responding “Morya,” while Aly stayed quiet.

These clips spread rapidly on social media, particularly on platforms like X, where opinions were sharply divided. Some users accused Aly of disrespecting Hindu traditions, with comments like, “If Aly Goni can attend a Ganpati puja, he should show respect by chanting. It’s not about conversion, just courtesy.” Others criticized what they called “one-sided secularism,” noting that Jasmin Bhasin has participated in Islamic rituals like namaz and visited Mecca. One post remarked, “He’s chewing gum and showing attitude, not even saying Morya. That’s disrespectful.”

Aly Goni’s Response

In a candid interview, Aly addressed the backlash, explaining that his silence was not intentional disrespect. He shared that this was his first time attending a Ganpati celebration, and he felt unsure about what to do. “I didn’t realize it would become such a big issue. I was lost in my thoughts, and I didn’t know the customs since it was my first time. I’m always careful not to do anything wrong unintentionally,” he said.

As a Muslim, Aly clarified his religious stance, stating, “In my religion, we don’t perform puja. We offer namaz, we pray, and we’re taught to respect all faiths. That’s what the Quran says, and I follow that.” He emphasized that his presence at the puja was a gesture of respect, even if he didn’t chant. Aly also admitted to feeling anxious about unintentionally offending anyone due to his unfamiliarity with the rituals.

Support from Nia Sharma and Fans

Nia Sharma, who was at the event, defended Aly Goni, saying, “Being present at someone’s festival is respect in itself.” Many fans echoed this on social media, advocating for personal choice and interfaith harmony. One supporter wrote, “Secularism means respecting others’ beliefs, not forcing someone to chant. Aly Goni being there was enough.” Another commented, “Not everything needs to be a controversy. He attended, that shows respect.”

Supporters argued that Aly’s presence, despite not chanting, reflected his openness to Jasmin’s cultural practices. They stressed that expecting him to participate in a chant could infringe on his personal beliefs, and his silence was a way to honor his faith while still showing up for the event.

Criticism and Allegations of “One-Sided Secularism”

Critics, however, expressed frustration, arguing that Aly’s silence showed a lack of reciprocity, especially since Jasmin has engaged in Islamic practices. One social media post stated, “Jasmin offers namaz and visits Mecca, but Aly can’t say ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’? Why is secularism always one-way?” Others questioned why Aly attended if he was uncomfortable participating, with comments like, “If he’s so uneasy, why show up? Jasmin should’ve considered this.”

The controversy took a communal tone in some instances, with users making inflammatory remarks. One post labeled Aly Goni a “jihadi” and referenced “love jihad,” escalating the discourse. Aly’s act of chewing gum during the puja also drew ire, with some interpreting it as a sign of disrespect.

Interfaith Dynamics and Public Scrutiny

Aly Goni and Jasmin’s interfaith relationship has often faced public scrutiny, and this incident amplified existing tensions. Previously, Jasmin faced trolling for wearing an abaya at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, a mandatory dress code. Aly addressed this in the same interview, saying, “People who haven’t traveled don’t understand. The mosque has rules, and Jasmin followed them by wearing an abaya.” He urged critics to broaden their perspectives through travel and exposure.

The debate reflects broader questions about interfaith relationships and secularism in India. Critics argue that chanting “Ganpati Bappa Morya” is a cultural gesture, not a religious one, and Aly’s silence missed an opportunity to foster unity. Supporters counter that respecting personal religious boundaries is a cornerstone of secularism, and Aly’s attendance was a meaningful gesture.

Bridging Divide with Empathy

The controversy over Aly Goni’s silence at the Ganesh Utsav underscores the complexities of interfaith interactions in India’s diverse society. While some view his actions as disrespectful, others see them as a valid expression of personal faith. Aly’s explanation—that he was unfamiliar with the customs and cautious about overstepping—provides context for his silence. Support from Nia Sharma and fans highlights the value of mutual respect, while critics’ reactions reflect the expectations placed on public figures in cultural settings.

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This incident calls for empathy and understanding, recognizing that respect can be expressed in multiple ways, whether through active participation or quiet presence. Aly’s attendance at the puja, despite his discomfort, shows his effort to engage with his partner’s traditions. Moving forward, open dialogue can help address such misunderstandings, fostering harmony in a multicultural society.