Actress Bhagyashree has found herself at the centre of a family dispute after performing the traditional Ganpati aarti at the historic Ganpati Panchayatan temple in Sangli during Ganesh Chaturthi. What began as a visit connected to the family's longstanding festival traditions has now turned into a public discussion about succession, family customs and the role of Bhagyashree and her sisters in the former royal household.
Bhagyashree, who was born into the erstwhile Patwardhan royal family of Sangli, returned to the city after nearly four years and participated in the Ganesh festival at the family-associated temple. Her decision to perform the aarti, however, was questioned by her father, Vijaysinhraje Patwardhan. He subsequently made it clear that his adopted son, Adityaraje Patwardhan, is the sole heir of the family.
Why Did Bhagyashree Perform the Ganpati Aarti?
According to reports, Bhagyashree explained that she wanted to participate in the family's Ganeshotsav traditions because her father had not been keeping well. She said that she felt one of the three daughters should step forward and continue the family's association with the annual celebrations.
Her visit marked her return to Sangli after several years. The traditional worship at the Ganpati Panchayatan temple is closely associated with the Patwardhan family's history and religious customs.
However, her participation became controversial after her father objected to the aarti being performed in his absence. Vijaysinhraje said the traditional worship of the ceremonial idol was meant to be conducted by him and his wife, Rajlakshmiraje Patwardhan.
Father Vijaysinhraje Patwardhan Names Adityaraje as Sole Heir
Following the incident, Vijaysinhraje Patwardhan publicly reiterated that Adityaraje is his only heir.
The issue is linked to the family's adoption of Adityaraje, who was formally adopted by Bhagyashree's parents in January 2024. Reports identify him as the son of Jaidip Abhyankar, who manages the temple trust and is related to the family through Bhagyashree's maternal side.
Vijaysinhraje said that Adityaraje should be recognised as the person who will carry forward the family's legacy and traditions. His comments effectively shifted the focus of the incident from the Ganpati aarti itself to the question of succession within the former royal household.
His wife, Rajlakshmiraje Patwardhan, also supported the decision to adopt Adityaraje. She explained that the couple did not have a son and had therefore adopted him as their own child. She also described him as the family's official heir who would carry forward the traditions associated with the Sansthan.
Disagreement Reaches the Temple Premises
The disagreement reportedly did not remain limited to statements made after the ceremony. Reports said that an argument took place at the temple involving Bhagyashree and Jaidip Abhyankar, who manages the temple trust.
A video of the exchange subsequently circulated on social media, bringing additional attention to the family dispute. The incident has since generated discussion around the traditions followed by the former royal family and the question of who is authorised to perform ceremonial duties at the temple.
The exact circumstances surrounding the disagreement have been described differently in reports. While the family has objected to Bhagyashree's participation in the ritual, Bhagyashree has maintained that her intention was connected to continuing the family's Ganesh festival traditions.
Bhagyashree’s Connection to the Patwardhan Family
Bhagyashree, whose full name is Bhagyashree Dassani, is the eldest of Vijaysinhraje and Rajlakshmiraje Patwardhan's three daughters. She went on to establish a career in Hindi cinema and remains known for her role in Maine Pyar Kiya.
Despite building a career in the entertainment industry, Bhagyashree has continued to maintain a connection with her family background and has previously spoken about her roots. Her recent return to Sangli brought that connection into the spotlight during one of the family's important annual religious occasions.
Her decision to participate in the Ganpati celebrations has now become part of a wider family disagreement over tradition and succession.
Who Is Adityaraje Patwardhan?
Adityaraje Patwardhan is the adopted son of Vijaysinhraje and Rajlakshmiraje Patwardhan. He was adopted by the couple in January 2024 and subsequently designated as the successor to the family's lineage and traditions, according to multiple reports.
His biological father, Jaidip Abhyankar, is associated with the management of the temple trust and is related to the Patwardhan family. The adoption was described by Rajlakshmiraje as a decision taken because the couple did not have a son.
The family has now publicly identified Adityaraje as its sole heir, making his position central to the dispute that followed Bhagyashree's temple visit.
A Debate Around Tradition and Family Roles
The controversy has also brought attention to the changing role of daughters within families that retain historical royal traditions. The Patwardhan family traces its history to the Maratha period and was associated with the erstwhile princely state of Sangli before the integration of princely states into independent India.
Reports about the dispute have highlighted different perspectives. Bhagyashree's explanation centres on the continuation of family traditions, while her parents have emphasised the position of their adopted son as the family's designated heir.
The disagreement therefore involves more than the performance of a single religious ritual. It has brought questions surrounding succession, ceremonial responsibilities and family traditions into public view.
What Happens Next?
For now, the Patwardhan family's position is that Adityaraje is the sole heir and the person expected to carry forward the family's legacy. Bhagyashree's participation in the Ganpati aarti, meanwhile, has sparked a public conversation about how traditional family roles are interpreted today.
The incident has attracted considerable attention because of Bhagyashree's celebrity status and her connection to the former Sangli royal family. What might otherwise have remained a private family disagreement has become a widely reported story after the statements from the family and the circulation of footage from the temple.
As the Ganesh festival continues, attention is likely to remain on the Patwardhan family's response and whether the disagreement over the temple's traditional rituals leads to any further public statements.
For Bhagyashree, the episode has unexpectedly placed her family background back in the spotlight, while the Patwardhan family's decision to publicly reaffirm Adityaraje's position has made the question of succession a central part of the controversy.
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