Kajol admits Durga Puja visit was ‘tough’ after three family losses; Tanishaa Mukherji: ‘We are taking Deb Mukherjee’s dream forward’

Kajol, who is often seen celebrating Durga Puja with her family, confessed that this year’s visit to the pandal was especially difficult following the losses her family has endured. The actor took to her official Instagram handle to share a string of photographs from the festivities, where she was seen posing with her sister Tanishaa Mukerji and cousins Rani and Ayan Mukerji.In a heartfelt caption, the Maa actress wrote, “The unveiling .. such an emotional moment .. to step on the pandal after this past year and all our losses, somehow it was dearer and at the same time so tough to do.. we miss them all (folded hands and red heart emoji).”For the unversed, filmmaker Ayan Mukerji’s father and Kajol, Rani, and Tanishaa’s uncle, Deb Mukherjee, passed away on March 14 this year at the age of 83. He was known for being the driving force behind organising the family’s annual Durga Puja celebrations.Speaking to IANS, Tanishaa Mukerji recalled her late uncle with deep emotion. “It is a time of little sadness for our family, along with a little excitement because this year there have been three deaths in our family. Our Debu Kaka (Deb Mukherjee), who used to organise Durga Puja every year, is no more, and for us it would be a little difficult to attend the puja this time. However, there is a lot of excitement as well because we are taking his dream forward,” she said.Tanishaa shared that her uncle always wished for the Durga Puja to grow more extravagant each year. Keeping his vision in mind, the family has planned several digital initiatives to make the celebrations more accessible.The Neal ’n’ Nikki actress further revealed, “Deb Mukherjee wanted more people to be provided food on Durga Puja, and we plan to do just that.”Kajol’s uncle and Ayan Mukerji’s father, veteran actor Deb Mukherjee, passed away in March 2025. Another of Kajol and Rani Mukerji’s uncles, filmmaker Rono Mukherjee, died in May 2025. Meanwhile, Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress award at the 71st National Film Awards for her role in 'Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.'