Actor Aly Goni recently addressed the backlash he received for not chanting 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations with his girlfriend Jasmin Bhasin and friend Nia Sharma. The actor clarified that his silence was not meant to disrespect anyone but stemmed from a combination of confusion and religious beliefs.

The controversy arose after a video circulated online showing Aly standing quietly as Jasmin and others enthusiastically chanted 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' at Ankita Lokhande's residence during Ganeshotsav celebrations. In the video, Jasmin is even seen encouraging Aly to join in, but he refrained from participating. This led to social media users criticizing Aly, with some labeling his actions as disrespectful.

Aly addressed the situation during an episode of OffScript on Filmygyan's YouTube channel. He admitted that he didn't realize his silence had become such a big issue. He explained that it was his first time attending Ganpati celebrations, and he was unsure of what was expected of him. He said he was worried about unintentionally doing something wrong.

Aly further clarified his position by stating that not participating in puja is in line with his religious beliefs. "It's not allowed in my religion, hum puja nahi karte hai (we don't pray)," he explained. He emphasized that his faith centers around offering namaz and respecting all religions, as written in the Quran. He stated that he does respect everyone's beliefs.

Nia Sharma defended Aly, criticizing the trolling as unfair and unnecessary. Some people defended Aly, saying that simply showing up was a respectful gesture, even if he chose not to chant because of his beliefs.

The online reactions to Aly's explanation were mixed. Some users questioned why Muslims don't participate in Hindu traditions, while others defended his right to follow his faith. Some comments emphasized the importance of respecting all religions and allowing individuals to practice their beliefs without facing criticism. Others pointed out the double standard in Bollywood, where actors readily participate in Ganesh Chaturthi-themed songs and promotions but face scrutiny for not chanting during the actual celebrations.

This incident highlights the complexities of navigating interfaith relationships and the importance of understanding and respecting diverse religious practices. Aly Goni's explanation underscores the significance of religious freedom and the right to observe one's own traditions without facing undue criticism or pressure to conform to others' beliefs.