Babi Bandekar
The soul behind Ganesh Chitra Mandir
V. B. — known across Maharashtra as Babi Bandekar — was Vishnu Bhagwan Bandekar. Born in Konkan (Tulas, Vengurla), he carried the sculpting lineage of his father Bhagwanrao, who passed away in 1961. As a teenager he came to Mumbai. Supporters such as Madhukar Desai, Shantaram Naik, Surve, Shinde, Belnekar and others stood by him in Chembur and urged him to sculpt.
In 1969 he crafted his first Ganpati — an eight-foot idol for Maharashtra Decoration Mandal. It was only one idol that year, yet so refined that newspapers published it with a photograph. That moment remained one of the happiest in his life. From the workshop near Amar Mahal, Chembur, idols travelled to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, Pune, Goa, and beyond.
He worked for a time at Bharat Radiators, then devoted himself fully to sculpting each Ganesh season — often taking long leave to work eighteen-hour days. Alongside clay idols he mastered fiberglass moulding. His serene, joyful Ganesha faces became known across public mandals and households. His wife Sou. Rajanigandha shared deeply in that success; colleagues and brothers assisted; his daughter specialised in drawing the divine eyes.
"Leave your professions at the gate. Once inside, you become a simple worker of the clay."
History
1961
Father’s passing
Bhagwanrao, himself a sculptor, passed away. Young Babi would soon carry the craft to Mumbai.
1969
First idol, first applause
Encouraged by Chembur well-wishers, Babi made an eight-foot Ganpati for Maharashtra Decoration Mandal. Only one idol that year — yet published with a photograph. Ganesh Chitra Mandir’s public journey begins near Amar Mahal.
1970s–80s
Workshop & reach
With a team of artisans, public and household idols went to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, Pune, Goa and farther. Fiberglass moulding joined clay craft. Seasons after Navratri meant long days at the bench.
1992
Centenary honours
Sahyadri Krida Mandal’s twelve-foot idol won Orient–Samana first prize in Mumbai; the Chembur Mayor’s Cup followed the same season.
Fire years
Workshop fire
Sri Ganesh Chitra Mandir at Chembur was devastated by fire — moulds, finished idols, wood, paint and plaster lost. On the eve of the festival season, the city was asked to help the workshop rise again.
1999
Loksatta best sculptor
Girnar Loksatta Ganesh Darshan named Babi Bandekar best sculptor (Vashi–Panvel) for Prerna Seva Mandal, Sector 6, Vashi — a twelve-foot sitting idol among his many commissions.
Today
The Panchratnas continue
After Babi’s passing in 2015, his five daughters sustain Ganesh Chitra Mandir — education, craft, and devotion in one living workshop tradition.