Mumbai/IBNS: Popular television actor and model Aly Goni has expressed his shock over how a row could break out for him not chanting "Ganpati Bappa Morya" while celebrating Ganesh Festival along with his girlfriend Jasmine Bhasin and friend Nia Sharma.

Speaking to Filmgyan, Goni said he had no clue what to say at the moment but that doesn't mean he disrespects any other religion.

The actor said, "I respect all religions. But I was lost in my thoughts. I don't know what I was thinking. I had no clue that this could turn into such a controversy. Are people so jobless? I mean, I know there are jobless people, I keep a track on X which is the worst and dirty in terms of trolling... I was wearing festive attire.

"I participated in Ganpati festival for the first time. I used to skip Hindu festivals so that I don't create anything wrong unintentionally because I am not aware of the customs and it's not allowed in my religion. We don't do puja. We have a belief- offer namaz, we pray and respect each and every religion."

What happened?

A video capturing Aly Goni attending Ganesh Chaturthi festivities went viral.

In the clip, while his partner Jasmin Bhasin and fellow actress Nia Sharma chanted "Ganpati Bappa Morya," Aly remained silent—even when prompted to join the chant.

This sparked a fiery debate across social media platforms. Critics accused him of displaying “one-sided secularism” and claimed his silence disrespected Hindu traditions.

Some of the backlash even targeted his gum-chewing during the event.

Work front

Goni first gained popularity in 2012 through the reality show MTV Splitsvilla 5.

He played his breakthrough role Romi Bhalla in the popular Star Plus TV serial Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (2013–2019).

In reality TV domain, he participated in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 9 (2019), appeared in Nach Baliye 9 with his close friend (and later partner) Jasmin Bhasin and gained huge popularity in Bigg Boss 14 (2020–21), where his bond with his girlfriend became a highlight.

He has featured in several music videos and web projects, often with Jasmin Bhasin.