As the solemn and spirited festival of Mahashivratri graced the calendar this Friday, Bollywood’s elite luminaries took a moment from their bustling schedules to extend heartfelt felicitations to their fans and followers. Embracing the essence of this auspicious occasion, veterans and newbies alike from the Indian film fraternity shared their devotional cheer and prayers.
The legendary Amitabh Bachchan, an icon whose reverence resonates beyond the screen, conveyed his Mahashivratri greetings succinctly, “Maha Shivaratri ki anek anek shubhkamnaye…” encapsulating the pluralistic wishes in a single line of serenity and respect for the divine.
Taking to social media, which has become a bridge between stars and their admirers, Ajay Devgn, renowned for his strong on-screen persona, revealed a glimpse of his spiritual side. A self-professed ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, Devgn sought to share the profound impact of the lord’s stotra on his life, “There’s not been a moment in my life when this stotra hasn’t given me strength when I needed it, Har Har Mahadev.“
Sanjay Dutt, a figure synonymous with tenacity in both his personal and professional life, chose to communicate through a poignant video montage. The visual piece illustrated his deep engrossment in performing pooja at a Shiva temple, accompanying his offering with a wish, “On this auspicious Maha Shivaratri, immersing in the divine energy of Lord Shiva. May his blessings illuminate our lives with peace, wisdom, and spiritual bliss. Har Har Mahadev! Jai Bholenath.”
The diverse expressions of piety continued with veteran actor Jackie Shroff posting a serene picture of Lord Shiva with the tags “#HarHarMahadev #Mahashivratri #Mahashivratri2024.” This simple yet profound acknowledgment of the deity’s significance echoed across social platforms.
Arjun Rampal, whose quiet strength often lights up the cinema, chose to chant “Om Namah Shivay” while extending good wishes, “From my family to yours, Happy Maha Shivaratri. May Lord Shiva shower his blessings upon you and your loved ones.“ Rampal’s message was a blend of traditional chant and contemporary blessing, encapsulating the current ethos of modern spirituality.
In a more dynamic demonstration of devotion, actress Adah Sharma shared a video where she gracefully recited the Shiva Stotram. Her dedication palpably seeped through the screen as she wished “Happy Maha Shivaratri” to all witnessing the confluence of spirituality and artistry.
Meanwhile, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur shared a picture that artistic ally juxtaposed an image of the revered Sadhguru with that of Lord Shiva. His sentiment underscored a sense of enlightenment often derived from such pious festivals, “Every time I have attended the #MahaShivaratri festival with you, I have come away a little more enlightened. I may not be physically there this year, but your energy will reverberate in my consciousness tonight, Namaskaram @SadhguruJV Ji #OmNamahShivay.”
The festive atmosphere seemed not to overshadow the career milestones these stars are geared up for, with a notable anticipation for ‘Shaitaan’, starring Ajay Devgn. The film is set to take audiences through an intense narrative, exploring the dark alleys of Indian Black Magic. A supernatural thriller co-starring Jyotika and R Madhavan, ‘Shaitaan’ intends to offer fans a cinematic experience enshrouded in mystery and nail-biting suspense.
As the fervor of Mahashivratri mingled with the creative zest of Bollywood, it was a day marked by an amalgam of tradition, faith, and cultural splendor. Each celebrity’s unique manifestation of reverence contributed to an eclectic but unified chorus of veneration for Lord Shiva. May the echo of their collective homage resonate through their lives and the lives of their fans, bringing peace, prosperity, and eternal wisdom. Har Har Mahadev! (With inputs from IANS)
