A historic moment was commemorated as the iconic figures from India’s Bollywood industry gathered in the holy city of Ayodhya for a ceremonious occasion. The atmosphere was vibrant as drum rolls echoed and chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ filled the air. The reason was none other than the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the newly constructed Ram Mandir, a grand temple devoted to Lord Rama. As an emblem of unity and cultural heritage, the event was attended not just by the political dignitaries but also by an ensemble of movie stars.
Prominent among the attendees was India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, clad in traditional attire, took part in leading the religious rituals cementing the consecration of the Shri Ram Lalla idol. It was in this milieu of spirituality and festivity that the Prime Minister and the legendary actor, Amitabh Bachchan, were captured in a striking exchange of greetings. A poignant image that resonated with millions was that of Modi folding his hands in a traditional ‘Namaste’ while Amitabh Bachchan, the towering figure of Indian cinema, reciprocated the gesture.
The honorable Prime Minister showered petals upon the labor force who had worked relentlessly to realize the vision of the majestic temple. In a similar spirit of acknowledgment, a spectacle from above ensued as army helicopters cascaded petals over the architectural marvel, in a tribute to the fruition of a collective dream.
The presence of Amitabh Bachchan, who was accompanied by his son and actor Abhishek Bachchan, was just the tip of the iceberg as the ceremonies drew the participation of a constellation of Bollywood celebrities. The distinguished assembly included actors Jackie Shroff, Ayushmann Khurrana, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal, Vivek Oberoi, Madhuri Dixit, and the beloved singer Sonu Nigam.
Jackie Shroff, an actor synonymous with rustic charm and earnest performances, expressed his heartfelt emotions post attending the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. “I have received the blessing…I feel great that I was called. Whenever I played the role of an inspector, my name was ‘Ram’…” he mused, intimating a personal connection to the deity and the event.
Among the attendees, Megastar Chiranjeevi and his son, the RRR superstar Ram Charan, had a prominent presence. Chiranjeevi, ahead of the event, had articulated the significance this ceremony held for him, remarking that it was like a personal invitation from his deity, Lord Hanuman. It was a sentiment echoed by the many who felt blessed by the opportunity to partake in such a momentous day. “It’s a wonderful experience. Day made for the people of entire India,” Chiranjeevi told ANI, reflecting the sentiment that the celebration transcended individual beliefs and was indeed a national occasion.
Ayushmann Khurrana, an actor known for breaking stereotypes with his roles, described the ceremony as a “historic moment.” Addressing the media, he said, “It is a historic moment, thank you so much for inviting me here. Everybody should visit this place, it’s beautiful.” His recommendation served as a testament to the site’s spiritual magnetism and architectural splendor which no doubt will draw both devotees and tourists alike.
As the Pran Pratishtha ceremony drew to a close, the unity of the nation’s cultural tapestry was reflected in the faces of those present—beyond cinema, beyond politics, a day etched into the history of India as a celebration of its pluralistic ethos and cosmic traditions. This congregation of stars, albeit from varied walks of life, stood unified under the banner of faith, reverence, and national pride.
