In what can only be described as a moment of profound emotion and camaraderie, legendary film director Subhash Ghai and the iconic actor Amitabh Bachchan recently shared a frame that spoke volumes of their relationship. This poignant capture took place during the spiritually significant Pran Pratishtha ceremony held in the ancient city of Ayodhya. On January 22, a picture was revealed on Ghai’s Instagram account depicting an intimate moment between the two stalwarts of Indian cinema, a testament to their deep connection.
The city of Ayodhya, steeped in millennia of history, bore witness to an immense gathering of not only national leaders but also prominent figures from the entertainment industry, who had come to partake in this historic event. Leading this event was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who presided over the hour-long rituals culminating in the revelation of the Ram Lalla idol.
Subhash Ghai, a filmmaker whose work has touched generations, shared his emotions through the picture he posted on Instagram. With a simple but heartfelt caption, he expressed the ineffable joy of two old friends meeting after years, saying, “It happened in AYODHYA yesterday when we met with each other with our younger smiles. We spoke a lot but without much words..”
Further extending his warm feelings toward Bachchan, Ghai invoked well-wishes for his colleague’s enduring health and inner strength that many have admired over the years. This heartening exchange between the two industry veterans illuminated the significance of non-verbal communication and the unspoken understanding that can exist between long-standing friends.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ghai has directed an array of actors, from the formidable Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff to the ever-charismatic Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit. His career also boasts collaborations with legendary thespians Raaj Kumar and Dilip Kumar. However, a cinematic project bringing together the minds of Ghai and Amitabh Bachchan has, curiously enough, remained unrealized.
When Ghai visited the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, he was quoted expressing his elation. For Ghai, the temple represents a historic emblem of India. “What can be a bigger joy than this? I am delighted today,” he said. He invoked his childhood dreams and memories of Ayodhya, remarking on the deep significance the day held for him as he stood on the grounds of what is considered a transformative development in India’s cultural tapestry.
Amitabh Bachchan, for his part, shared his own set of images as he visited the Ayodhya Ram temple. Via social media, he offered devotees a peek into his spiritual journey in Ayodhya, including a photo of himself with hands folded in reverence in front of the newly installed Ram Lalla idol, alongside a message invoking the deity.
The senior Bachchan’s presence in Ayodhya also had an additional dimension as news broke about his recent real estate acquisition in the city. According to Shanti Bhushan Choubey, the registrar of Ayodhya, Bachchan has purchased a substantial 10,000-square-foot plot. The transaction, amounting to Rs 9 crore, was confirmed with Bachchan providing agreement through his attorney.
The rare capturing of Amitabh Bachchan and Subhash Ghai during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony symbolizes the duo’s shared affinity that goes beyond the arc lights and film sets. It is a moment marking the celebration of unity, faith, and cultural pride—an emblematic scene that resonates with many witnessing the evolution of Ayodhya and the longstanding narratives of fellowship within the Indian film fraternity.
