Actor Kishore slams 'Political' Kumbh Mela, asks ‘why should I be burdened with holy dips, melas’
Bengaluru: Popular multi-lingual actor Kishore Kumar Huli has made a post on social media questioning the need to participate in religious gatherings driven by political motives. Drawing from a childhood moral story about Lord Ganesha and Lord Karthikeya, the actor emphasized that true devotion lies in being present for one’s loved ones rather than seeking validation through rituals held under the garb of faith.
Kishore’s post comes in response to the widespread debate triggered by right-wing voices on social media, who have been calling out those who did not visit or attend the recently concluded Maha Kumbh Mela. The actor, known for his strong opinions on social and political issues, challenged the necessity of attending religious events that, according to him, place politics above human life.
In his post, Kishore recalled a childhood story where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had only one mango to give to their sons, Ganesha and Karthikeya. To decide who would receive it, they set a challenge—whoever could circle the world three times and return first would win the fruit. Karthikeya, swift and determined, mounted his peacock and set off on his journey around the world. Ganesha, however, simply walked around his parents, declaring, "You are my world; I don’t need to go anywhere else."
When Karthikeya returned after circling the globe three times, he was confronted with the truth—love, family, and devotion are not bound by physical journeys but by the bonds of the heart.
Kishore then applied the lesson to the present-day scenario, questioning whether his ideal should be Ganesha or Karthikeya. "When I am surrounded by those who gave me birth and my loved ones, when every drop of rain that falls on my head feels as sacred as the waters of the Ganges or the Cauvery, when every rain is like a holy dip, and every piece of land I step on is holy, why should I be burdened by the so-called holy dips and Melas that serve only political interests and do not value human life?" he wrote.
Accompanying his post, Kishore shared an image demonstrating the stark inequality at the Maha Kumbh Mela, where VIPs were treated with comfort and special arrangements, while the common man suffered immense hardships and inconveniences. The image highlighted how influential figures had access to sanitized, secure, and well-managed spaces, while ordinary devotees endured overcrowded areas, lack of hygiene, and logistical struggles.
By raising this point, Kishore called out the double standards in the way the event was organized, arguing that faith and devotion should not be segregated by class or privilege.
Kishore’s post comes amid an ongoing debate instigated by right-wing groups and social media influencers who have been questioning why certain celebrities, activists, and intellectuals did not attend the Maha Kumbh Mela. The event, which holds immense religious significance in Hinduism, was marred by logistical failures, overcrowding, and concerns over public safety. Critics argue that while the government promoted the event on a grand scale, little was done to address the struggles of common devotees.
While Kishore did not directly name any political party or group, his message was clear—religion should not be reduced to political optics, and true spirituality lies in compassion, equality, and the well-being of people rather than grand spectacles designed for show.
Kishore Kumar Huli is known for voicing his opinions on political and social matters. Unlike many in the film industry who choose to remain silent on sensitive topics, Kishore has repeatedly used his platform to raise concerns over governance, inequality, and societal issues. His views often put him at odds with right-wing factions, but they have also earned him respect among those who value independent thought and fearless expression.
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Porsche car crash case exposed systemic corruption: Pune police commissioner
Pune (PTI): The Porsche car crash case exposed "systemic corruption," but the Pune Police have successfully uncovered the nexus behind the replacement of the accused juvenile's blood samples with those of his mother, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said on Wednesday.
The case made national headlines after the high-end car allegedly driven by the 17-year-old boy in an inebriated state mowed down motorcycle-borne IT professionals Anish Awadhiya and Ashwini Costa in the Kalyani Nagar area on May 19 last year.
"Last year’s Porsche car crash case sparked widespread discussions about Pune’s deteriorating social culture, alleged police corruption, and several other issues. Amid all the criticism, one positive aspect stood out: the case exposed systemic corruption.
"It also demonstrated how the police, working within the same system, managed to uncover the entire nexus behind the replacement of the juvenile’s blood samples with those of his mother," Kumar said while addressing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, an initiative aimed at raising awareness against drug addiction, organised at Modern College.
He added that the juvenile has been released since he was a minor.
"However, his mother has remained in jail for over a year, and his father continues to be behind bars. Doctors from Sassoon Hospital and others involved are also still in jail," Kumar said, adding that one mistake by a child, and an attempt by his parents to cover it up, destroyed an entire family.
He said the police will follow up on this case until every guilty person is punished.
Kumar also appealed to students to stay away from intoxicating substances and drugs.
"You are not only endangering your own life but also putting your entire family at risk," he said, urging the youth not to fall prey to harmful addictions.
"Instead, stand strong and act as a force to ensure that drug abuse is curbed in your surroundings. We assure you of full police support," he added.
He further stated that if youth from all colleges unite and decide to end this menace, "the day is not far when not even one gram of drug will be sold in the city".
The investigation into the car crash had revealed that the juvenile's blood samples were replaced with those of his mother.
The roles of Dr Ajay Taware, head of the forensic department, Medical Officer Shreehari Halnor, and a hospital staffer came under scrutiny.
While the mother is currently out on bail, the juvenile’s father, Sassoon Hospital doctors Taware and Halnor, staffer Atul Ghatkamble, two middlemen, Ashpak Makandar and Amar Gaikwad, and others remain in jail for the alleged blood sample swap.
