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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Screenwriter Salim Khan on ventilator support and stable, say doctors
Mumbai (PTI): Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan suffered a brain haemorrhage which has been tackled, is on ventilator support as a safeguard and stable, doctors treating him said on Wednesday, a day after he was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital here.
The 90-year-old, one half of the celebrated Salim-Javed duo which scripted films such as "Sholay", "Deewar" and "Don" with Javed Akhtar, is in the ICU and recovery might take some time given his age.
"His blood pressure was high for which we treated him and we had to put him on a ventilator because we wanted to do certain investigations. Now the ventilator was put as a safeguard so that his situation doesn't get worse. So it is not that he is critical," Dr Jalil Parkar told reporters.
"We did the investigations that were required and today we have done a small procedure on him, I will not go into the details. The procedure done is called DSA (digital subtraction angiography). The procedure has been accomplished, he is fine and stable and shifted back to ICU. By tomorrow, we hope to get him off the ventilator. All in all, he is doing quite well," he added.
Asked whether he suffered a brain haemorrhage, the doctor said, "Unko thoda haemorrhage hua tha, which we’ve tackled. No surgery is required.
As concern over Khan's health mounted, his children, including superstar Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan, daughter Alvira, and sons-in-law Atul Agnihotri and Aayush Sharma, have been seen outside the hospital along with other well-wishers. His long-time partner Akhtar was also seen coming out of the hospital.
Khan, a household name in the 70s and 80s, turned 90 on November 24 last year. It was the day Dharmendra, the star of many of his films, including "Sholay", "Seeta aur Geeta" and "Yaadon Ki Baraat", passed away.
Hailing from an affluent family in Indore, Khan arrived in Mumbai in his 20s with dreams of stardom. He was good looking and confident he would make a mark in the industry as an actor. But that did not happen. And then, after struggling for close to a decade and getting confined to small roles in films, he changed lanes.
He worked as an assistant to Abrar Alvi and soon met Akhtar to form one of Hindi cinema's most formidable writing partnerships. They worked together on two dozen movies with most of them achieving blockbuster status.
Other than "Sholay", "Deewar" and "Don", Khan and Akhtar also penned "Trishul", "Zanjeer", "Seeta Aur Geeta", "Haathi Mere Saathi", "Yaadon Ki Baarat" and "Mr India".
