Bollywood Stars Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor Grace RSS Centenary Celebrations in Mumbai
In a notable gathering, top Bollywood celebrities including Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor attended a special event in Mumbai on Saturday to commemorate the 100-year journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The two-day celebration, titled '100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons', marked the completion of a century since the formation of the right-wing ideological group.
Mohan Bhagwat Lauds Salman Khan's Influence
During the event, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a speech highlighting the organization's focus on national unity and service without seeking power. He specifically praised Salman Khan, noting the actor's widespread appeal among the masses. "College students copy Salman Khan's fashion. When asked why, they say they don't know. Salman is doing it. The context being good values in society should become a fashion," Bhagwat stated, emphasizing the importance of positive values in contemporary culture.
Salman Khan was seated alongside renowned filmmaker Subhash Ghai and lyricist Prasoon Joshi, listening attentively to Bhagwat's address. The RSS chief's remarks underscored Khan's role as a cultural icon whose actions can inspire societal trends.
Ramayana Team Presence Highlights Upcoming Film
Ranbir Kapoor, who is set to portray Lord Rama in the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation of the Ramayana, attended the event with his director Nitesh Tiwari. A viral video from the venue showed Kapoor warmly hugging Tiwari, sparking excitement among fans about the project's progress.
The Ramayana adaptation, co-produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash, features an ensemble cast including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. The film's music is a collaboration between AR Rahman and Hollywood legend Hans Zimmer, with Part 1 scheduled for a Diwali release this year and Part 2 slated for next Diwali.
Other Notable Attendees at the RSS Event
The celebration attracted a diverse array of personalities from the entertainment industry and beyond. Key attendees included:
- Veteran actor and BJP MP Hema Malini
- Actress Poonam Dhillon
- Filmmakers Mohit Suri, Subhash Ghai, and Om Raut
- Producers Mahaveer Jain and Vikram Malhotra
- CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi
This gathering highlighted the intersection of cultural and ideological spheres, with many figures expressing support for the RSS's centennial milestones.
Upcoming Film 'Shatak' to Chronicle RSS History
As part of the centenary festivities, a film titled Shatak: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ke 100 Varsh is set to release in cinemas on February 19. Directed by Aashish Mall and presented by ADA 360 Degrees LLP, the film aims to narrate the RSS's journey over the past century. Produced by Vir Kapur and co-produced by Aashish Tiwari, it has already generated buzz with a teaser unveiled by actor Ajay Devgn on social media earlier this week.
Devgn shared his congratulations, writing, "RSS ko sau saal poore hone par dher saari badhaaiyan! Inn sau saalon mein rashtra nirmaan mein sangh ka bada yogdaan raha hai. Iss kaam par aur roshni daalne aa rahi hai film #Shatak Yeh rahi uski pehli jhalak", translating to praise for the RSS's contributions to nation-building.
The event underscored the RSS's ongoing efforts to engage with popular culture and promote its message of unity and values, as reflected in the attendance of high-profile Bollywood stars and the launch of commemorative projects.
