While filming his latest film, “Good Bye,” in and around Rishikesh and at Parmarth Niketan, legendary Indian actor Shri Amitabh Bhachchanji, the film’s Director Vikas Bahl, Actors Sunil Grover, Pavail Gulati and Actress Elli Avram, as well as the rest of the cast and crew of the production, joined HH Param Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji and the Parmarth Parivar for a very special Sacred Ganga Aarti on the holy banks of Mother Ganga.
Shri Bachchanji is regarded as one of the most influential actors in the history of Indian cineman, and has also produced, hosted multiple television programmes, lent his renowned voice as a playback singer, and has even dabbled in politics. With over 250 film, television, documentary and music video roles under his belt, he is also one of the most-prolific actors, and has been named Superstar of the Millennium for his world-wide acclaim and appeal.
During the Aarti ceremony, Pujya Swamiji affirmed, “No doubt Amitabhji is a living legend in the Indian film industry, but he is also deeply dedicated to his country and has made his nation and its people proud. He has inspired generations and will continue to those to come with his incredible gift and excellence in his craft. Amitabhji hails from the banks of Mother Ganga, from Prayagraj, and to many is still the ‘Chhora Ganga Kinare Wala’. Today in the Yoga Capital of the World, on the holy banks of Maa Ganga in Rishikesh it is so apt to welcome him Home.” Lauding his lifetime of achievements, the Swami added, “As the son of legendary Harivansh Rai Bachchan, celebrated poet, who also lived an exemplary life, he has joined his family’s rich history and legacy in their important role in making India and Indian culture proud!”
Welcoming the actor, Sadhvi Bhagawati added, “This sacred land is so deeply transformative. Whether you come here simply as a pilgrim or as a personality like Amitabh Bachchan, the sacred soil has the power to touch and transform us. I am so glad to welcome Amitabhji to his Himalayan home and so glad to have many of the scenes from his next film shot here in Rishikesh. I am sure the mere darshan of this sacred pilgrimage will inspire countless many.”
During the Aarti, Bachchan received a sacred Rudraksha sapling and an Angvastra, and later participated in the traditional sacred water blessing ceremony in Pujya Swamiji’s jhopri, where the faith leader offered His thoughts on the importance of Uttarakhand in India’s film industry: “So many films have been shot in Uttarakhand. Our Uttarakhand is the best destination for films. It’s the Best Spiritual Destination, the Best Wildlife Destination, the Best Adventure Destination. And the holy valleys of the Himalayas and the holy banks of Maa Ganga are Best Destinations themselves. Uttarakhand is now becoming one of the most favorite destinations in the world. And in order to keep our beloved state as the best destination in the world, we have to keep this state green and clean, and we must keep the culture and rites alive.”
