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29 March 2024

Bollywood under fire by head of Muslim shrine

Celebrities visit holy shrine to seek divine intervention. (AGENCIES)

Published
By Staff

Bollywood’s A-listers are under fire by the head of the Ajmer shrine in India for using the holy place to appeal for immoral subjects in their films that go against the teachings of Islam.

Zainul Abedin Ali Khan, who leads the organisation in charge of the Ajmer shrine in Rajasthan, spoke to reporters there, saying: “Many film stars come here with a CD or DVD of their work and offer it while praying for the success of the film or serial, whatever it is, which is absolutely against the Islamic law.”

He said that they are using the holy place for commercial needs and destroying the moral value in the young.

The shrine to Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddhin Chishti, who died in Ajmer in the 13th century, is one of south Asia’s most important pilgrimage sites, attracting millions of devotees annually, including many VIP heads of state from Muslim countries.

However, the shrine is also open to non-Muslims who want to give their prayers.

“Most of the films today are full of obscenity, double meaning words and expressions,” Khan told reporters.

He added: “Films are doing no good to society. They are promoting bad habits, from smoking to drinking and obscenity to crimes.

“Hence I object to using this place of worship for their publicity stunt.”

While no actors were named specifically, a few years ago Katrina Kaif faced a backlash for shooting at the shrine wearing a skirt and showing off her legs.

She also visited the shrine in 2010 in a more demure shalwar kameez to offer prayers prior to the release of her film, “Rajneeti”, which went on to become a blockbuster.

Other celebrities have also done the same, with Kareena Kapoor reportedly visiting several years ago to offer prayers for the success of her film “Fida”; meanwhile, actor, playback singer and music director Himesh Reshammiya created controversy back in 2007 by visiting the holy tomb by wearing a burqa, for which he apologised later.

Earlier this year, Abhishek Bachchan also visited the shrine to reportedly pray for the success of “Players.”

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