Another day, another controversy – this time, it is Akshay Kumar’s devotional song ‘Mahakal Chalo…’ While marketed as a tribute to Lord Shiva, the video’s visuals are anything but respectful. From the depiction of abhishekam with sandalwood paste and kumkum mixed water to the embrace of a Shivling akin to Bhakta Markandeya, the picturisation has sparked outrage among Hindu priests and devotees. The inclusion of ardas, a term rooted in Sikh tradition, further betrays ignorance or, worse, deliberate provocation.
This is not an isolated incident. Bollywood has time and again taken liberties with Hindu religious depictions, often pushing the boundaries under the garb of creative expression. But the question remains – would they dare to use similar visuals or terminology for other religions?
Sacred rituals distorted for spectacle
For centuries, Hindu traditions have adhered to strict guidelines regarding temple rituals and divine offerings. The bhasma (ash) abhishekam and aarti at Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar temple, for instance, is a ritual performed under specific conditions and by designated priests. It is not a Bollywood set piece to be recreated for dramatic effect.
Akshay Kumar’s embrace of the Shivling in Mahakal Chalo… is particularly disturbing. Devotees bow before the Shivling, perform abhishek, and seek blessings – but an actor clinging to it for cinematic effect? That crosses the line from devotion to desecration. Imagine a filmmaker taking similar artistic liberties with sacred symbols of other religions – there would be immediate, widespread backlash. Yet, when it comes to Hinduism, Bollywood continues to tread recklessly.
A history of disrespect
This is not the first time Bollywood has insulted Hindu sentiments. Remember Brahmastra? Ranbir Kapoor, in a song sequence, danced with shoes on in front of a deity’s idol. The moment the controversy erupted, the filmmakers scrambled to delete the scene. One wonders – was it an oversight, or a calculated move to generate pre-release buzz?
The same pattern was seen with Adipurush, where the distorted portrayal of Lord Hanuman and Ravan led to public outcry. The backlash forced the makers to edit dialogues post-release, but by then, the damage was done.
The hypocrisy is evident. If filmmakers can consult religious scholars for films based on other religious themes, why does such diligence vanish when depicting Hinduism? The answer lies in the selective brazenness of Bollywood – poking Hindu sentiments is safe because the repercussions are minimal.
Using controversy as a marketing gimmick
Let us not be naive – these so-called ‘mistakes’ serve a purpose. What better way to grab eyeballs than to ignite controversy? A film or song lands in hot water, social media erupts, TV debates follow, and the project gets free publicity.
When Mahakal Chalo… was released, the visuals immediately drew criticism. The makers had two choices: either issue a clarification and rectify the errors or let the outrage fuel engagement. Given Bollywood’s track record, it would not be surprising if the controversy was part of the marketing playbook.
Will they dare elsewhere?
Bollywood’s boldness seems to have clear boundaries. Would they depict a mosque scene with similar liberties? Would they have a protagonist offer namaz while dancing to an upbeat track? Would they dare alter the Hail Mary prayer for lyrical convenience? The answer is obvious. The fear of backlash – or worse, violent repercussions – keeps them in check.
Yet, Hinduism is repeatedly treated as fair game. Terms like ardas, exclusive to Sikhism, are carelessly thrown into a Hindu bhajan. Such ignorance, intentional or not, reveals the film industry’s superficial understanding of faiths they claim to celebrate.
Enough is enough
Religious sentiments, no matter the faith, deserve respect. Bollywood cannot continue to use Hinduism as a soft target while treading cautiously with others. If filmmakers truly wish to honour deities, they must educate themselves and approach religious themes with reverence, not reckless abandon.
If outrage is the only language Bollywood understands, then perhaps it is time for Hindu audiences to speak it louder.