Bollywood celebs at the Maha Kumbh: Faith, fame, or a PR game?

The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj has become a magnet for Bollywood celebrities, drawing some of the industry's biggest names to take a spiritual dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. While the Kumbh Mela has always been a deeply religious event, it has also increasingly become a stage for public figures to reinforce their connection with faith, sometimes out of genuine belief and sometimes as a promotional opportunity.

Among the most notable stars to have visited the Kumbh this year was Vicky Kaushal, who took a holy dip at Sangam right before the release of his film Chhaava. Akshay Kumar, known for his spiritual leanings, also made an appearance, reinforcing his image as someone who values Indian traditions. Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa, who are often seen as more private about their faith, also participated, highlighting their personal devotion. Recently Katrina Kaif was also seen taking a dip in the holy water along with her mother-in-law becoming a topic of discussion as to how she has embraced the Indian culture and her husband's roots. Preity Zinta and Vivek Oberoi were also seen visiting the sacred place.

Interestingly, Mamta Kulkarni, a ‘90s Bollywood actress, took a more significant step—she was appointed the Mahamandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada and performed pind daan (ritual for ancestors) at the Kumbh, marking a dramatic spiritual transformation.

However, some celebrities who are known for their religious inclinations, like Sara Ali Khan, have been noticeably absent. Sara has often shared her spiritual experiences, including her visits to Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakal temple, and Kedarnath, yet she skipped this year's Maha Kumbh. The reason remains unclear—whether it was due to professional commitments or personal choices.

Bollywood's relationship with religious gatherings often straddles the line between genuine faith and strategic branding. Celebrities recognize the value of associating themselves with Hindu religious events, as it resonates with a large section of their audience. For example, Vicky Kaushal’s visit right before his film release raises questions about whether his trip was spiritual or promotional. Similarly, Akshay Kumar, who has previously faced criticism for selectively portraying his faith, has been accused of leveraging religious sentiment for his movie promotions.

The Maha Kumbh is more than just a festival; it is one of the world's largest spiritual gatherings, taking place once every 12 years in rotation between four locations—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. The 2025 event is particularly significant as it marks the first Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in 144 years. For Hindus, a dip in the sacred waters during the Kumbh is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual liberation. It also attracts global spiritual seekers, with Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Steve Jobs, participating in rituals with an entourage of 40 people.

The presence of Bollywood stars at religious events like the Maha Kumbh influences popular culture by normalizing and glorifying spiritual engagement. While it can be seen as a revival of interest in Indian heritage, it also has the potential to turn faith into a PR exercise.

The intersection of Bollywood and religion at the Maha Kumbh is a mix of genuine devotion, cultural identity, and strategic visibility. While some stars are truly committed to their spiritual journey, others recognize the immense influence such an event holds over their audience. Whether sincere or strategic, their participation undeniably amplifies the event’s significance on a global scale.