Bollywood’s glitterati, including renowned faces like Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, have gathered in Ayodhya for a monumental event, the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir. On the brisk Monday morning, these stars were captured departing from Mumbai amidst enthusiastic paparazzi, all dressed in traditional attire signifying the cultural gravity of the occasion.
Ranbir, spotted in traditional dhoti-kurta and shawl, is soon to portray Lord Ram in a cinematic retelling of Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. Though Alia Bhatt had to step back from the project earlier, the couple’s appearance at the airport, with Alia donning a sea-green saree, caused quite a stir as they joined filmmaker Rohit Shetty en route to Ayodhya.
The ceremony attracted an unprecedented ensemble of celebrities, transcending the film industry with the likes of cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, to stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, and many more. Hema Malini, known for her devotion to the arts, set to present a dance drama encapsulating the essence of Ramayana, also headed to the sacred city, likening Ayodhya to ‘Dev Lok’ on this auspicious day.
Among other revered visitors, Vindu Dara Singh, carrying the legacy of his father, the legendary Dara Singh, is set to perform in a Ramleela, embodying Lord Shiva in the spiritual festivities. The euphoric atmosphere at the airport was palpable as stars like Anupam Kher, waving a saffron flag aboard, and newlyweds Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram mingled with chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ with the airport crowd.
Telugu cinema’s megastars, Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan, also joined the momentous occasion. Fans captured moments of their departure on social media as the actors, in their traditional best, headed towards Ayodhya with their families.
The ‘Queen’ of Bollywood, Kangana Ranaut, not only graced the event but also became a part of the pre-inauguration cleanliness drive at the Hanuman Garhi Temple. Clad in a vibrant red and gold saree, Kangana’s participation personified the adage ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’. Despite the mixed emotions about celebrities who did not attend, Kangana expressed her elation to be part of the event, feeling as if she had arrived in a divine abode.
The scene at the airport, with several stars in traditional wear, mirrored a grand procession more than a regular departure lounge. The hype and unity of these personalities underscored the national and cultural significance of the Ram Mandir’s inauguration, marking a historic moment where faith and entertainment intersected to celebrate a long-awaited day.