Rajinikanth, Dhanush, Anupam Kher, Shefali Shah leave for Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony

Rajinikanth, Pawan Kalyan, Dhanush and Anupam Kher have been invited to attend the Ram Temple consecration ceremony, which is to be held on January 22.

By: Entertainment Desk

Mumbai | Updated: January 22, 2024 08:43 AM IST

3 min read

Rajinikanth, Dhanush, Shefali Shah among others will be present at Ram Temple consecration ceremony which is to be held on January 22. (Photo: ANI)

Several actors from the Indian film industry, including Rajinikanth, Dhanush, Anupam Kher and Vivek Oberoi among others, on Sunday left for Ayodhya to attend the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple on January 22, Monday. The ceremony will see participation of dignitaries from all walks of life, including the Indian entertainment industry.

Indian Express Entertainment is now on WhatsApp Channels. Follow us for the latest news, interviews, reviews, photos and more.

According to visuals by ANI, megastar Rajinikanth stepped out of his car in Chennai airport and greeted his fans and well-wishers with a smile and folded hands. He made his way through the entry gate amid the presence of airport officials and media. His former son-in-law, actor Dhanush, was also seen making his way to the airport–although he didn’t interact with anyone.

From the Hindi film industry, actors Anupam Kher, Vivek Oberoi and filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar were seen at the aiport leaving for Ayodhya. “It is a very good feeling. I will pray for you all. We all have waited for this day for a very long time, it is finally happening now. Jai Shri Ram,” he said.

Also Read | Kangana Ranaut sweeps temple floor in saree in Ayodhya, performs Hanuman yagna. Watch

Actor Shefali Shah was seen talking to the media as she arrived in Ayodhya to attend the ceremony. The Delhi Crime actor said she was “honoured” to be invited for what she dubbed “one of the biggest cultural moments” that the country and Indians can experience. “It is a really big thing and I am feeling so proud, being an Indian. The culture in our country is so rich. But we are pretty unaware of it,” she said.

Jana Sena chief actor Pawan Kalyan also arrived in Lucknow on Sunday to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. “This has been a long-cherished dream of the people and after 500 years, it is finally coming into reality, we are very happy,” he was quoted by ANI.

Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor told ANI that he had “never imagined” that there could be an atmosphere like the one ahead of the ceremony in Ayodhya. “There is a lot of curiosity, enthusiasm and joy. I would call myself fortunate for having received an invitation to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony tomorrow.”

Story continues below this ad

Shankar Mahadevan of Shankar Ehsaan Loy was also spotted at Ayodhya, as he gears up to attend the event on Monday. Several Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Tiger Shroff, Jackie Shroff, Hariharan and Randeep Hooda have also received the invitation to attend the ceremony.

From the homepage