In the mid-1960s, famed Beatle George Harrison embraced Hinduism and Indian culture and helped expand the West’s knowledge of the sitar and the ISKCON movement
In her song, Frozen, Madonna dresses up like a goth with the word Om drawn in mehendi on her palm Liz Hurley had a traditional Indian wedding at a palace in Jodhpur and the celebrations included a sangeet ceremony
Actress Demi Moore was one of the first celebrities to be seen in public wearing mehendi
While Indians still seek inspiration from the West, Hollywood’s love affair with all things Indian continues.
Religion has never been a private issue, especially in cases where a celebrity is under discussion. Recent reports reveal that Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts has now converted to Hinduism and regularly visits a temple in Los Angeles along with her family. The Hollywood actress announced that she had converted when she was in India last September to shoot for her film Eat, Pray, Love.
Professor Ram Puniyani, a well-known activist and lecturer, says, “Hinduism is not a prophetic religion and there are no fixed rituals for converting to Hinduism. I think we should respect her decision. But the question here is that though she is changing her religion to Hinduism, what would her caste be?”
Twenty-eight-year-old investment manager Aditya Shah says, “A person’s religious preferences are their personal choice. Julia Roberts’ conversion to Hinduism is a good thing unless it is just another celebrity fad.”
Even in the past, there have been many instances of Hollywood actors being influenced by Indian traditions. But it’s only recently that they have started practising Hinduism as a religion as well.
Advertising professional Puneet Rao says, “I think Julia Roberts would have given this issue a lot of thought before converting. She is not the type to do something for unwarranted attention, like many others have done in the past.”
The Twitter world was also abuzz with the news, with most giving it a thumbs up. @DeepeshHegde tweeted: “Amidst the sea of forced conversions, pleasant to hear Pretty Woman's acceptance of Hinduism.Hope its not a casual thing n she lives by it.”
However, not every one considers this a positive trend. Twenty-four-year-old account executive Sneha Fernandes says, “I think celebrities in the West are a quirky lot, and they turn to anything that might make them feel good about themselves. Hinduism might just be one of Julia’s many recent quirks.”
Many foreigners working and living in India are fascinated by its colours and multi-lingual nature. Carole Robequin, 38, who works at a French salon in the city, says, “I have been working here for the past three years and I am totally fascinated by Indian culture. I would love to stay here for a few more years.”
