logo
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar called Bollywood a haven for ‘drugs and alcohol', accused film industry of ‘attacking culture of the country'

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar called Bollywood a haven for ‘drugs and alcohol', accused film industry of ‘attacking culture of the country'

Indian Express14-06-2025
Bollywood has always been a polarising industry. While several people have criticsed the 'dark side' of the film industry, many who earn their livelihoods from the movies have mounted a defence. The spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who has interacted with several film industry personalities, accused the entire industry of promoting unethical and immoral practices. Many Bollywood stars have been associated with his foundation, Art of Living.
With a massive crowd in attendance, Sri Sri said in 2013, 'In Bollywood, anybody wearing a tilak is a villain, and anyone with a little pony has to be the bad guy. They bring the dignity of the people who are practising religion into a very bad light so that young people can move away from religion. So that they are susceptible to drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. The only thing that stops one from these things is your religiosity.'
ALSO READ: Hina Khan's husband asks Sri Sri Ravi Shankar about turning vegetarian, wonders if he has eaten chicken: 'Tandoori chicken is true love'
He criticised the exorbitant fees that actors charge, and how they generalise religious groups or sects for their own convenience. 'They are all up to some mischief. They are attacking the values of the society and culture of the country. They say that all ashrams are bad and all temples are looting money, but that is exactly what they do. An actor only has to sneeze in an ad for Vicks, yet they charge crores of rupees for it.'
Sri Sri stated that 'all Bollywood actors lead miserable lives, with immoral and unethical practices.' He added, 'They may talk about ethics, but if you look at their personal lives, you can't find any. They don't want ethics and religion to blossom. They are like politicians, who make their own enemy and fight against them.' He ended his attack on the film industry by blaming it for the alleged drug problem in Punjab. 'The drugs and alcohol lobby is with Bollywood, and they all want to influence the youth to fall into these bad habits. That's how Punjab got trapped in this, and it is so unfortunate that a state so robust and vibrant is going in this direction,' he said.
Before establishing his own ashram and foundation, Sri Sri was an apprentice of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the originator of Transcendental Meditation, a form of meditation that attracted the British rock band Beatles all the way to Rishikesh.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'Rather see men dance': Olympic legend Sharron Davies shocks NFL world after boldly backing male cheerleaders
'Rather see men dance': Olympic legend Sharron Davies shocks NFL world after boldly backing male cheerleaders

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

'Rather see men dance': Olympic legend Sharron Davies shocks NFL world after boldly backing male cheerleaders

'Rather see men dance': Olympic legend Sharron Davies shocks NFL world after boldly backing male cheerleaders (Image Via Google) Sharron Davies, the British Olympic silver medalist and sports broadcaster, sparked strong reactions online after she publicly supported male cheerleaders in the National Football League. On Monday, August 18, 2025, Sharron Davies wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that she fully supports the Minnesota Vikings for adding Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn to their cheer squad. She said equality must go 'both ways' and praised the decision. Her comments quickly spread across social media and caused anger and debate among NFL fans and followers. Olympic medalist Sharron Davies says male cheerleaders deserve equal space in NFL In her first message on X, Sharron Davies said she is 'all for' male cheerleaders and pointed to the recent World Aquatics Championships as proof that sports should be open to everyone. She praised the Minnesota Vikings for making room for male dancers and wrote, 'Respect and opportunity to be as feminine or masculine as you want in safety.' Several fans agreed with her and reminded others that male cheerleaders have been part of American college sports for years. The Minnesota Vikings shared a detailed statement last week. The team said that all cheerleaders go through the same audition process and that Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn were selected because of their dance talent and passion for game-day performance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Woman sells ring given by ex, then jeweler tells her 'This can't be true' Daily Sport X Undo Also Read: 'I Love It': Emma Raducanu And Carlos Alcaraz Surprise Fans With US Open Mixed Doubles Debut And Stir Romance Rumors NFL supporters accuse Sharron Davies of changing her stance on gender in sports Even though some people supported Sharron Davies, many others strongly disagreed with her. A large number of social media users accused her of changing her views and called the move 'woke' and 'unnecessary.' Sharron Davies responded in another post. She said, 'I would rather see men dance than force them to change their bodies to fit outdated ideas.' According to Fox News, the topic was also discussed on Saturday Night With Jimmy Failla, where guest host Will Cain claimed the NFL was 'focusing on the wrong thing.' He argued that the current male cheerleaders look more like 'female dancers' than the traditional male bases in college cheer teams. The conversation is still ongoing as more fans react online. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!

Faissal Khan says Aamir Khan started getting jealous of him: 'I got more appreciation in Mela which caused sibling rivalry'
Faissal Khan says Aamir Khan started getting jealous of him: 'I got more appreciation in Mela which caused sibling rivalry'

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Faissal Khan says Aamir Khan started getting jealous of him: 'I got more appreciation in Mela which caused sibling rivalry'

Aamir Khan 's brother Faissal Khan has left everyone shocked with his latest comments on the actor. Faisal alleged that he was tortured by Aamir and his family. He held a press conference on August 18 and announced that he has cut ties with his family. During his conference, he also spoke about Aamir's affair with British journalist Jessica Hines and alleged that he has a son with her out of wed-lock. Now in a another interview, Faissal has further spoken about him. He revealed that Aamir was influenced by his family but still he is at fault. He also revealed that Aamir was jealous of him. Sharing his ordeal, Faissal alleged, 'For many years, since 2003, torture is happening to me by my family. And the torture is not of a small extent. My fundamental rights are being infringed upon. My family doesn't respect me or trust me. ' He revealed that in the early 2000s, he had written an abusive letter to his family, after which they started dismissing him as a 'mad man.' Things escalated further, he claims, when Aamir intervened. He said during a chat with Hindustan Times, 'In 2005, Aamir came with the police and a doctor. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo He used his power to put me on medication and a nursing home against my wishes. In 2006, I went to Aamir's other house where he let me stay. For some time, everything was fine. Then suddenly in 2007, he wanted my signatory right… And that would have made me zero as a human being. Giving up your signatory rights is losing all your rights.' Faissal said this was the breaking point. 'That's when I left the house… I was shocked ke ab yeh log signatory rights pe aa gaye hain… I thought that this is total nonsense and I have to fight my family. All they try to do is try and defame me. They put out a statement saying that I am misleading public. But I have proof of everything that I am saying… This time, I got upset and decided to cut all ties with them to safeguard myself, my peace of mind and my dignity. ' The brothers had once worked together in Mela (2000), but according to Faissal, their relationship was strained even back then. 'When I was working on my first film, Madhosh, which was produced by my father Tahir Hussain , my father called Aamir many times. He wanted him to hear the script. But Aamir didn't hear it. I was disappointed at that time and wondered why he doesn't want to guide me, his own brother,' he said. He added, 'Then people started saying he is jealous from you from that time. In Mela, my work was appreciated more than his work. That also triggered jealousy and sibling rivalry… Between 2003 and 2005, my family instigated him. And he told me to quit acting after Mela.' Recalling that phase, Faissal remarked, 'and then it was downhill from that time and everything went haywire.' He further pointed to his struggles during Faactory: 'At the time of Faactory, I was not getting buyers. I tried to reach out to him for help to help me to sell it to OTT because he is such a powerful person. He refused to help me. So they are all incidents which are triggering off for many years right from 1992 when I started working on my first film.' According to him, Aamir was manipulated by the family but still holds responsibility. 'Aamir was put in the forefront by the family to use his power. You need to be a person with influence to forcefully put someone under medication, put someone under house arrest. Aamir's fault is that he listened to the family and did whatever wrong he was told to do. He was an adult in 2005 when he first came and took me. It was his stupidity and ignorance that he was brainwashed. ' "Get the latest updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."

Gordon Ramsay Opens Door To His First Restaurant In India: Check Where Can You Enjoy Street Burgers
Gordon Ramsay Opens Door To His First Restaurant In India: Check Where Can You Enjoy Street Burgers

News18

time2 hours ago

  • News18

Gordon Ramsay Opens Door To His First Restaurant In India: Check Where Can You Enjoy Street Burgers

Published By : Last Updated: The menu at the Delhi Airport outlet features indulgent burgers stacked high with bold flavours, crunchy fries, and refreshing beverages. British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has finally brought his food brand to India, marking a milestone moment for his fans in the country. Founded in 1997, Ramsay's global restaurant group has earned 17 Michelin stars over the years and currently holds 8. Until now, Indians could only watch the celebrated chef on television shows or travel abroad to experience his creations. But the wait is over as Ramsay has now officially opened his first-ever restaurant in India. Where Did Gordon Ramsay Launch His First Restaurant In India? The first outlet of Gordon Ramsay's Street Burger has been launched in Delhi, and interestingly, not at a high-street location but at Delhi Airport's Terminal 1. Travellers flying from the terminal can now enjoy gourmet burgers, seasoned fries, and refreshing soft drinks straight from Ramsay's brand. Delhi Airport's official Instagram page shared glimpses from the inauguration ceremony of the restaurant. The post also revealed visuals of the restaurant's vibrant interiors and its carefully crafted dishes. The caption read, 'Fresh. Fiery. First in India – Gordon Ramsay Street Burger now serving at T1, Delhi Airport!" To this, the official page of Gordon Ramsay Street Burger responded with an enthusiastic comment, 'Delhi! We are so happy to be here." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Delhi Airport (@delhiairport) What's On The Menu At Gordon Ramsay Street Burger? The menu at the Delhi Airport outlet features indulgent burgers stacked high with bold flavours, crunchy fries, and refreshing beverages. Diners will find offerings like the Butternut Bhaji Burger – a nod to local vegetarian flavours, Gordon's Fried Chicken Burger, the fiery Hotter Than Hell Fries, classic Sticky Toffee Pudding, along with cocktails and other refreshing drinks. The idea is to create a wholesome meal experience that appeals both to international travellers and Indian palates. CEO Of Gordon Ramsay Street Burger On The Launch Speaking about the inauguration, Andy Wenlock, CEO of Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, said, 'India's passion for its rich culinary heritage makes it a natural home for Street Burger. With a reputation for warm hospitality and a love for vibrant, flavour-intense food, we're excited to see how travellers embrace this dynamic new chapter in our business." Gordon Ramsay's Tie-Up In India Delhi is only the starting point of Ramsay's expansion in India. The chef has collaborated with Travel Food Services (TFS), one of India's leading airport hospitality companies. Together, they plan to open six dining outlets across major Indian airports by 2027. Along with Street Burger, Ramsay will be introducing other signature concepts such as Gordon Ramsay Plane Food – an all-day pre-departure dining format, Street Pizza with artisanal pizzas, and Gordon Ramsay Plane Food To-Go for quick, high-quality meals. 'The three-year deal will launch six restaurants by 2027. The partnership will bring Ramsay's signature concepts to India. The initiative aims to transform terminal dining into an exhilarating, top-tier gastronomic adventure," an official statement from Ramsay's team. Which City Is Next For Gordon Ramsay's Food Brand? After Delhi, Ramsay is eyeing Mumbai as the next city for expansion. Reports suggest that another outlet will soon open there, giving Indians a chance to experience his culinary philosophy at multiple locations. With the increasing number of airport travellers and rising demand for better dining options, the timing of Ramsay's entry into India couldn't be better. His brand now promises to give Indian diners a slice of international flavours right at home, without the need to fly overseas. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store