From Superstar To Sannyasi, Reminiscing Vinod Khanna's Spiritual Odyssey
Vinod Khanna, one of Hindi cinema's most captivating stars, was known not just for his on-screen charm but also for his surprising decision at the height of fame — to leave everything behind and turn into a spiritual seeker at Osho's ashram. This is his extraordinary journey:
From Silver Screen to Spiritual Screen
Born on October 6, 1946, in Peshawar, Khanna burst into Hindi cinema in 1968, quickly earning fame with films like Mere Apne, Mera Gaon Mera Desh and Achanak. He soon became a romantic icon in blockbusters such as Amar Akbar Anthony and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. At his peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Khanna was Bollywood's next big superstar.
Swami Vinod Bharti: Life at Osho's Commune
In 1980, Khanna stunned fans by abandoning his career and entering Osho's ashram in Pune — only to follow the spiritual master to Oregon, USA. There, adopting the name Swami Vinod Bharti, he lived as a gardener, meditation practitioner and devoted disciple. In those years, his lifestyle was radical: he donned orange robes, did menial tasks around the commune, and immersed himself in spiritual practice.
Though he eventually parted ways with the commune—some reports even say Osho banned him— Khanna returned to India in the mid-1980s, resuming friendships with Osho's followers and frequently visiting ashrams in Pune, Dharamsala, and Nepal.
Hollywood & Hiatus: The Comeback Story
Retiring from movies at the peak of his career shocked many. But in 1987, Khanna returned to Bollywood with Insaaf, reestablishing himself on screen and later winning praise for powerful roles in Dayavaan, Wanted, Dabangg, and Dabangg 2.
From Sannyasi to Statesman
Osho himself encouraged Khanna to enter national life. By 1998, Khanna joined the BJP and won a Lok Sabha seat from Gurdaspur, Punjab. He went on to serve as Union Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, and External Affairs under Prime Minister Vajpayee. His political career mirrored his cinematic one—impactful, charismatic, and deeply connected to public life.
The Osho-Bollywood Connection
Khanna's transformation left Bollywood abuzz. Many celebrated his courage; some criticised his spiritual detour. Famous stories include Mahesh Bhatt introducing him to Osho, and tensions between Bhatt and the guru, when Khanna stood up to defend spiritual respect.
Legacy: A Life Unscripted
Vinod Khanna passed away in 2017, but his legacy lives on as a rare blend of glamour, spirituality, and public service. He remains a compelling symbol—a star who dared to walk away, find himself, and return stronger, touching lives both on-screen and off.
First Published:
July 05, 2025, 09:00 IST
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