- Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Actor Akshay Kumar, actor-director Farhan Akhtar, and veteran actress Shubha Khote were among the early voters, while many others came later to cast their votes
By: India Weekly
SEVERAL Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor, and Rajkumar Rao, cast their votes in the Maharashtra assembly elections on Wednesday, encouraging citizens to fulfil their democratic duty.
Among the early voters were actor Akshay Kumar, actor-director Farhan Akhtar, and veteran actress Shubha Khote.
Akshay Kumar praised the arrangements at the polling booths, particularly for senior citizens, and urged others to vote. “The best thing is that the arrangements are good (at the polling booth), especially for senior citizens, there’s cleanliness. Everyone should come and vote because that’s the most important thing,” he said.
Actor Rajkumar Rao echoed similar sentiments, stating, “It is our right in democracy to vote, so it’s important we step out and vote in Maharashtra. I’ve performed my duties. It’s your turn, please vote, it’s very important.”
Ranbir Kapoor also took part, emphasising the importance of voting as a right. “Let’s forget the issues and right now it is voting day and it’s your birth right, so please come and cast your vote,” he said.
Later in the day, Salman Khan arrived at his polling booth around 4:45 p.m. His father, Salim Khan, along with his brothers Arbaaz and Sohail Khan, cast their votes earlier.
Veteran lyricist Gulzar, who was accompanied by his filmmaker daughter Meghna, also exercised his right to vote. He expressed confidence that voters would not be swayed by empty promises made by politicians.
“The issues are more and very clear. The glamorous gifts that have been promised to the common man, seem like Dhanteras day – that you will get this and that. But our common man will not be swayed and vote for the candidate who will address their issue,” he said.
Other notable Bollywood personalities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Shraddha Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, and Govinda, were also seen voting.
Singer Anup Jalota also participated, urging first-time voters to cast their ballots. “It is cool to vote,” said veteran actor Anupam Kher, emphasizing that voting is both a right and responsibility.
Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra expressed disappointment at low voter turnout, despite offices and colleges being shut.
“The government has done everything to make it possible for you to come and vote. Colleges are shut, offices are shut. How can you call yourself a citizen of the nation if you don’t vote?” he said.
Actors Sonu Sood and Suniel Shetty also spoke about the importance of voting. “Voting is important for a country. It’s a responsibility of every citizen to vote, don’t take it as a holiday,” said Sood.
Shetty, meanwhile, called for greater civic responsibility. “We have to be more responsible, like we should have civic sense and discipline,” he said.
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai and actor Rahul Bose both emphasized the need for voters to fulfill their duty.
Ghai urged, “Don’t make excuses (to not vote) because then you will not have the right to go on social media (and complain).” Rahul Bose highlighted the importance of voting based on key issues like education, health, and sports.
Musician Vishal Dadlani and singer Kailash Kher also spoke about the power of voting and the need to take part in the democratic process.
“It is ridiculous that one has to say it, everyone should do it anyway as a duty towards their country,” said Dadlani.
