Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan stepped out to cast his vote in Mumbai during Phase 5 of the Lok Sabha elections. The acclaimed star of blockbuster films such as Krrish and Fighter was accompanied by his father, veteran actor-director Rakesh Roshan, and other family members. The family took a moment to pose for photographs, proudly displaying their inked fingers to the cameras, signifying their participation in the democratic process.
The voting day in Mumbai saw a significant turnout of film industry celebrities, with several notable figures heading to polling stations to exercise their franchise. Mumbai is abuzz as Polling took place in 13 out of 48 constituencies in Maharashtra, including six key constituencies within Mumbai itself, marking the final round of polling in the state for the Lok Sabha elections.
Earlier in the day, an impressive array of Bollywood personalities made their way to polling booths. Among them were actors Akshay Kumar, Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, and Suniel Shetty. Filmmakers Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Ashutosh Gowariker, Karan Johar, and Kabir Khan were also spotted fulfilling their civic duties in various parts of Mumbai.
In a heartwarming sight, veteran actor Dharmendra, now 88 years old, cast his vote while donning a stylish fedora, undeterred by the Mumbai heat. Known for his robust spirit and enduring legacy in Indian cinema, Dharmendra’s presence at the polling booth captured much media attention. He posed for photographs, highlighting the importance of voting for citizens of all ages.
Accompanying Dharmendra was his wife, Hema Malini, who is also a sitting BJP Member of Parliament. The distinguished actress arrived at the polling station with their daughter, Esha Deol. Hema Malini’s commitment to both her political and acting careers was evident as she balanced her public duties with her responsibilities as a voter.
It wasn’t just veteran actors who graced the polling booths; the younger generation of Bollywood stars also made their presence felt. Parents-to-be Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh were seen taking part in the electoral process, much to the delight of their fans. Sporting casual attire yet looking as glamorous as ever, their participation was a reminder of the new generation’s involvement in shaping India’s future.
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Polling in Mumbai commands considerable media attention due to the city’s status as the heart of India’s entertainment industry. The participation of celebrities in elections significantly influences public awareness and engagement with the democratic process. Their visible involvement serves as an encouragement to millions of their fans to take voting seriously.
This year, voter participation in Mumbai seemed energized, possibly due to the visible engagement of Bollywood stars. Social media was abuzz with selfies of inked fingers, hashtags urging people to vote, and messages from the stars themselves emphasizing the importance of every single vote. This widespread awareness is essential in a democratic setup where every citizen’s vote adds value to the collective decision-making process.
The Lok Sabha elections, often described as the world’s largest democratic exercise, hold substantial significance. The results will determine the composition of the House of the People, a critical element of India’s bicameral parliament. Phase 5, in particular, is crucial as it covers significant urban regions like Mumbai, where the electorate is diverse and issues range from urban infrastructure to social equity.
As the day progressed, polling booths continued to see steady streams of voters. Election officials ensured that the process ran smoothly, despite the sweltering Mumbai heat. Security was tight, and measures to ensure free and fair voting were visibly in place.
Hrithik Roshan’s gesture of coming out to vote alongside his family mirrors a broader narrative this year—celebrities using their influential status to bolster the importance of participating in democracy. His act, echoed by many of his peers, serves as a call to action for citizens to recognize and use their power in shaping the nation’s future.
In conclusion, the presence of Bollywood celebrities at the polling booths in Mumbai during the latest phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 brought a sense of glamor and urgency to the electoral process. Their visible participation underscored the importance of voting, providing a robust reminder to the broader public of their responsibilities in a democratic society. As Mumbai’s film stars highlight their civic duty, they inspire millions to follow suit, making the democratic exercise of voting not just a right but a celebrated responsibility.
