In a display of civic engagement, beloved Bollywood personalities Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh made their way to a polling booth in Maharashtra’s Latur on a sunlit Tuesday morning during the third phase of the keenly contested Lok Sabha elections 2024. Combining traditional elegance with democratic duty, Riteish was attired in a crisp white churidar paired with a sky blue kurta, alongside Genelia who radiated grace in a light yellow chiffon sari bedecked with a tasteful silver border.
Their presence did much more than just add glamour to the polling booth; it served as a poignant reminder of the influence public figures can exercise in encouraging voter turnout. Speaking to the press after exercising her franchise, Genelia remarked on the significance of voting day, expressing her belief that it was incumbent upon every eligible voter to participate in the election. “This is an important day and I think everyone should cast their votes today.”
Riteish, sharing in his wife’s sentiments, extended a heartfelt appeal to the electorate, emphasizing the importance of participating in the democratic process. “I came to Latur from Mumbai to cast my vote. Everyone should come out of their houses and cast votes. Today is an important day. Everyone should definitely vote…,” he urged, signaling the crucial role every single vote plays in shaping the destiny of the nation.
The moment was encapsulated and shared widely on social media as the couple performed their civic duty amidst the buzz of the elections. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and INDIA Alliance fielded their candidates Sudhakar Tukaram Shrangare and Kalge Shivaji Bandappa, respectively, adding to the competitive political environment in the region.
Joining the Deshmukhs at the voting center was Riteish’s brother, Dhiraj Deshmukh, who, as a sitting Maharashtra Congress MLA, accentuated the significance of voter involvement during elections. “Everyone should exercise their right to vote. This is a festival of democracy. I appeal to everyone to vote…”, he stated, drawing an analogy between the celebration of electoral rights and a festival—a time when communities come together in joy and participation.
Adding a touch of political legacy to the family’s outing was the presence of Vaishali Deshmukh, wife of the late Vilasrao Deshmukh who was a two-time Chief Minister of Maharashtra and an esteemed UPA minister under Dr. Manmohan Singh’s governance. Vaishali, herself, cast her vote early Tuesday, contributing to the family’s collective message of the day’s significance.
Remembered fondly, Vilasrao Deshmukh, born in Latur on May 26, 1945, left an indelible mark on Maharashtra’s political landscape until his passing on August 14, 2012. The legacy he left behind continues to resonate, particularly on days like these, when the electorate assembles to decide the course of political events.
Beyond the polling booth and into the realm of cinema, Riteish Deshmukh will be entertaining audiences with his much-anticipated role in ‘Raid 2’. Helmed by director Raj Kumar Gupta, noted for his work on the franchise’s inaugural film, the sequel promises to revisit the gripping narrative inspired by historical Income-Tax Department raids. The much-lauded 2018 film saw Riteish sharing screen space with acclaimed names like Saurabh Shukla and Ileana D’Cruz. The latter, stood out in her portrayal as the protagonist’s wife. Fans eagerly await the sequel’s theatrical release slated for November 15.
His diverse acting portfolio further boasts upcoming projects such as the fifth installment of the hit comedy franchise ‘Housefull’. Demonstrating his versatility and enduring appeal, Riteish is also set to reunite with co-stars Vivek Oberoi and Aftab Shivdasani for the next sequel in the lauded ‘Masti’ series, colloquially referred to as ‘Masti 4’.
As the nation watches its leading luminaries frequently take to the silver screen, their off-camera portrayal during the Lok Sabha elections serves as an equally significant narrative—that of influential figures leading by example in the celebration of India’s vibrant democracy.
