Kabir Khan Trolled by Muslim Community for Visiting Mahakumbh Mela and Calling It a National Festival: The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj has become the center of attention for millions of devotees, including celebrities from different fields. This religious congregation, held once every 144 years, has drawn prominent figures, including Bollywood stars, television personalities, and political leaders. Among them, celebrated filmmaker Kabir Khan, known for his blockbuster movies like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Ek Tha Tiger, recently visited the Maha Kumbh Mela to take a holy dip in Triveni Sangam. However, his visit has sparked controversy, with some sections of the Muslim community criticizing him for participating in what they perceive as a Hindu religious event. Shahid Kapoor Opens Up About 21 Years In The Industry
Kabir Khan’s Experience at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
Several Bollywood stars, including Anupam Kher, Remo D’Souza, Adah Sharma, Ravi Kishan, Mamta Kulkarni, Sapna Choudhary, and Guru Randhawa, have already made their way to Prayagraj to seek blessings at the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Kabir Khan’s arrival, however, drew more attention than most, primarily due to his Muslim identity and his enthusiastic participation in the grand Hindu festival.
In an exclusive interview with a leading media house, Kabir Khan expressed his excitement about being a part of the once-in-a-lifetime experience. He said, “I am very excited! This comes only once in 12 years, and after 144 years, it is happening on such a grand scale. I consider myself fortunate to be here. Such opportunities do not come often in life. We have heard about the overwhelming crowds, but I feel lucky to witness this grandeur firsthand. We will stay here for the next two or three days, and as part of our visit, we will take a dip in the holy waters.”
Kabir Khan’s Perspective on Maha Kumbh as a National Festival
Kabir Khan’s statements at the event went beyond his personal experience; he spoke about the cultural and spiritual significance of Maha Kumbh Mela, emphasizing that it should be seen as a national festival rather than a religious one. He firmly stated, “These are not matters of Hindu and Muslim differences; these are matters of our nation’s cultural and civilizational identity. If you consider yourself an Indian, you should embrace every aspect of our heritage. Maha Kumbh is a testament to our deep-rooted traditions, and it transcends religious boundaries.”
His words resonated with many people, especially among those who advocate for national unity and cultural appreciation beyond religious labels. However, this statement did not sit well with certain sections of the Muslim community, leading to a wave of backlash on social media.
Social Media Backlash and Trolls
Following his visit, Kabir Khan’s social media pages were flooded with mixed reactions. While many praised his open-minded approach and willingness to embrace India’s diverse traditions, some individuals from the Muslim community criticized him for what they perceived as an act of “betrayal” towards his religious identity.
Several users took to Twitter and Instagram to express their discontent. Comments ranged from, “Why is a Muslim filmmaker promoting Hindu festivals?” to “He is trying to appease Hindus by participating in their religious rituals.” Some even accused him of hypocrisy, pointing out that he has been vocal about religious tolerance in his films but was now actively engaging in what they called a “Hindu nationalist event.”
However, many Hindu netizens lauded Kabir Khan’s statement and expressed gratitude for his stance. One user commented, “Finally, someone from Bollywood understands the essence of Maha Kumbh as a national event. Respect to Kabir Khan for standing up for Indian culture beyond religious divisions.” Another added, “Why can’t people just appreciate the fact that he is embracing our traditions rather than seeing everything through a religious lens?”
Bollywood’s Relationship with Religious Events
Kabir Khan is not the first Bollywood personality to be caught in a crossfire of religious sentiments. Several actors and filmmakers have faced criticism for their religious affiliations and public participation in religious events. Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan have often been targeted for either participating in Hindu festivals or, conversely, for not acknowledging them. On the other hand, actors like Kangana Ranaut and Akshay Kumar have been praised by some and trolled by others for openly expressing their devotion to Hinduism.
The film industry in India, which thrives on a multicultural audience, often finds itself at the intersection of faith and nationalism, making it difficult for celebrities to freely express their spiritual beliefs without sparking a debate.
Final Thoughts: Beyond Religion, Towards Cultural Unity
Despite the backlash, Kabir Khan’s message about Maha Kumbh Mela being a national festival holds a deeper significance. India is a land of multiple faiths, cultures, and traditions, and such events should be seen as a representation of the country’s rich heritage rather than mere religious occasions.
His visit to Maha Kumbh Mela and his words on national unity serve as a reminder that festivals like these should be celebrated by all Indians, regardless of religion. While criticism from certain sections of society is inevitable, Kabir Khan’s stance is a bold step towards fostering inclusivity and cultural appreciation.
As the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 continues, it remains to be seen how other celebrities and public figures react to Kabir Khan’s participation and whether this event will mark a turning point in how religious festivals are perceived in India. Regardless of the controversy, one thing is certain—Kabir Khan’s presence at the Maha Kumbh Mela has ignited a much-needed conversation on the intersection of faith, culture, and national identity in India.