Aishwarya Rai Bachchan drew widespread attention on Wednesday after she honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a traditional gesture at the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. The actor, who has long been a devoted follower of the spiritual leader, greeted the Prime Minister by touching his feet as he arrived for the commemorative event. PM Modi responded warmly by blessing her, and the gesture quickly began circulating across social media platforms, sparking conversations nationwide.
Aishwarya, attending the ceremony alongside several senior ministers and dignitaries, later delivered a thoughtful and spiritually charged speech centered on compassion, unity, and the universal values promoted by Sathya Sai Baba. Her remarks highlighted the need for harmony in a diverse world, focusing on themes of caste, religion, and the inherent equality of all individuals.
During her address, she shared a message rooted deeply in the teachings of the revered spiritual figure. She stated, “There is only one caste—the caste of humanity. There is only one religion—the religion of love. There is only one language—the language of the heart. And there is only one God, who is present everywhere.” Her words received strong appreciation from the audience for their simplicity and universal appeal.
Aishwarya also expressed gratitude to PM Modi for attending the occasion, describing his presence as meaningful and inspiring. She added that his participation brought an added sense of sanctity to the centenary celebration, reinforcing the values of service and humility emphasized by Sathya Sai Baba. She went on to recall Baba’s teachings about the “Five Ds”—Discipline, Dedication, Devotion, Determination, and Discrimination—qualities he believed were essential for a spiritually grounded and purposeful life.
The event marked one of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s notable public appearances this year. Known not only for her work in cinema but also for her global public presence, she was last seen on screen in Mani Ratnam’s “Ponniyin Selvan” film series. Although currently away from film sets, she continues to draw international attention each year during the Cannes Film Festival. As of now, the acclaimed actor has not announced her next project.
The emotional and respectful moment with PM Modi, combined with her heartfelt message on unity and spirituality, made Aishwarya one of the most discussed personalities of the day.
