Bollywood lights the way for PM Modi’s candle initiative

On April 5, Bollywood stars joined the rest of India and responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to light candles, lamps, torches and cellphone torches for nine minutes at 9pm, as a gesture of thanks to the ‘Corona Warriors’ and to fight the darkness of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sharing a photo where he can be seen standing with a candle in his hand, Akshay Kumar wrote on Instagram: “Together we stand and together we will come out of this dark phase. Till then stay strong, stay safe. #9baje9minute.” Alia Bhatt posted picture holding a candle on Instagram and wrote: “When I was younger I would kiss my dad on his forehead before going off to school and after every kiss he would say “ Aaaaaah .. light aa gayi. I might have not fully understood what it meant back then.. but because of his response I understood that light has wayyyyyy more depth than just illuminating our lives. Light means so much. It’s hope, beauty, strength.. today it was unity.. But no matter where we are and what we are going through we must always try and keep the light within us alive.”

Katrina Kaif shared a photo where she is standing on her terrace with four or five candles lit in front of her. The actress captioned: “May it be a light to you in dark places when all other lights go out (LOTR).” Kangana Ranaut and Bhumi Pednekar were also among the stars who posted videos.

Sharing a photo where she can be seen standing with her eyes closed with a candle in her hand, Kriti Sanon wrote: “Because it’s always a good time to pray. For love, health and happiness. #weareinthistogether #LetThereBeLight.”

Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma lit lamps with husband, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. She posted on Instagram: “I light a diya everyday for many years now. And as I light the diya I seek guidance, asking for the darkness in me to be dispelled. For many days since the turn of the recent events across the world, I have prayed to God to end the suffering of so many who are losing their lives without their families beside them, for the less-fortunate and the needy whose lives have turned upside down completely, for all the healthcare professionals who are working tirelessly & bravely to protect the lives of other beings, for those who are uncertain about their jobs and future. So tonight, I prayed extra for everyone and I lit diyas with the whole of India and we all prayed for each other. Prayers never go in vain.”

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan wrote: “Yes the night is dark , but who did stop you from lighting a lamp .. another epic poem of my Father .. and how visionary it has proven tonight .. for the #9PM9minute call ..Will put up the entire poem by tomorrow .. on video !!”

Bollywood couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone also partcipated, with the latter posting: “To Good Health, Peace of Mind & the Undying Human Spirit...”

Arjun Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and Janhvi Kapoor also shared photographs of their participation, while Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Raveena Tandon, Karan Johar, Diana Penty, Anil Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and Shilpa Shetty were among many Bollywood celebs who shared videos.