Mumbai. Many Bollywood celebrities, including actors Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ranbir Kapoor, cast their votes in the Maharashtra Assembly elections on Wednesday. Voting for the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly took place from 7 am to 6 pm. Among those who voted early in Mumbai were actors Akshay Kumar, Rajkummar Rao, actor-director Farhan Akhtar, his director-producer sister Zoya Akhtar, senior actress Shubha Khote and her daughter Bhavana Balsawar.
Akshay Kumar told reporters after voting, “The best thing is that the arrangements (at the polling centre) are good, especially for senior citizens, there is cleanliness there. “Everyone should vote because it is an important thing.” Rajkumar Rao also appealed to the people to vote. Actor Rao of the film ‘Stree 2’ told ‘PTI-Bhasha’, “Voting is our right in a democracy, so it is important that we come out of the house and vote.” I have done my duty. Now its your turn.” Ranbir Kapoor said, “Today is voting day and it is your birthright, so please come and cast your vote.” Salman Khan reached his polling booth at around 4.45 pm amid tight security. Salman Khan’s father and screenwriter Salim Khan, brothers Arbaaz and Sohail and mother Salma Khan arrived before him.
Lyricist-director Gulzar arrived to cast his vote with his daughter and filmmaker Meghna. He said he is confident that people will “not get carried away” by the promises made by leaders and will choose the right candidate wisely. Gulzar said, “There are more issues and they are very clear.” The attractive gifts that have been promised to the common man seem like the day of Dhanteras – you will get this, you will get that. But our common man will not be misled and will vote for the candidate who will solve his issues.” Other Bollywood celebrities who voted include Kareena Kapoor Khan, her husband Saif Ali Khan, Shraddha Kapoor, Kartik Aryan, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Govinda, John Abraham, Ananya Panday, her father Chunky Panday and mother Bhavana, Prem Chopra, Arjun Kapoor, Sonali Bendre, Suresh Oberoi, Tusshar Kapoor were included. Famous singer Anup Jalota also cast his vote.
Appealing to first-time voters to do their duty, actor Anupam Kher said it is “good” to vote. He said, “I cast my vote every time and I feel that with rights come responsibilities also. When we demand our rights, it is also our responsibility to elect the candidate of our choice. I want to tell first-time voters that voting is good and it would be great if they go and cast their vote. “Difficulties are part of life, but to overcome them we have to choose the best candidate.”
Actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Hema Malini told PTI, “Voting is your right and duty so that you can claim your rights before your government. So, choose the right party and vote for them.” Actor Riteish Deshmukh and his wife Genelia Deshmukh cast their vote in Babhalgaon in Latur district. He said, “Today is a very important day…the youth should vote in large numbers and ensure victory for their candidates.”
Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra expressed disappointment over people not coming to vote despite colleges and offices being closed. Mehra said, “The government has made everything possible for you to vote. Colleges are closed, offices are closed. How can you call yourself a citizen of the country if you don’t vote? It is a duty. If you do not perform your duty, how can you call yourself a citizen of this country.” Actor Sonu Sood said, “Voting is important for the country. Voting is the responsibility of every citizen, do not take it as a holiday.” Actor Sunil Shetty said that it is the responsibility of both the government and the people to work for the development of the country.
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai appealed to people not to make excuses for not voting. Expressing similar views, actor Rahul Bose also stressed on the key to power that the citizen holds on the day of elections. Musician Vishal Dadlani said, “It is important that you come out of the house and vote. This is important for your city, state and country. If you love your city, state and country, please come and vote.”