Hinduism is not just a religion but a way of life. That is the reason people from all around the world are attracted to the Hindu way of life. The simplicity of it is such that anyone can follow Hinduism without even being a Hindu. Also, the scientific nature of Hindu texts gives the reasoning behind all the traditions and customs, which is why Hinduism has gained popularity and there are even celebs who follow Hinduism.
Also read: 14 Quotes on Hinduism By Famous People
The West has significantly been influenced by Hindu culture and traditions. Many popular celebs, famous personalities, and even Hollywood actors follow Hinduism. Let us take a look at some of their stories:
1. Julia Roberts
Hollywood actor, Julia Roberts was born to a Baptist father and a Roman Catholic mother. She was raised as a Catholic but later adopted Hinduism. From a very young age, she was attracted to the Hindu way of life like being a vegetarian, practicing yoga and meditation, and being compassionate about nature. She is an ardent believer in Hinduism and has named her production house ‘Red OM Films’.
Image credits: Wikimedia
2. Miley Cyrus
An American music artist, Miley Cyrus is influenced by Hindu culture and traditions. She shared a picture on Instagram in 2018 where she was performing Laxmi Puja at her house. The picture also included a Pandit (priest) who was worshipping the Laxmi idol. The setting was very simple and depicted the traditional pujas done in Hindu households. Though she never converted to Hinduism, she follows the costumes of it.
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3. Will Smith
Hollywood actor Will Smith is an ardent follower of Hinduism. He came to India in 2019 and visited Haridwar and performed Ganga Aarti where he had an awakening to a new world around him. He said that Hinduism provides answers to his inner urges and thus he finds rare happiness in it. In a recent interview, he also said how he felt Arjun from Mahabharat was the greatest warrior and narrated the story of Mahabharat with his understanding
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4. Madonna
Madonna, the American singer, and songwriter, was born a Christian but later had a spiritual awakening which led her to follow Eastern Religious traditions like Buddhism and Hinduism. She was influenced by Jewish and Islamic traditions as well but kept her Christian identity intact. She was influenced by many religions and kept practicing some traditions from all. From Hinduism, she learned the art of meditation and yoga and performed many Hindu rituals.
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5. Sylvester Stallone
Popular Hollywood actor, Sylvester Stallone turned to Hinduism to find peace after his son’s death. Sylvester’s son died at the young age of 36 due to a drug overdose. As he couldn’t find peace even years after his son’s death, he came to India to perform his son’s Shradh (Hindu funeral) to seek solace and closure after this tragic incident.
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6. Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy has been in the news for his upcoming movie Oppenheimer which is based on the life of American scientist J Robert Oppenheimer. In a recent interview, he said that he read the Bhagavad Gita to prepare for the role of Oppenheimer as the scientist too was inspired by the Gita.
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7. Russell Brand
Russell Brand, an English comedian and actor, converted to Hinduism and follows Hindu religious practices. He attends Hare Krishna services regularly and performs meditation and self-reflection practices to better himself. He married Katy Perry in a Hindu wedding-style ceremony near Ranthambore in Rajasthan.
Image credits: Wikimedia
8. Lena Headey
Lena Headey aka Cersei Lannister of Game of Thrones is an ardent Hindu devotee. This English actress developed a liking for Hindu customs and traditions just like other celebs who follow Hinduism. She even has Ganesh and Laxmi tattoos on her.
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9. Hugh Jackman
Wolverine aka Hugh Jackman, a popular Australian actor was born to a Christian household. According to him, he had many questions as a child and would seek answers everywhere until finally, he stumbled upon Vedic literature. He says that Vedic ideas, philosophies, and thoughts felt right to him. He has been practicing mediation for the last 30 years and has been inspired by Maharshi Mahesh Yogi.
Image credits: Wikimedia
10. Jackie Hung
Martial arts artist, Jackie Hung from Hong Kong is a practitioner of Hinduism. He recently visited Lord Shiva Temple in Chennai and performed rituals.
These are just a few stories of how people all around the world sought peace in Hinduism. There are a lot more celebs who follow Hinduism or have been inspired by the same. Let us know in the comment section if you want to know more about such stories.