Anjali Arora on Ranbir Kapoor prasad row: 'It's a blessing, eat a little'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actress Anjali Arora has weighed in on the controversy surrounding actor Ranbir Kapoor and a resurfaced video in which he declined to eat prasad during a Ganesh puja, drawing fresh attention on social media ahead of his high-profile portrayal of Lord Ram in director Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming film Ramayana.
What Anjali Arora Said
Speaking to media at the trailer launch of the mythological film Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha — in which she is set to portray Mata Sita — Arora offered a measured perspective on the significance of prasad. 'I have just kept Lord Ganesha Prasad at home and I love sweet. I eat so much sweet that that's it. And anyway, the Prasad that we get is a blessing. It will not make our stomach full, we get good wisdom,' she said.
She added, 'So, the amount of Prasad you get, it's not that you have to eat a lot. Eat a little bit because God gives you blessings.' While she did not directly condemn Kapoor's actions, her remarks were widely read as an implicit contrast to his much-discussed refusal.
The Ranbir Kapoor Incident
The clip in question reportedly dates to 2023, when Ranbir Kapoor visited a Ganpati pandal in Mumbai to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. After the puja, Kapoor distributed modaks among assembled photographers. When a member of the paparazzi offered him prasad in return, Kapoor politely declined, citing his diet, and asked the person to consume it instead.
The footage lay largely dormant for roughly two years before resurfacing on social media platforms in recent days, where it drew criticism from several users. Notably, the timing coincides with growing public scrutiny of Kapoor's casting as Lord Ram — a role that carries enormous cultural and religious weight for many audiences across India.
Anjali Arora's Own Spiritual Connect
Arora also spoke at length about her personal faith and how she views her role in Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha. 'I have not selected this role myself. This role has been given to me by Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. And I am a big devotee of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman. I go to Hanuman temple every Tuesday. So, maybe this is the result of that. So, if they have given me blessings and told me to do it, then I will do it,' she said.
Broader Context
The prasad episode is the latest in a string of social media debates around Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming mythological project, which is among the most anticipated — and scrutinised — Bollywood productions in years. Critics and commentators have been parsing the actor's public conduct and personal lifestyle as potential counterpoints to his on-screen religious role. Whether the renewed attention helps or harms the film's reception remains to be seen as its release approaches.