Randeep Hooda gets Krishna idol from Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini
Synopsis
Randeep Hooda's meeting with Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini ended with a Lord Krishna idol and a public tribute to Haryanvi culture — a reminder that for the 'Sarbjit' actor, identity politics and screen craft are two sides of the same coin. With 'Eetha' and 'Operation Khukri' both in the works, Hooda is building a portfolio that blends cultural pride with big-screen ambition.
Key Takeaways
Randeep Hooda met Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and received a Lord Krishna idol as a gift.
Hooda posted a gratitude note on Instagram , praising the CM's leadership and his own commitment to promoting Haryana's culture.
His upcoming biographical drama 'Eetha' , co-starring Shraddha Kapoor and directed by Laxman Utekar , is inspired by dancer Vithabai Narayangaonkar .
Shoots for 'Eetha' were completed in Mumbai and Pune between January and February 2025 .
Hooda has also acquired rights to adapt 'Operation Khukri' , authored by Major General Rajpal Punia and Damini Punia , into a war drama.
Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda recently paid a visit to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, receiving an idol of Lord Krishna as a personal gift from the CM. Hooda shared glimpses of the meeting on his official Instagram handle, accompanied by a heartfelt note of gratitude.
What Hooda Said
In his post, the actor wrote: 'Honorable Chief Minister Shri @nayabsainiofficial ji, I bow in front of your affection, honor, and good wishes. It is a matter of pride for me to spread the soil, language, and culture of Haryana across the world through my personality and work.'
Hooda also praised the Chief Minister's leadership style, adding: 'Meeting you felt very warm. Your sociable nature and the way you take everyone with you is a symbol of your popularity. With the reins of our Haryana in the hands of such remarkable people like you, surely the state will progress further. Your blessings and love will always encourage me. The effort to keep enhancing Haryana's honor and respect will continue.'
A Cultural Connection
The exchange reflects Hooda's long-standing association with Haryana's cultural identity. The actor, who hails from the state, has frequently spoken about his pride in Haryanvi roots. The gift of a Lord Krishna idol carries symbolic resonance, given that Haryana encompasses Kurukshetra, the land central to the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita's narrative.
Upcoming Projects
On the professional front, Hooda is set to appear in the biographical drama 'Eetha', co-starring Shraddha Kapoor and directed by Laxman Utekar. The film draws inspiration from the life of one of India's earliest Tamasha Lavni dancers, Vithabai Narayangaonkar, and aims to tell a powerful story rooted in folk culture.
The cast and crew completed the Pune schedule in February 2025, following the wrap of the Mumbai schedule in late January 2025.
Additionally, Hooda has secured the official rights to adapt 'Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army's Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad' — authored by Major General Rajpal Punia and Damini Punia — into an epic war drama titled 'Operation Khukri'.
What to Watch
With two high-profile productions in the pipeline, Hooda is positioning himself for a strong run in Indian cinema. The CM meeting also underlines the actor's continued cultural ambassadorship for Haryana, a role he appears to embrace beyond the screen.
Point of View
But Hooda's public framing is deliberate — positioning himself as a cultural ambassador for Haryana rather than just a film star from the state. His upcoming slate reinforces this: 'Eetha' roots him in folk tradition, while 'Operation Khukri' stakes a claim on patriotic cinema. For CM Saini, the optics of gifting a Krishna idol to a prominent Haryanvi face carries its own soft-power value. The question is whether this cultural branding translates into anything more substantive for the state's arts ecosystem.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What gift did Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini give Randeep Hooda?
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini gifted Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda an idol of Lord Krishna during a personal meeting. Hooda shared the moment on Instagram along with a note expressing gratitude.
What did Randeep Hooda say about his meeting with CM Nayab Singh Saini?
Hooda praised the CM's warmth and inclusive leadership style, saying the meeting 'felt very warm' and that Saini's 'sociable nature' reflects his popularity. He also reaffirmed his commitment to promoting Haryana's culture through his work.
What is Randeep Hooda's upcoming film 'Eetha' about?
'Eetha' is a biographical drama directed by Laxman Utekar, inspired by the life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, one of India's earliest Tamasha Lavni dancers. It co-stars Shraddha Kapoor and completed shoots in Mumbai and Pune in early 2025.
What is 'Operation Khukri' and what is Randeep Hooda's role in it?
'Operation Khukri' is an upcoming epic war drama based on the book 'Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army's Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad' by Major General Rajpal Punia and Damini Punia. Hooda has secured the official adaptation rights and will be part of the project.
Why is Randeep Hooda associated with Haryana's cultural identity?
Hooda hails from Haryana and has consistently spoken about his pride in the state's language, soil, and traditions. His Instagram post to CM Saini reaffirmed his self-described role as a global ambassador for Haryanvi culture.
