Subhash Ghai shares Sant Kabir's wisdom on peace amid life's tensions
Synopsis
Subhash Ghai turned to Sant Kabir's 15th-century verses to make a point about surviving modern-day tensions — a rare moment where one of Bollywood's most commercially driven directors steps back to reflect on cross-faith wisdom and the search for inner stillness.
Key Takeaways
Subhash Ghai shared a post on Instagram quoting the teachings of Sant Kabir , the 15th-century mystic poet born near Benares .
Ghai highlighted Kabir's relevance in contemporary times, particularly during periods of stress and uncertainty.
Kabir's poetry draws on both Hinduism and Islam , and he was a disciple of the Hindu ascetic Ramananda .
Ghai also revisited his long-standing connection with Osho , crediting the spiritual leader with transforming his life since 1975 .
The filmmaker's credits include 'Ram Lakhan' , 'Saudagar' , 'Khalnayak' , 'Pardes' , and 'Taal' .
Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has shared a reflective message on Instagram drawing on the teachings of Sant Kabir, the 15th-century mystic poet, underscoring the enduring relevance of Kabir's philosophy during moments of stress and uncertainty. The post, which included a picture of Kabir, comes as the 'Taal' director continues to publicly explore spiritual thought and its place in contemporary life.
What Ghai Posted
In his Instagram post, Ghai wrote: 'Only Their wisdom quotes cud survive our peace in mind by understanding life n world n we need to read sant #Kabir even today sp when we under tensions.' He also provided a brief biographical note on the poet, noting that Kabir was born near Benares and grew up in a family of Muslim weavers before becoming a disciple of the Hindu ascetic Ramananda.
Ghai also quoted one of Kabir's well-known verses: 'Kabir stands in the marketplace, wishing well for everyone; He is neither friends with anyone nor holds enmity towards anyone.' The verse, which reflects Kabir's philosophy of universal goodwill and non-partisanship, resonated with Ghai's broader message of inner peace.
Kabir's Cross-Faith Legacy
Sant Kabir's poetry is notable for drawing on both Hinduism and Islam, while remaining critical of certain rigid practices within both faiths. Born near Benares — present-day Varanasi — in the 15th century, Kabir's teachings have continued to find new audiences across generations, particularly among those seeking a path beyond institutional religion. His dohas (couplets) remain widely taught in Indian schools and recited in homes across the country.
Ghai's Broader Spiritual Journey
This is not the first time Subhash Ghai has publicly reflected on spiritual influences. The filmmaker had previously spoken about the transformative impact of Osho — born Acharya Rajneesh, the founder of the global Osho movement — on his personal and professional life. He had shared a throwback photograph of himself standing before publicity material featuring Rajneesh, writing: 'It took 50 years for me to understand the value of a guru till I read #OSHO in 1975 who kept enlightening me about myself people n ultimate truth till today.'
Ghai added: 'How can I express my gratitude to this great Guru #Osho, who gave me a happy peaceful life till date. Thank u is too small word.' The Osho movement, which emerged in the 1970s, blended meditation, mindfulness, self-awareness, and personal freedom, attracting followers globally through its unconventional teachings and dynamic meditation techniques.
A Filmmaker with a Philosophical Bent
Subhash Ghai is among the most celebrated directors in Hindi cinema, with a career spanning several decades and films including 'Ram Lakhan', 'Saudagar', 'Khalnayak', 'Pardes', and 'Taal'. His recurring engagement with spiritual figures — from Kabir to Osho — suggests a personal philosophy that runs alongside his cinematic work. As public figures increasingly use social media to share introspective content, Ghai's posts offer a window into how India's veteran creative community engages with questions of meaning and inner peace.
Point of View
His repeated public engagement with spiritual thinkers from Osho to Kabir signals something more than social media habit. Kabir's cross-faith appeal is also quietly pointed: at a time when religious identity is politically charged in India, invoking a poet who critiqued both Hinduism and Islam carries an implicit message that mainstream coverage of a Bollywood post is unlikely to surface.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Subhash Ghai post about Sant Kabir?
Subhash Ghai shared an Instagram post featuring a picture of Sant Kabir, along with a message emphasising the relevance of Kabir's wisdom during stressful times. He quoted Kabir's verse about standing in the marketplace and wishing well for everyone, without friendship or enmity towards any.
What is Subhash Ghai's connection to Osho?
Ghai has spoken publicly about how reading Osho in 1975 transformed his understanding of himself and the world. He credits the Osho movement — which blended meditation, mindfulness, and personal freedom — with giving him a 'happy peaceful life' and a sense of inner power.
Which films is Subhash Ghai known for?
Subhash Ghai is known for several landmark Hindi films including 'Ram Lakhan', 'Saudagar', 'Khalnayak', 'Pardes', and 'Taal', spanning a career of several decades in Bollywood.
