Hollywood celebs visit Varanasi

Nevada: Oscar nominated actor Richard D Jenkins visited Varanasi, considered the most sacred spot on earth by many Hindus, according to reports.Jenkins reportedly offered diya (lamp) to holy river Ganga, attended Ganga arti (ceremony performed in adoration of a deity), and was apparently moved by the city.

MTV nominated Billy Crudup (Almost Famous) and Emmy nominated Ryan Murphy (Nip/Tuck) also accompanied Jenkins to Varanasi. All were in India, along with Oscar winner Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman), to film “Eat, Pray, Love” in rural Haryana. Jenkins, 62, has acted in about 89 film and television productions; Crudup, 41, has acted in about 24 films; and Murphy, 43, is directing “Eat, Pray, Love”. Some other crew of this movie also visited Varanasi with them. Welcoming Hollywood celebrities visiting Varanasi, acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA), said that since Hollywood had worldwide reach, Hollywood bigwigs should become familiar with at least basics of world religions to understand the feelings of their audiences better. Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged Hollywood and other celebrities to immerse in Hinduism but taking it seriously and with respect and not just using it as a fashion statement. Varanasi, also known as Kasi, probably one of the oldest cities on the earth, finds mention in ancient Hindu scripture Mahabharata. Situated on the holy river Ganga, this city of Shiva contains hundreds of Hindu temples and is also linked to Brahma and Sati. ANI