MUMBAI, Nov 20 – Several prominent Bollywood celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ranbir Kapoor, cast their votes on Wednesday during the Maharashtra assembly elections, as polling for the 288-member assembly took place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Among the early voters in Mumbai were actors Akshay Kumar, Rajkumar Rao, Farhan Akhtar, his sister Zoya Akhtar, veteran actress Shubha Khote, and her daughter Bhavana Balsavar.
After voting, Akshay Kumar praised the arrangements at the polling booths, especially for senior citizens. “The best thing is that the arrangements are good, especially for senior citizens, there’s cleanliness. Everyone should come and vote because that’s the most important thing,” he told reporters.
Rao also urged the public to exercise their right to vote, emphasizing the importance of participation in democracy. “It is our right in democracy to vote, so it’s important we step out and vote in Maharashtra. I’ve performed my duties. It’s your turn, please vote, it’s very important,” he said.
Actor Ranbir Kapoor echoed similar sentiments, urging citizens to cast their votes. “Let’s forget the issues and right now it is voting day and it’s your birthright, so please come and cast your vote,” Kapoor said.
Shah Rukh Khan, accompanied by his wife Gauri Khan and son Aryan Khan, cast his vote later in the evening. Salman Khan arrived at his polling station around 4:45 p.m. with a strong security presence. His family, including father and screenwriter Salim Khan, and brothers Arbaaz and Sohail Khan, were also seen at the booth.
Other Bollywood personalities who participated in the election included Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Shraddha Kapoor, Kartik Aryan, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Govinda, Urmila Matondkar, John Abraham, Ananya Panday, Arjun Kapoor, Sonali Bendre, and Suresh Oberoi, among others.
Veteran lyricist and director Gulzar, who arrived to vote with his daughter Meghna, expressed confidence that voters would make informed decisions. “The issues are more and very clear. The glamorous gifts promised by politicians seem like Dhanteras day – offering this and that – but our common man will not be swayed,” he said.
Actor Anupam Kher appealed to first-time voters, calling it “cool to vote.” He emphasized the responsibility that comes with the right to vote. “When we demand our rights, we must also fulfill our responsibility to elect the right candidate,” he stated.
BJP MP and actress Hema Malini also highlighted the importance of voting. “Voting is your right and duty so that you can assert your rights to your government,” she said.
Actor couple Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, who cast their votes in Latur district, urged the youth to be more active in the electoral process. “It’s a very important day today… The youth should come out and vote in large numbers,” Riteish said.
Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra expressed disappointment over low voter turnout despite government efforts to make voting accessible. “How can you call yourself a citizen of the nation if you don’t vote? It’s a duty,” Mehra said.
Actor Sonu Sood emphasized that voting is not just a right, but a responsibility. “Voting is important for a country. It’s a responsibility of every citizen to vote, don’t take it as a holiday,” he said.
Actor Suniel Shetty also urged citizens to be more responsible. “We have to be more responsible, like we should have civic sense and discipline. We always demand but don’t deliver anything ourselves. There will be a huge difference if we vote today,” he said.
The election results are expected to be announced on November 23.
(Inputs from reports)
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