NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Hindus Urge Julia Roberts to Explore Hinduism During Her Shooting Trip to India

Welcoming reported forthcoming visit of the Hollywood superstar Julia Roberts to India for a film shooting, Hindus have urged her to explore Hinduism further and visit some Hindu temples.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that the deeper study of Hinduism would complement her interest in yoga and other things Indian. Roberts sported a "bindi" (vermillion mark on forehead) during here recent trip to India and she has a production company called "Red Om Films", and 'Om" in Hinduism is the mystical syllable containing the universe.

Zed, who is the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, offered support if Roberts needed any help in having comprehensive knowledge of Hinduism, the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought. He or other Hindu leaders would be glad to share their knowledge, Zed added.

Rajan Zed stressed that since Hollywood had a worldwide reach, Hollywood bigwigs should become familiar with at least basics of world religions to understand the feelings of their audiences better.

Forty-one years old Julia Fiona Roberts, one of the most successful Hollywood actresses besides a producer and fashion model, has won best actress Oscar for "Erin Brockovich" and earned Oscar nominations for "Pretty Woman" and "Steel Magnolias".

Roberts and Oscar winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men) will be shooting in India for upcoming drama film "Eat, Pray, Love" in which their characters fall in love in an Indian ashram (hermitage). Produced by Brad Pitt and Dede Gardner and directed by Emmy nominated Ryan Murphy (Nip/Tuck), it also stars Oscar nominated Richard Jenkins (The Visitor) and is based on Elizabeth Gilbert's travel memoir.