Actress Taught Me Humility: Ram Mandir Scandal, Bungalow Entitlement & Raut Family Feud | Off The Record
Today, I want to share four recent things that truly caught my attention — ranging from a personal lesson in humility to serious issues involving faith, politics, and public life in Maharashtra.
A Personal Lesson in Humility
It was a peaceful Sunday evening. I was relaxing and watching a movie when my phone buzzed with an Instagram DM. The message was from a well-known actress belonging to one of the biggest film families. Her words were graceful.
“Thank you for taking out time for the hate you spewed for me; no worries, appreciate your feedback — good, bad, ugly. God bless.”
This came right after I had posted a very harsh and nasty comment criticizing her performance in her recently released movie. Yes, the comment was unnecessarily rude.
We ended up chatting for about 10 minutes. I tried explaining my side, but I felt deeply embarrassed. Here was a huge star, taking time out of her busy life to respond with dignity and maturity, even while gently pointing out how toxic some online comments can be. Her response really hit me hard. Immediately after, I went back and deleted my comment. At that moment, I promised myself to be far more careful and less judgmental before posting anything online.
I still feel bad about it, but that gracious interaction left me feeling positive.
You should all watch movie “Satluj”. I don’t know why it was pulled from OTT platforms, but it is currently available on YouTube. Definitely check it out.
The Ram Mandir Donation Scandal
Moving on to something deeply disturbing.
Reports of misappropriation and alleged theft of cash donations and offerings by innocent devotees at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya have shocked many. How can something like this happen at such a sacred place?
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has formed a Special Investigation Team. Nearly eight people have already been arrested. He has urged people not to defame the temple or Ayodhya and promised strict action against everyone involved, no matter who they are. This incident happened in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh. In Maharashtra, the opposition quickly seized the opportunity. Uddhav Thackeray launched a statewide ‘Ram Raksha Andolan’, stating it was not about politics but about protecting the faith of millions. He called the theft a betrayal of devoted Hindus and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who proudly took credit for the Ram Mandir, speak up. He also accused the BJP of shielding the guilty.
DCM Eknath Shinde hit back by highlighting alleged irregularities at Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple during the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government, leading to a heated political exchange in the Assembly.
My honest take: Whether it is the Ram Mandir or Siddhivinayak Temple, no one involved in such scams should be spared. Playing with the pure faith and emotions of millions of devotees is shameless and unacceptable. Faith-related institutions must be above corruption. At the same time, the selective outrage and whataboutery from all sides only damages public trust. This kind of hypocrisy helps no one.
The Bungalow Controversy
Another ridiculous controversy from Maharashtra:
Mumbai Deputy Mayor and Shiv Sena corporator Sanjay Ghadi has written to the municipal commissioner requesting a vacant civic bungalow inside Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan in Byculla. His reason? The long commute from his home in Dahisar is affecting his health due to potholes.
This is hard to digest. Civic bungalows meant for officials should go to the right people. If a leader lives far away, they should travel like the common citizens they represent. That’s the best way to understand real problems. At most, he could rent a decent place near the BMC office like any normal working person. This kind of entitlement is exactly what frustrates ordinary people who face the same traffic, potholes, and long journeys every single day. Our leaders must stop demanding special privileges while expecting us to suffer.
The Girija Raut Harassment Complaint
The final story involves serious allegations from Girija Raut against her husband Gitesh Raut (a sitting corporator), her father-in-law (former MP Vinayak Raut), and mother-in-law Shamal Raut.
In her complaint, Girija has alleged no physical relationship after marriage and severe physical, mental, emotional, and financial harassment. She claims she was taken to self-styled godmen (including Baba Kazi Baba, who is now arrested) in Mumbai, Sindhudurg, and Ratnagiri, where she faced disturbing rituals like cutting lemons, drinking concoctions, blindfolding, and even physical harm with scissors. She says she endured it silently due to family reputation and political pressure. Vinayak Raut has denied the allegations, claiming they stem from unmet financial demands that started at ₹2 crore and have now risen to ₹12.5 crore in the ongoing separation process. This public family feud in a political household has added to the ongoing turmoil in Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena.
Final Thoughts
These stories together paint a mixed picture — from personal growth and celebrity grace to disturbing issues of faith, accountability, and power. What stands out is the need for consistency. We must hold everyone — across parties, religions, and positions — to the same standards. Hypocrisy and entitlement only deepen public disillusionment. What do you think? Should we demand the same accountability from all sides?
Vikrant Meena Hemant Joshi.
