Mumbai, Nov 20 (PTI) Several Bollywood celebrities, including actors Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ranbir Kapoor, cast their votes in Mumbai in the Maharashtra assembly elections on Wednesday, adding a touch of glamor to the festival of democracy.

Elections to the 288-member National Assembly took place between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Kumar said, “The best thing is that the arrangements are good (at the polling station), especially for senior citizens, there is cleanliness. Everyone should come and vote because it’s the most important thing.” “In a democracy, voting is our right, so it is important that we come out and vote in Maharashtra. I fulfilled my duties. It’s your turn, please vote, it’s very important,” the “Stree 2” actor told PTI.

Ranbir Kapoor said, “Let’s forget the problems and right now it’s voting day and it’s your birthright so please come and vote. » Shah Rukh Khan exercised his right to vote with his family members, including his wife Gauri, son Aryan and daughter Suhana, in the evening.

Salman Khan arrived at his polling booth around 4:45 p.m., under tight security. His family members, including father and screenwriter Salim Khan, brothers Arbaaz and Sohail, had arrived before him.

Other celebrities who got finger tattoos include Kareena Kapoor Khan, her husband Saif Ali Khan, Shraddha Kapoor, Kartik Aryan, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Govinda, Urmila Matondkar, John Abraham, Ananya Panday with her father Chunky Panday and her mother Bhavna, Prem Chopra, Arjun Kapoor, Sonali Bendre, Suresh Oberoi, Tusshar Kapoor. Singer Anup Jalota, known for his devotional songs, also voted.

However, the Bachchan family, which includes superstar Amitabh Bachchan, his wife Jaya, son Abhishek and their daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, apparently did not come to vote.

Veteran lyricist and director Gulzar, who came to vote with his filmmaker daughter Meghna, said he was convinced that people “will not be influenced” by the promises made by politicians and will make a wise decision by choosing the right candidate .

“The issues are becoming clearer and clearer. The glamorous gifts that were promised to the common man are like the day of Dhanteras – where you will get this and that. But our common citizen will not get influenced and vote for the candidate who will address their issue,” Gulzar said.

Appealing to new voters to exercise their duty, veteran actor Anupam Kher said it was “cool” to vote.

“I have voted every time and I feel that with responsibilities come rights. When we claim our rights, it is also our responsibility to elect the candidate of our choice. I want to tell new voters that it’s cool to vote and it would be wonderful if they went to vote. Difficulties are a part of life but to overcome them, we have to choose the best candidate,” the “Vijay 69” actor told PTI.

Actor and BJP MP Hema Malini told PTI, “Voting is your right and duty so that you can assert your rights to your government. So choose the right party and vote for it. Actor couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh voted in Babhalgaon in Latur district.

“Today is a very important day… Young people should come out and vote in large numbers and make their candidates win,” he said.

Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra expressed disappointment that people did not come out to vote despite colleges and polling stations being closed.

“The government has done everything to allow you to come and vote. Colleges are closed, offices are closed. How can you consider yourself a citizen of the nation if you don’t vote? It’s a duty, if you don’t fulfill your duty then how can you consider yourself a citizen of this nation, you don’t deserve it,” Mehra said.

Actor Sonu Sood said, “Voting is important for a country. It is the responsibility of every citizen to vote, do not take it as a holiday.” Actor Suniel Shetty believes that it is the responsibility of the government and the people to work for the development of the country.

“We must be more responsible, just as we must demonstrate civic sense and discipline. We always demand but do not deliver anything ourselves… We must also be responsible. There will be a huge difference if we vote today. Let’s help the government by doing a good job,” he said.

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has appealed to people not to give excuses to avoid voting.

“Don’t look for excuses (for not voting) because then you won’t have the right to go on social media (and complain), don’t cheat your state of Maharashtra, your vote is important, get out for a while,” the filmmaker said. said, adding that he voted hoping for the development of Maharashtra and education.

Actor Rahul Bose said, “The issues that concern me the most are education, health, sports and entertainment, so these are the issues that I have looked at and made my choice. » Musician Vishal Dadlani said: “It is important that you come out and vote. It’s important to your city, your state and your country. If you love your city, your state and your country, come vote. It’s ridiculous to have to say it, everyone should do it anyway out of duty to their country. I hope people will (vote). PTI KKP NP RSY

This report is automatically generated from PTI news service. ThePrint assumes no responsibility for its content.