It’s not every day that a Bollywood superstar pays a surprise visit to Melton, but that’s exactly what happened last week, as Rani Mukerji popped into the Sri Durga temple in Deanside.
The Indian actress attended the temple on Monday, August 12 to take part in prayer and quiet reflection.
She is in Australia to promote the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which ends August 25.
Sri Durga temple vice president Gary Verma said Ms Mukerji timed her appearance to perfection.
“She picked a quiet time at lunch – it’s busy in the morning and at night – so she could do her prayer peacefully,” he said.
“It assured her privacy and safety … without paparazzi.”
Mr Verma said Ms Mukerji was deeply religious and that the temple made an impression with her.
“Even today, I’m getting messages from her team saying that in future whenever she comes to Melbourne she wants to visit,” he said.
“From the first door she entered, she was amazed.”
It isn’t the first time a celebrity has visited the Sri Durga temple, which is one of the largest Hindu temples in Australia.
Mr Verma said visiting the temple was a humble way to connect with faith and culture, even for those with fame and fortune.
“We have many sports stars from the Indian cricket team and Indian politicians who have come in the past,” he said.
“No matter what level of stardom you are, you can always stay in touch with your culture.”
Eddie Russell
