Premanand Maharaj warns 'Hanuman Ansh' makers against distorting Neem Karoli Baba's life

Bollywood film Hanuman Ansh has been embroiled in a massive controversy weeks after its release. It all started after spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj spoke about the film being made on the life of Neem Karoli Baba, calling it a potential form of service while cautioning the filmmakers against distorting the revered saint's life for entertainment or popularity. During a satsang, Maharaj stressed that the portrayal should remain respectful and inspire devotion, detachment and spiritual knowledge among viewers.

During the satsang, the director of Hanuman Ansh, Vishal Chaturvedi, reportedly asked Maharaj about making a film on the life of Neem Karoli Baba. The filmmaker wanted to know whether bringing the life of such a revered saint to the screen, while remaining committed to the spiritual path, could itself be considered a form of service.

Premanand Maharaj gave an encouraging response, saying, "Yes, this can also become a form of service."

Maharaj explained that the life of a spiritually accomplished figure such as Neem Karoli Baba cannot be treated like an ordinary fictional story. According to him, those attempting to portray such personalities on screen need to exercise caution.

According to a report in News18 Hindi, he pointed out that people cannot compare their own spiritual state with that of highly detached and God-realised saints. For that reason, filmmakers need to be particularly careful when recreating their lives through performances and cinematic storytelling.