Celebs cast their vote in huge numbers in the Maharashtra Assembly poll; urge people to do the same

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar was one of the earliest voters to cast his vote in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Voting began at 7 am on Wednesday for the single-phase Maharashtra assembly elections and concluded at 6 pm. Polling took place across 288 assembly constituencies. Akshay even greeted people near the voting booths with a peppy ‘good morning’. RajKummar Rao also cast his vote early. He later said, “It is very important to vote. Everyone, please step out and vote. This is the voting day, it is very important.” The actor was also seen interacting with security personnel, even taking selfies with them.

Actors Sonu Sood, Gautami Kapoor and Ali Fazal also cast their votes early in the day and urged citizens to participate in this crucial democratic process. Sonu shared, “Vote, it’s very important for the country. It’s the responsibility of every citizen to go and vote. Don’t make it a holiday, just go and vote.”

Similarly, Gautami Kapoor said, “I feel great. I think casting a vote is amazing. You feel liberated, and I think it is very important for every citizen to vote because every vote makes a huge difference. So, please vote... It’s very important, we can change the country.” Ali Fazal, another actor who cast his vote early on, also showed his inked finger, symbolizing his participation in the democratic process. Filmmaker Kabir Khan, Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar also cast their vote.

Bollywood couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia arrived at a polling booth in Latur to cast their votes. Riteish expressed confidence in the victory of his brothers and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. “Maha Vikas Aghadi is going to form its government in Maharashtra...Both my brothers are going to win,” the actor said.

He also addressed the media outside the polling station and urged ‘first-time’ voters to come out and vote. “Today is a very important day; it comes once every five years. Today, you choose those who will represent you in the assembly. I urge all voters, especially first-time voters, to come out in large numbers and vote. Also, take your elderly parents and grandparents to the polling booth,” he said.

Genelia added, “Everyone has the right to cast their votes. People should come out and practice their right. It is an important day today, you can make a big difference.”

Urmila Matondkar too flaunted her inked finger. The actress-politician took to Instagram, where she shared a video. In the clip, which seems to be near the polling booth, Urmila is seen dressed in a white shirt paired with earthy-hued pants. She is seen posing with police officials after casting her vote.

“Please vote for yourself, your children and your society n #maharashtra #vote #right #duty #marathi #proud #vidhansabhaelection2024,” she wrote in the caption.

Actor-producer John Abraham was seen arriving to cast his vote too. Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan, who is basking in the success of his recent release Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, was also seen arriving at a polling station in Jamnabai Narsee International School in the Juhu area of Mumbai. Shraddha Kapoor, accompanied by her brother Siddhanth Kapoor and aunt Padmini Kolhapure arrived at a polling booth in Mumbai. Dressed in a floral print suit, Shraddha posed with her family, proudly showing her inked finger.

Arjun Kapoor also cast his vote and urged citizens, “Sabko request kijie ki aake vote kare (Please request everyone to come and vote).” Author and actress Twinkle Khanna joined the list of Bollywood celebrities who stepped out to participate in the democratic process. Veteran lyricist Gulzar and his daughter, film director Meghna Gulzar, also cast their vote. “Six months ago, we stepped out for the country; now we have stepped out for our state. Voting is your responsibility as well as your right. If you don’t fulfil your responsibility, you have no right to complain,” Meghna said.

Actor Tusshar Kapoor also cast his ballot. “Many people don’t vote because they have no interest in politics. But we should feel proud of our city and our country, and we should never give up on democracy. This is the least we can do... Every vote matters,” Kapoor remarked.

Veteran actor Prem Chopra and actress Isha Koppikar also joined the voting exercise. Isha shared, “It’s the responsibility of the parents to make their children aware of the importance of voting. Even though my child has a long time before she votes, I make sure to tell her of her rights as a citizen of the country.”

Bollywood stalwarts like Salman Khan’s parents, Salim and Salma Khan, ventured out to vote amid tight security measures. Salman’s brother and actor Sohail Khan, shared, “I am a Bandra boy... whoever gets elected, I wish he loves Bandra as we all Bandrahites love Bandra. We hope a good politician comes. It’s a responsibility to vote and I request everyone to come and vote,” he stated.

Many others, including Subhash Ghai, Nikita Dutta, and Aamir Khan’s former spouse Reena Dutta, among others, also exercised their right to vote. Actor-politician Hema Malini and her daughter, actress Esha Deol, were seen at the Jamnabai International School polling booth in Mumbai . Hema encouraged voters to step out and fulfil their civic duty. She said, “I have come here to cast my vote. I request all citizens to come out and vote. It is your duty to vote for the future of the country.”

After casting his vote, musician Vishal Dadlani said, “I appeal to you to please come and vote. It is ridiculous that we have to appeal … This is your state, your country, if there is love for the country then please come and cast your votes. Rural Maharashtra is charged up to vote.” Singer Kailash Kher also cast his ballot and said, “Voting is a celebration of democracy... I urge everyone to vote. “

Bollywood couple Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani were seen at a polling booth too. “Please vote. It is very important. We cannot sit and complain if we do not vote. As citizens, this is our responsibility. The facilities at this voting centre are very good and quick,” the couple said.

Other actor who voted included Anupam Kher, Ranvir Shorey, Rohit Shetty, Suniel Shetty, Dipika Chikhlia, Rahul Bose, Mohan Agashe, Anupam Kher, Paresh Rawal, Sonali Bendre and her husband Goldie Behl, and more.

Meanwhile, former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar along with his wife Anjali and daughter Sara also cast their vote. Cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and his wife also flaunted their inked fingers. — Agencies