Celebrities Champion Civic Duty by Voting in BMC Elections

In a powerful display of civic responsibility, several prominent celebrities, including Salman Khan, Gulzar, and Aamir Khan, participated in the BMC elections, urging citizens to exercise their right to vote. Their presence at polling stations highlighted the importance of civic engagement and the impact of individual votes on democracy. From Gulzar's heartfelt appeal to Nana Patekar's long journey to vote, these stars showcased their commitment to the democratic process. Read on to discover more about their inspiring messages and the significance of voting in Mumbai.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 16, 2026, 06:00 IST

Star Power at the Polls

On Thursday, a host of notable figures from the film and music industry, including Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Gulzar, John Abraham, Nana Patekar, Divya Dutta, and Vishal Dadlani, participated in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, emphasizing the significance of civic engagement.

Gulzar was spotted at a polling station in Mumbai, where he urged the public to engage in the democratic process. He stated, "We are deeply connected to our homeland, and your vote is essential for nurturing those connections and democracy. So, please fulfill this duty." John Abraham was also seen exercising his voting rights at a booth.

Aamir Khan, after casting his vote, highlighted the importance of voting and commended the arrangements at the polling station. He remarked, "I encourage everyone to make sure they cast their valuable votes. The BMC has organized everything very well here."

Akshay Kumar was among the first to vote that day, accompanied by his wife, Twinkle Khanna. After voting, Twinkle spoke to the press, saying, "It gives us a sense of control and a bit of power over the narrative. I vote out of both habit and hope."

Nana Patekar made a significant effort to participate, traveling nearly three hours from Pune to Mumbai early in the morning just to cast his vote. He expressed to the media that voting symbolizes one's existence and civic duty. Despite the long journey, he felt fulfilled in performing his responsibility and encouraged others to do the same.

Divya Dutta, after voting, described the act as both a privilege and a duty. She urged citizens to step out and vote, stating, "It is our right to vote, and we should all come out and make our voices heard." She emphasized the importance of addressing issues like pollution and employment, asserting that the right leaders will heed the genuine demands of Mumbaikars. Other notable figures who voted included Paresh Rawal, Junaid Khan, Hema Malini, and Sonali Bendre.