Aishwarya Rai Touches PM Modi’s Feet At Sai Baba Centenary Event - Watch

In a gesture that drew instant national attention, actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan touched Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet during the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi on Wednesday. The moment, captured on camera, quickly became the emotional highlight of the event attended by prominent leaders and dignitaries.

Aishwarya, who took the stage to address the gathering, began by offering her respects to the Prime Minister, saying his presence had brought "sanctity" and "inspiration" to the centenary celebration. Moments later, she was seen bending down to touch Modi's feet, a gesture traditionally associated with seeking blessings.

Expressing deep gratitude, Aishwarya said, "I extend a heartfelt thank you to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for being with us today and for honouring this special occasion. Your wise and impactful words are always inspiring, and your presence here reminds us of Swami's message that true leadership is service."

She went on to quote Sai Baba's well-known philosophy of the "Five D's" - Discipline, Dedication, Devotion, Determination and Discrimination - calling them essential for a purposeful and spiritually grounded life.

Aishwarya also echoed Sai Baba's universal message, saying, "There is only one caste - the caste of humanity. There is only one religion - the religion of love. There is only one language - the language of the heart."

PM Modi Pays Respects, Top Leaders Attend

Prime Minister Modi visited Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi in Puttaparthi as part of the centenary tribute. He was accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and several Union ministers including Ram Mohan Naidu and Kishan Reddy. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was also in attendance.

The gathering underscored the global following of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, one of India's most respected spiritual leaders. Born on November 23, 1926, in Puttaparthi, Sai Baba gained worldwide recognition for his teachings on compassion, unity, and selfless service. Even after his passing in 2011 at the age of 84, his legacy continues through major educational, medical, and humanitarian initiatives.

A Centenary That Merged Devotion and High-Profile Presence

The centenary celebrations marked a blend of spiritual significance and star-studded attendance, but it was Aishwarya Rai's gesture of touching PM Modi's feet that emerged as the most talked-about moment of the day. For many devotees and observers, it symbolised both reverence for leadership and the emotional weight of the centenary tribute to Sai Baba.