Three weeks ago we heard somewhat strange news about a Bollywood actor. He is Gagan Malik who played Prince Siddhartha in the famous movie ‘Shri Siddhartha Gautama’ which was directed by Saman Weeraman and produced by Navin Gooneratne. The news is that he became a Buddhist monk in Thailand.
We know after acting in the biopic ‘Shri Siddhartha Gautama’, Malik embraced Buddhism in Mihintale sacred grounds in 2014. Thereafter, he participated in many Buddhist religious events. He visited many temples in Sri Lanka immediately after releasing the film in 2013, and also became a speaker at Buddhist conferences and religious ceremonies in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Bodh Gaya (in India) – you can watch them on Youtube.
In fact, in some of those events he reiterated that he would spread Buddhism in India to the best of his ability – his role model is King Ashoka of Maurya Empire who embraced Buddhism after witnessing much bloodshed in the Kalinga War which ended in 261 BCE. Not only that, he has also introduced two charity organizations: One is ‘Lotus World’ with the producer of the movie, Navin Gooneratne. The other is ‘Gagan Malik Foundation’.
So, in a way, it is not surprising that he became a bhikkhu. But, at the same time it is unbelievable since, apart from Dr. Ambedkar, we have never heard this type of news, an Indian Hindu converting to Buddhism. Anyway, the news of Gagan Malik’s transformation went viral in social media, and many people started to bless him.
Monkhood for 15 days
Nevertheless, later it was revealed that he entered the monkhood not permanently but temporarily. It is a custom in Thailand. Buddhists enter monkhood for 15 days, after which they return to the layman’s life. Malik’s Facebook post published on February 9, also confirmed this: “One of the most important moments of life is going to come tomorrow (Thursday). Becoming a monk for 15 days in Wat Thatthong (Royal Monastery) Bangkok. All other friends and fans can bless me.”
It is also noteworthy to see his other FB post published on February 8: “Time to learn Dhamma. Time to understand Impermanence. Time to gain knowledge. Time to roll the wheel of Dhama in India.”
Through these posts it is apparent how he transformed in his religion. This is, however, a pleasant news not only for Sri Lankan Buddhists, but also for Buddhists in other Asian countries. Malik became popular among those countries as the soundtrack of ‘Shri Siddhartha Gautama’ was dubbed in many Asian languages, including Thai, China and Vietnam.
The film won the best movie award at the UN Vesak Buddhist Film Festival in Hanoi in 2014 while Gagan Malik won its best actor award. In fact, during his temporary monkhood, Malik expected not only observing meditation, but also further studying the teachings of Buddhism in Thailand.
Though Malik became famous among people in Buddhist countries after his role as Prince Siddhartha in ‘Shri Siddhartha Gautama’, he was first known in India for his leading role as Lord Rama in Ramayan, the movie which won several awards at the Delhi International Film Festival.
Then, he became more popular after his portrayal of Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu - definitely, it’s amazing that such a number of divine characters came for one actor. Not only that, after acting in ‘Shri Siddhartha Gautama’, he was appointed as International brand ambassador in 2018, and awarded the Global Peace Ambassador award in 2019, followed by a honorary doctorate. How did this young actor come thus far in such a short time? What is his background?
Early life
Malik was born and brought up in Delhi, India. His father is a businessman from New Delhi, India. He has three older brothers and a sister. He was educated in Hansraj Central School in Delhi, and in his childhood, his mother used to read the epic Ramayana to him. When he was young, he used to participate in his colony Ramleela where he played the character of Ram.
Before becoming a film star, Malik was a cricketer. He first played for the under-16 cricket team, then played in the under-19, followed by the Indian national under-19 cricket team. Subsequently, he played first class cricket and for the Ranji Trophy in Delhi.
Completing twelve years of cricket, he moved to acting. He has vast experience in TV commercials such as Times of India, Skoda, Birla Sun Life Insurance, and music videos, modeling and designer shows. In 2004, he won Mr. Photogenic in national male beauty pageant Mr India.
Movie star
Malik’s first starring role was in ‘Hum Ladkiyan’ in 2005, which tells the story of young Indian-born engineer Siddharth who, raised and living in the US, arrives in Varanasi to work on the Ganga Cleaning Project.
He began his acting career in television with Kumkum on Star Plus and then played a lead role in Zee TVs show Saath Saath Banayenge Ek Aashiyaan. He also appeared in Star One’s, TV serial ‘Shakuntala’.
He played the lead role of Ram in ‘Ramayan’ in 2012. The show catapulted him to stardom, and was popular in Indonesia as well, where Malik, together with his co-stars Neha Sargam and Neil Bhatt, were invited to perform in a special stage show in Jakarta organised by antv.
Currently he plays the role of Lord Rama in Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman on Sony TV. Also he is part of celebrity cricket team Jaipur Raj Joshiley for Indian sport-reality entertainment show Box Cricket League season 2.
In 2016, he confirmed that he is ‘strongly involved’ in an international film based on The Buddha which will reportedly be the most expensive movie made on the Buddha.
Personal life
Gagan Malik is married to Pooja, his high-school sweetheart. They married when he was 22 and now live in Mumbai. Malik once said, “I am married and have my Sita with me who is very supportive. Otherwise, I am all sorted and therefore, don’t have to worry about any kind of controversies.”
Influence of the movie
By becoming a monk, though temporarily, Gagan Malik indicates to the world that happiness is disciplining himself. And his initiative might also encourage other Hindus to convert their religious faiths to Buddhism.
The important thing is that Malik not only converted but also adopted a true Buddhist way of life. If you search for his videos on Youtube, you will find he participates in meditation programs in Asian countries among others. When taking his ‘Lotus World’ organisation, its main aim is to form a family of members of like thinking based on the Noble Eightfold Path.
There are three basic principles in it: first is Goodness – cultivating purity of self through right speech, right action and right livelihood. The second is friendship – extending the hand of friendship to all who wish to be in the family of members and the community at large.
The third is mindfulness – elevating self-awareness through the practice of mindfulness, meditation resulting in greater clarity and peace of mind. Malik said he transformed thus after playing the role of Siddharta Gautama.
In this way, ‘Shri Siddhartha Gautama’ is a landmark for Gagan Malik in every aspect of his life. His transformation would be a good one if he can render his service not only for himself, but also for the art he is involved in.
On the other hand, one can predict that his temporary ordination in Thailand is a preparation for a permanent monkhood in the future.