Kabir Bedi and Vinod Khanna shared a unique friendship characterized by mutual respect, spiritual curiosity, and a warm personal connection. In a recent interview with Filmfare, Kabir reflected on their bond, which stemmed from their shared admiration for the spiritual teacher Osho, whom Vinod followed devotedly. "Vinod had a very philosophical bent," Kabir noted. "He was very interested in Osho and became one of Osho’s great devotees. I held immense respect for Osho, but I regret not having seen him. I allowed my ego to dictate my choices by rejecting the attire expected of visitors, which I deeply regret, as it would have been an opportunity to meet a brilliant mind."
Although Kabir never visited Osho, he expressed how the guru’s teachings profoundly impacted him. "I read his books, I listened to his tapes," he said. When Osho was expelled from India and relocated to Oregon, America, Vinod chose to accompany him, abandoning his flourishing Bollywood career. This decision marked a significant turn in Vinod’s life, yet his friendship with Kabir remained steadfast through this unconventional period.
Kabir reminisced about the times Vinod visited him in Los Angeles, where they shared great moments together amid the backdrop of ongoing gossip surrounding Osho and his community. He mentioned the Netflix documentary Wild Wild Country, which covers that tumultuous Osho era, noting it fails to capture Osho’s essence as a teacher and philosopher. "It was somewhat unfair to Osho, though many negative events associated with his followers were true," Kabir explained, adding that Vinod kept him informed about the happenings within the ashram. "Osho was a great creator and philosopher," he affirmed.
Further reflecting on Vinod’s character, Kabir described him as deeply introspective and emotionally rich. "He was very thoughtful," Kabir stated. "He didn’t speak much but felt deeply. If he liked you, he would do anything for you." He recalled how Vinod would struggle to articulate the profound spiritual experiences he encountered during meditation, admitting, "I can’t explain what happens. Something takes over, and it elevates me to another level."
In later years, their interactions dwindled to social gatherings, yet Kabir’s admiration for Vinod grew, especially after witnessing his resilience upon returning from the Osho ashram. "I had great admiration for Vinod," he reflected. "After his return, he started anew with limited resources but eventually thrived, overcoming all obstacles."
Vinod’s departure from Bollywood in the early 1980s to join Osho’s spiritual commune shocked many. However, he ultimately returned to acting, successfully reviving his career. Kabir and Vinod collaborated on several films, including The Burning Train, Farz Aur Kanoon, and Kshatriya, marking a significant chapter in their intertwined lives.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/vinod-khanna-would-get-bored-of-osho-ashram-and-gossip-about-it-with-kabir-bedi-10040029/
Category: Bollywood,Entertainment
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Publish Date: 2025-05-31 11:52:00
