Big stars from the Telugu film industry were conspicuous by their absence on Day one of the Maha Mrityunjaya Homam, which took place at the Filmnagar Temple in the city on Monday. Led by veteran actor and TDP MP Murali Mohan, the Homam is being done after a slew of Tollywood personalities passed away in the last 12 months, including D Ramanaidu, Ahuti Prasad, MS Narayana, Chakri, VB Rajendra Prasad, PJ Sharma and Nandamuri Janaki Ram, among others.
“In the last one year, 24 personalities from the Telugu film industry passed away. This is a strange phenomenon, so when it was suggested that we perform this Homam to ensure the goodwill of the people in the industry,” said Murali Mohan.
However, the ceremony, which will take place on March 23, 24 and 25 at the Filmnagar Daiva Sannidhanam was given a miss by Tollywood’s stars and was attended by veteran personalities such as Raghavendra Rao, Paruchuri Gopala Krishna, among others. Noted spiritual guru Sri Swaroopanandendra Saraswati Swami performed the ritual.
“We are hoping that with this Homam, we can remove the curse that has befallen on our Telugu film industry and I request everybody to attend this ritual,” Murali Mohan added.