I have gone in for repeated marriages and will think of taking sannyas later - Kabir Bedi

We may think that film and TV star Kabir Bedi and Buddhism can’t go hand-in-hand. At the recently held press conference of Zee TV’s upcoming show The Buddha, we met Kabir who plays the wise sage Asita who had predicted that the Buddha will become either a great king or a great holy man. Interestingly, he brought to our notice that he has a Buddhist connection. The question that immediately came to a journalist’s mind was how a man like him who has married several times claimed to be influenced by Buddhism. He replied with a hearty laugh, “The Buddha was married first and then left his palace. I have gone in for repeated marriages and will think of taking sannyas later.” He then went on to elaborate about his mother being a Buddhist nun. He would accompany his mother to collect alms. “I have read a lot on Buddhist philosophy. I want all to avail a change in their lives because of Buddhism like I have had because of Buddhist philosophy.” He feels that this biopic will bring about a great positive influence in this world. “I feel that this series is very important in terms of projecting the life of the Buddha as an Indian production. Buddhism is India’s biggest export to the world ever. It has spread to many nations as it has great inner strength. It can transform the lives of many people. The impact of Buddhism has been great in this world. Buddhism has survived for ages and millions of people follow it all over the globe.” A journalist asked him the frequently asked question on the Buddha’s life, as to why he had forsaken his wife and child to go out into the world to seek the truth. Was he an escapist shirking responsibilities? “People asked this when my mom became a nun. Her reply was, ‘Who decides when a fruit falls from the tree, sometimes things happen in their fullness or they happen because they had to happen.’ That is why it happened. This question will be answered on the show though. Ultimately they came to him for ordination. Sometimes great people have to sacrifice their family life for the benefit of humanity. It is true for many of them and the Buddha is a great example.” Journalists obviously wondered as to why he being a star agreed to do a small part in the show. He said that when his dear friend B.K Modi, Global Chairman of Spice Global, who is producing the show asked him to do so, he simply could not refuse. He added, “Besides, it is a very pivotal role. It may be a small role but it an important one.” Kabir, have a great stint ahead!!!