EXCLUSIVE: Vinod Khanna Was Battling ‘Unhappiness and Alcohol’, Says Ma Anand Sheela – ‘His Marital Problems…’
Trigger Warning: This article talks about depression.
Veteran actor Vinod Khanna was one of Bollywood’s most respected stars. Along with his success in films, he was also known for his deep spiritual side. At the peak of his career, he became a follower of Osho Rajneesh and moved to his commune Rajneeshpuram in Oregon, USA.
Ma Anand Sheela Opens Up
In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, Ma Anand Sheela, one of Osho’s closest aides, revealed why Vinod Khanna joined the spiritual community. She said that even though he was a huge star, she didn’t treat him any differently. For her, he was just another ‘sannyasin’ (spiritual seeker).
Struggles Behind the Fame
When asked what Khanna was searching for, Sheela said, “He had everything back home, but he wasn’t happy. And when you add alcohol to that, it becomes a bad mix — unhappiness and alcohol.”
She added that marital problems were likely another reason for his emotional struggle. “These issues are very common and can either build or break someone. I think that’s what he was going through,” she explained.
Did He Find Peace?
Sheela said she never had a personal conversation with Vinod Khanna about what he truly wanted, so she couldn’t say for sure whether he found peace during his time in the commune.
However, she did share that she herself found peace despite all the challenges and controversies surrounding their community. “I was lucky. I had access to Bhagwan (Osho), and whenever I had problems, he helped me solve them,” she added.
Final Words
Vinod Khanna’s journey from a Bollywood superstar to a spiritual seeker shows a different, more personal side of him — one that many may not know about. His search for peace and happiness, despite fame and success, is something many people can relate to.
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety, or mental health issues, please seek help. Talk to a doctor, mental health professional, or reach out to a nearby support group or helpline. You are not alone.
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