Virat Kohli & Anushka Sharma Seek Blessings from Premanand Maharaj in Viral Video
Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma visit Premanand Maharaj in Nainital

A viral video capturing cricketer Virat Kohli and actor Anushka Sharma in a spiritual setting has captivated fans across the nation. The power couple was recently seen seeking blessings from spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj during a visit to Nainital, an interaction that has sparked widespread discussion online.

A Viral Moment of Devotion

The intimate moment was shared on the guru's official YouTube channel, where it quickly gained traction. In the clip, the celebrity duo is seen seated attentively in the front row during a sermon, their hands folded in reverence. Anushka Sharma, dressed in a maroon-and-black suit, was notably wearing a jaap counter on her finger. Virat Kohli opted for a casual yet respectful look in a brown hoodie and black trousers. Both listened intently as Premanand Maharaj addressed his followers.

During the discourse, the spiritual leader elaborated on life's ultimate purpose, framing the spiritual journey as a continuous chain of guidance passed from one guru to the next. Reacting to his profound words, Anushka was heard smiling and affirming, “Hum aapke hain” (We are yours). This genuine expression of surrender particularly resonated with viewers who shared the video widely.

A Consistent Spiritual Journey

This visit is not an isolated event but part of a consistent pattern for the couple. This marks their third pilgrimage to Vrindavan in 2024 alone. The couple had just returned to India last week after a stint in the United Kingdom. Earlier in January, they had visited the holy town with their children for the same purpose—to seek the blessings of Premanand Maharaj.

Their connection with the spiritual leader appears to be significant during pivotal moments. The couple had also met him shortly after Virat Kohli announced his high-profile retirement from Test cricket in May, a decision that marked a major turning point in his celebrated career.

Fan Reactions and Broader Context

The online response to the video has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising the couple's grounded nature and dedication to their faith. One popular comment highlighted the contrast, stating, “Whole India wants to meet Messi & here Virushka came here to see Premanand Maharaj ji.” Another fan noted, “Anushka really got the spiritual side out of him,” while others simply celebrated them as the “Best couple.” Many observers appreciated how Kohli and Sharma balance their intense public lives with a sincere personal spiritual practice.

This spiritual outing occurs against the backdrop of significant developments in Indian cricket administration. The BCCI's apex council is set to hold its 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) online. Key deliberations are expected to focus on the future central contracts of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom have stepped away from Test and T20I cricket in the past year and now focus solely on the ODI format.

In this context, discussions may include elevating Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill to the elite A-plus contract category, a bracket currently featuring stalwarts like all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. The AGM agenda also includes proposed revisions to umpire and match referee fees, updates to the board's digital assets, and marks the first meeting under new BCCI office bearers. Mithun Manhas assumed the role of president in September, with Raghuram Bhatt as treasurer, Devajit Saikia as secretary, and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as joint secretary.