Mahindra: Rishikesh's Soul Must Remain Amidst Development

Anand Mahindra recently reflected on his past experiences in Rishikesh, a town he knew from his filmmaking days before its recent public space improvements. He shared nostalgic memories of the town, including his regular visits to Chotiwala restaurant and filming a sadhu named Bankhandi Baba for his student film. Mahindra acknowledged the positive facelift Rishikesh has received with new riverfront walkways and renovated public areas, calling them a welcome enhancement.

Despite welcoming the development, Mahindra expressed a deep concern that modernization might erode Rishikesh's essential character. He highlighted that the town's true appeal has always been its natural surroundings, particularly the Ganga river and the hills. Mahindra voiced a hope that these intrinsic qualities, which he described as nature's own decorations, would be preserved. He concluded by expressing a desire to revisit the town to witness these changes firsthand.