10 Bollywood Celebrities You Didn't Know Are Atheist

In a religion-driven political country like India, it is really challenging to express yourself as an Atheist, and the challenge doubles up if you are a celebrity. Because that one reason can tarnish your entire years of good work in the industry. And the argument between an Atheist and a believer could be traced back since the age of Kings or even before that. So if we go by the typical dictionary meaning of an atheist, it is a person who does not believe in the existence of God.

It is believed that at least 15 percent of the world's population is atheist and there are quite a few in Bollywood. They haven't been very vocal about the same but had never shied themselves from expressing their views. Following are the list of top 10 Bollywood celebrities who are an Atheist.

1. Anurag Kashyap

The ace director known for his brave and bold movies tops our list. The director had stated on many occasions that he had only one religion and that is cinema. Anurag Kashyap is born as Hindu and is one of the finest directors that Bollywood had ever produced. He is best known for his directorial works in Gangs of Wasseypur and Netflix action-drama thriller Sacred Games.

2. Farhan Akhtar

He is Bollywood's all-rounder. He has an excellent track record working as an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, playback singer, and television host. He is also one of Bollywood's strong-minded atheists. He apparently has followed his dad's path who is also an Atheist.

3. John Abraham

Bollywood's hottest celebrity and macho man could be one of the most surprising inclusions in this list. He also brands himself as an Atheist and he has only one religion and that is his body.

He also went on to mention that nothing in his life is more important than workout and health. The actor once went on to mention in an interview that he always had this one wish that he wants to live forever with a six-pack and also die with one.

4. Kiran Rao

Not many people would imagine a woman on the list, and breaking the stereotype is none other than the wife of "Mr. Perfectionist of Bollywood". Kiran Rao is as talented as her husband Amir Khan. She is known for her work as a screenwriter, producer, and filmmaker.

In an interview with Times Of India, Kiran Rao had revealed that her belief doesn't stop her son Azad from choosing and following any religion.

5. Zoya Akhtar

And the list continues to surprise as another woman and that too an influential figure is taking her spot in the list. Zoya Akhtar is known for her realistic films and like her, her films too rarely explore any religion. Again influenced by her father she is a strong atheist who believes that God doesn't exist.

6. Javed Akhtar

He is a recipient of both the coveted awards, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. In an interview, the actor had once mentioned that "There are certain things that I would like to make very clear at the very outset. Don’t get carried away by my name - Javed Akhtar. I am not revealing a secret, I am saying something that I have said many times, in writing or on TV, in public. I am an atheist, I have no religious beliefs. And obviously, I don’t believe in the spirituality of some kind". The writer and lyricist had brought up his two children Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar the same way.

7. Kamal Haasan

The actor turned politician is a big promoter of atheism. The actress has an opinion that religion must be limited to individuals and should never be judged based on that. He also said there should be certain restrictions imposed on religion to keep it in check. He is born to a Tamil Brahmin family and says that he doesn't believe in God or any other superstition.

8. Rajat Kapoor

The Bollywood actor who is born into a Hindu family believes that God is a man-made concept. He says that he believes to be extra aware and gives more importance to knowledge than religion. He believes that there is nothing such as Heaven or Hell and the concept of God is also very artificial. He also stated that even though he is an atheist but he, not an agonist.

9. Sathyaraj

The famous Tamil film actor known for his role of Kattappa in Bahubali is also a self-proclaimed atheist. He is an avid follower of E V R Periyar, whose ideas and thoughts inspired him. The actor also stressed that there is no room for temples and heavens in his system of beliefs in life.

10. Maniratnam

The ace filmmaker from the South Indian film industry would be the last but not the least of our list. The screenwriter, producer, director known for his works in Thalapathi, Dil Se, Bombay is an atheist too. Though his movies do explore the characters who believe in God and who follows the religion, the filmmaker has kept his personal life and thoughts separate from his films and professional life.

And here are the Top 10 celebrities who don't believe in religion or any superstitions. Is their belief and way of expression a reason to follow them or no? Let us know in the comments below.