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Anand Mahindra Recalls Filmmaking Days in Rishikesh and Hopes It Keeps Its Soul
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CNBC TV18•19-10-2026, 10:07
Anand Mahindra Recalls Filmmaking Days in Rishikesh and Hopes It Keeps Its Soul
- •Anand Mahindra took to social media to share fond memories of his filmmaking days in Rishikesh when he was a young student.
- •He recalled visiting the hills behind Swargashram to film Bankhandi Baba and eating frequently at the iconic Chotiwala restaurant.
- •The Mahindra Group Chairman expressed curiosity about the city's recent makeover, which includes new riverfront walkways and public spaces.
- •He voiced a heartfelt hope that Rishikesh will manage to preserve its unique soul and peaceful charm amid ongoing modernization and development.
- •His post sparked a wave of nostalgia and mixed reactions from social media users regarding the balance between development and preserving natural beauty.
Key Questions Answered
Anand Mahindra spent time in Rishikesh as a young filmmaker working on his thesis film. During that period, he frequently ate at the Chotiwala restaurant and traveled into the hills behind Swargashram to film a sadhu named Bankhandi Baba.
Mahindra noted that Rishikesh has been receiving a makeover featuring new riverfront walkways and spruced-up public spaces. While he welcomed these upgrades, he expressed hope that the city would retain its old soul and peaceful feel amid the modernization.
Rishikesh gained global fame after the Beatles visited the city in the 1960s and stayed at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram, where they composed several songs. Today, the city is widely recognized for its cafes, ashrams, temples, and adventure tourism.
