Unlike Bollywood veterans, rising film stars seem to believe that success goes beyond superstitions and old wives' tales

This may be the era of knowledge explosion and technological advancements but Indians are still wedded to superstitions - who would mind a little bit of that extra push called luck? Bollywood stars are no exception.

After his last film's debacle at the BO, Emraan Hashmi stopped wearing the several rings studded with astrological gems that were supposed to bring him luck.


After his last film's debacle at the box office, Emraan Hashmi stopped wearing the several rings studded with astrological gems that were supposed to bring him luck.

Rigid beliefs and quirky talismans make up for the superstitions that our superstars are driven by, most of these linked around film releases and subsequent success stories. Like Emraan Hashmi, who is busy promoting 'Ungli' but without the many rings on his fingers. The actor retorts, "They (rings) are out. My last film didn't do well. If they are not helping then they have no place in my life."

Till other B-Town celebs figure out if their superstitions are doing them any good, hitlist speaks to some actors about their quirks and beliefs.

Nimrat Kaur has a practical approach to life. She says, "I don't like the sounds of dogs howling but I don't know if that counts as a superstition.


Nimrat Kaur

I don't think you can set your success with one stone. I have just had one release so far and the film did well without any rings or stone. So, I don't really have any superstitious beliefs."

Arjun Kapoor, who is busy promoting Amit Sharma's 'Tevar', says he does not have too many superstitious beliefs. "Not that I do something everyday or before the release of my film, but as a kid you are instructed about certain things and you tend to become careful about them. But I have never really dwelled upon them.


Arjun Kapoor

I used to wear a few rings before 'Ishaqzaade' (debut film) but not anymore. My mother had also made me wear a taweez (amulet), which I may not flaunt but it's always with me. I don't know if it's emotional connect or superstition," the actor shrugs.

Ali Fazal, who has just completed shooting for Karan Darra's 'Khamoshiyan', cares two hoots for astrological predictions and unfriendly planets. He says, "I believe there is a science behind everything.


Ali Fazal

I have a few rings on my fingers but that's only because I like to wear them. Many years ago when I was a kid, a priest visited my house and said I won't live for long. That ticked me off. But I have never had any superstitious belief as such."

Tiger Shroff insists that he is spiritual, not superstitious. Says the young actor, "I believe in the evil eye and my mother does some puja to ward off ill-luck.


Tiger Shroff

I wore a taweez before I started shooting for 'Heropanti' because I was doing a lot of daredevil stunts. So, it was for my safety. But a few months after my film released, it fell off on its own and I didn't wear it back."

Kangna Ranaut, who will be seen in a double role in Anand L Rai's 'Tanu Weds Manu' sequel, feels her rise to stardom has had nothing to do with longstanding notions and beliefs.


Kangna Ranaut

She says, "I am not superstitious at all. I don't believe in such things."

For a spot of luck

>> Amitabh Bachchan wears two watches on the same wrist and carries three cell phones. What's more, he doesn't watch the live telecast of cricket matches. For, he believes that leads to the team's loss.


Amitabh Bachchan

>> Salman Khan wears a turquoise bracelet on his right arm. The actor believes that the talisman protects him from the evil eye. He even insists on flaunting it on-screen.


Salman Khan

>> Shilpa Shetty, who co-owns the IPL team Rajasthan Royals, has been wearing two watches together at all her team games. In addition to this, every time her team is at the crease, she makes it a point to not cross her legs, as she believes it might bring her team bad luck.


Shilpa Shetty

>> Ajay Devgn has changed his surname, dropping the 'a' from Devgan. In 2008, a numerologist had advised his mother that changing the spelling of her son's name would bring about a positive change in his career.