Subodh Bhave to play Neem Karoli Baba; director Sharad Singh Thakur says 'I bought the rights from Baba’s family'

Filmmaker Sharad Singh Thakur is preparing to bring the life of revered spiritual figure Neem Karoli Baba to the big screen with his upcoming Hindi film ‘Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj’. The project aims to delve into the guru's teachings, influence and enduring legacy; his followers span India and the world.

Neem Karoli Baba continues to inspire devotees decades after his passing in 1973. International personalities like Julia Roberts have spoken about feeling spiritually drawn to him after seeing his photograph, while Indian celebrities such as Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli have often been spotted visiting his ashram in Vrindavan.

Subodh Bhave to portray Neem Karoli Baba

In the film, Marathi actor Subodh Bhave will step into the role of the spiritual leader.

Thakur, who also penned the story and screenplay, said the narrative has been designed as a multi-part cinematic journey to capture different phases of Baba’s life and influence.According to the director, the story will unfold across three instalments. The first two parts have already been completed and are expected to release one after the other. “We have completed two parts, which will be released in succession.

We plan to shoot the third part soon, which will [begin from] Baba’s demise in 1973 and depict how Kainchi Dham [one of Neem Karoli Baba’s ashrams] was developed,” Thakur shared with Mid-Day.

Backed by extensive research and family approval

Another film on the spiritual guru, titled ‘Hanuman Ansh: Baba Neem Karori Maharaj’, is also gearing up for release. However, Thakur says his project stands apart because of the groundwork and permissions involved.Thakur revealed that the biopic was made after securing rights from the guru’s family and conducting detailed research over several years.

“I bought the rights from Baba’s family. Girija, his daughter, is 80 years old now. I met her as well as many of those with whom Baba interacted. We did research for four years before beginning the movie. We are planning to release it in April,” he said.

Addressing myths surrounding Neem Karoli Baba

The film will also attempt to correct certain popular stories linked to Neem Karoli Baba. One such widely circulated belief connects the spiritual leader with Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

Some people claim that Jobs named his company Apple after visiting the guru’s ashram in India in 1974 and learning that apples were Baba’s favourite fruit. Thakur, however, dismissed this story. “This is not true at all as they had never met.

I have cleared this [myth] in the movie,” he stated.

Followers across the world

Neem Karoli Baba’s influence has extended far beyond India. Among his well-known admirers are Julia Roberts, spiritual teacher Ram Dass, and several other global followers. In India too, figures such as Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have openly expressed their reverence for the spiritual leader, often visiting his ashram in Kainchi Dham.