By Rajan Zed

Hindus have asked Hollywood actress Natalie Portman to tender a public apology for partaking in a music video Carmensita, which they say mocks Hindu concepts and symbols.

Acclaimed Hindu and Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that although the apology might not completely undo the hurt sentiments of the community, but it might help heal somewhat the pain of Hindu populace of the world.

Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that ksama (forgiveness) was one of the main virtues of Hindu ethics. If Portman offered sincere public apology, Hindus would not only absolve her but might also pray for her success in future ventures, if asked.

Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Shri Hanuman Chalisa, etc.., were highly revered in Hinduism and were not to be thrown around loosely for dramatic effects, as this video appeared to be doing, Zed argued.

Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion followers and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at, Rajan Zed said and added that mocking and inappropriate use of Hinduism concepts and symbols was not okay.

Hindus welcomed Hollywood to immerse in Hinduism but taking it seriously and respectfully and not just for indecorous showing of Hindu symbols and concepts to advance its agenda. Hindus would gladly provide genuine Hollywood seekers the resources they needed for their study and research. Casual flirting sometimes resulted in pillaging serious spiritual doctrines and revered symbols and hurting the devotees, Zed pointed out.

Meanwhile, various other organizations, including Hindu Alliance of India, Shri Ramayan Pracharini Sabha, India Heritage Panel, have also demanded public apology from Natalie Portman over this issue.

Natalie Portman of Star Wars fame, Oscar and BAFTA nominated actress and winner of Golden Globe, who has acted in few dozen films, plays Princess Carmensita Saplingita in this music video created by Devendra Banhart, a Venezuelan-American musician and folk rock singer-songwriter.

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