Julia Roberts Filming In India, Advised To Deepen Study of Hinduism

June 23, 2009 3:18 p.m. EST

Las Vegas, NV (CNS) - While Julia Roberts is on location in India shooting the film "Eat, Pray, Love," some Hindus are questioning the star's interest in the Hindu faith tradition. They implore her to act more decisively upon her fondness for its customs and teachings.

Among the most outspoken from the Hindu community is Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism. He insists that the film star should make room in her filming schedule to visit Hindu temples. Zed adds, "A deeper study of Hinduism would complement her interest in yoga and other things Indian."

The Academy Award-winning actress has traveled to India with her Red Om Films company to produce and star in "Eat, Pray, Love" alongside fellow Oscar recipient Javier Bardem ("No Country for Old Men"). The movie, based on Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling travelogue, follows the colorful adventures of a New York divorcee as she sets out on a journey of rediscovery, eventually finding love in an Indian ashram.

"'Om' in Hinduism is the mystical syllable containing the universe," Zed points out. Roberts' philosophical leaning towards Hinduism can be identified by the bindi mark she recently modeled on her forehead.

Zed emphasizes that Hollywood hotshots should familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of Hinduism so that they can fluently relate to its nearly 1 billion adherents. He adds that "Hindu leaders would be glad to share their knowledge."