The Rajneesh Ashram in Pune is the culmination of the hippie influx of the 60s and 70s. As he attracts thousands of foreigners and some Indian celebrities with his icon -oclastic philosophy of guilt-free joy, including his group therapies(top), the former Jabalpur lecturer becomes a self-styled acharya, then Bhagwan, Zorba the Buddha Osho in quick succession. His Rolls Royces,admirers and detractors grow continually.
Mahesh Yogi shoots to fame after his appearance at Woodstock and the Beatlessojourn at his Rishikesh ashram. The Switzerland-based swami has a university in the US and, much later, his party contests the UK polls. But,of course, his USP is Transcendental Meditation and claims about levitation.
Dhirendra Brahmachari becomes Indira Gandhis personal godman and an extra-constitutional power centre, especially during the Emergency. Later founds an opulent ashram in J&K.
Satya Sai Baba cultivates a massive cult following by producing holy ash and gifts from thin air. Rationalists and magicians debunk him as a none-too-competent conjurer. In time, his disciples will include Michael Jackson,Arjuna Ranatunga and P.V. Narasimha Rao.
George Harrison and Pandit Ravi Shankar then and now: in India in the 70s and in the US in 97. Harrisons fascination with Shankar makes Indian classical music popu -lar in the West, setting the stage for a new generation of fusion artists and innovation, the likes of which has never been tried before in Indian classical music. Their collabo -ration peaks in the Bangladesh concert, with Shankar providing the grand finale.
Dev Anands Hare Rama Hare Krishnaencapsulates,Bolly -wood style, the hippie phenome -non. Dum Maro Dumand Zeenat Aman attain culthood.
