Hindu Groups Pleased as Selena Gomez Leaves Out Bindi in Music Video

By India west

United States:  Hindu groups are pleased that American actress-singer Selena Gomez is not wearing a bindi in the music video for her latest single “Come and Get It,” which premiered May 7.

A Hindu leader had termed Gomez’s debut performance of “Come and Get It” at the MTV Movie Awards in California Apr. 14 as “insensitive” and asked for an apology, after the singer sported a bindi as part of her costume.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement, said that wearing a bindi on the forehead was an ancient tradition in Hinduism and had religious significance; it was not meant to be thrown around loosely for seductive effects as a fashion accessory.

Zed, who is president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, in a statement, thanked Gomez for having feelings for the Hindu sentiments and thus not wearing a bindi in the music video.

Zed suggested that instead of loosely talking about Hinduism, the 20-year-old singer should seriously explore the religion. He or other Hindu scholars would gladly assist, if asked, he added.

He pointed out that Hollywood needs to understand that Hinduism, with about one billion adherents, is the oldest and third-largest religion of the world with a rich philosophical thought.

Its concepts and symbols have well-defined meanings and purposes, and these were not created just for Hollywood’s usage to add dramatic effects, as some sanctity and spirituality is attached to them, Zed added.

He noted that the bindi is also sometimes referred to as the “third eye,” an auspicious religious and spiritual symbol that is also used for meditative purposes.

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