Filmmaker Vishal Chaturvedi’s Hanuman Ansh brings the remarkable spiritual journey of Neem Karoli Baba to the silver screen. The devotional drama has reportedly emerged as a sleeper success across India. Set against the backdrop of 20th-century India, the film traces the life of Lakshman Das, from his early years and spiritual awakening to his eventual transformation into the revered mystic.
Who was Neem Karoli Baba?
Neem Karoli Baba, born Lakshman Narayan Sharma, was a Hindu spiritual teacher and a devoted follower of Lord Hanuman. Believed to have been born around 1900 in Akbarpur village in Uttar Pradesh, he spent several years travelling as a sadhu before eventually returning to family life. He passed away in Vrindavan on September 11, 1973, but his teachings continue to inspire devotees around the world.
Neem Karoli Baba was known for his unconventional way of life and his emphasis on simple, profound spiritual teachings. Over the years, several accounts of miracles and extraordinary experiences have become associated with him. Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand remains one of the most important spiritual centres connected to his legacy.
Neem Karoli Baba’s influence around the world
Among Neem Karoli Baba’s most well-known devotees was American spiritual teacher Ram Dass, whose original name was Richard Alpert. A former Harvard psychologist, Alpert travelled to India, where his encounter with Baba became a major turning point in his spiritual journey. His bestselling book Be Here Now subsequently helped take Baba’s teachings and philosophy to a global audience.
Baba’s influence also extended to prominent figures from the technology world. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs visited Kainchi Dham during his trip to India in the 1970s, though Neem Karoli Baba had passed away by then. Jobs later spoke about the experience and the impact it had on his outlook. Years afterward, Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg also visited the ashram during a difficult period for Facebook, reportedly following advice from Jobs.
Hollywood actor Julia Roberts has also spoken about her connection with Neem Karoli Baba. She once revealed that she felt a strong and unexplained attraction toward his photograph despite having no prior knowledge about him.
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are also known to follow Neem Karoli Baba and have visited his ashram on several occasions to seek blessings.
