Renowned music composer and singer Salim Merchant recently traveled to Assam to seek blessings at the sacred Maa Kamakhya Devi shrine. The visit quickly captured the attention of social media users after he posted photographs capturing his moments of prayer. In the shared images, Salim Merchant is seen dressed in a white t-shirt and black trousers, carrying a traditional red cloth draped across his shoulder and a garland around his neck, standing with folded hands alongside a friend in the temple grounds.
Documenting his visit on his social media platform, Salim Merchant included a sacred invocation in his caption: ‘In the feet of Shakti, Om Aim Hreem Kleem Kamakhya Namah.’ The visual glimpse of the musician paying homage at the revered Shaktipeeth rapidly circulated among followers and wider audiences, triggering immediate engagement across online communities.
Mixed Responses and Social Media Debate
The pictures drew contrasting viewpoints from the public. Numerous users commended the composer for embracing cultural unity and showing genuine respect toward different religious beliefs, describing his visit as a heartening demonstration of mutual harmony. Conversely, a section of users questioned his participation in the temple rituals, arguing through critical comments that his personal religious identity should not permit him to engage in such practices, thereby initiating a round of online trolling.
A Longstanding Devotion Across Faiths
This devotional outlook is not unprecedented for the singer, who has consistently maintained an open spiritual philosophy. Salim Merchant has previously acknowledged his reverence for Hindu deities and his routine engagement in rituals. He had earlier disclosed that he holds deep faith in Lord Shiva, observing prayers every Monday while also offering Friday Jummah prayers. He has maintained that he honors both religious traditions equally, describing his personal bond with God and music as something far beyond verbal definition.
The Musical Legacy of Salim-Sulaiman
Beyond his spiritual practices, Salim Merchant remains an influential creative force in contemporary Indian entertainment alongside his younger brother Sulaiman Merchant. Collaborating under the celebrated moniker Salim-Sulaiman, the duo has composed memorable soundtracks and background scores for more than 40 Hindi feature films. Their acclaimed cinematic catalog features major blockbusters such as 'Chak De! India', 'Fashion', 'Band Baaja Baaraat', 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi', and 'Kurbaan'. Their musical repertoire also extends internationally, having delivered live performances on prestigious global platforms including the FIFA World Cup.
