(L-R) Vishal Dadlani, Akshay Kumar, Rajkummar Rao and Sachin Tendulkar cast their vote in Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2022. Photo courtesy: PTI

As Maharashtra heads to the polls for the 2024 Assembly elections, several prominent faces from sports and entertainment came out early to cast their votes and encouraged Maharashtraites to exercise their democratic right.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar along with his wife Anjali and daughter Sara were among the first to vote in Mumbai. Showing his inked fingers in front of the media, Tendulkar urged citizens to give priority to voting. “It is our responsibility. I hope people will make an effort and come and vote,” he said, emphasizing his long-standing association with the Election Commission of India.

Mumbai: Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, wife Anjali and daughter Sara show their indelibly inked fingers after casting their vote at a polling booth during the Maharashtra Assembly elections in Mumbai. Photo Courtesy: Kunal Patil

Actor Akshay Kumar also expressed similar sentiments after voting and praised the smooth arrangements for senior citizens and cleanliness at the polling stations. “I want everyone to come out and cast their vote,” Kumar said.

Actor Akshay Kumar talks to the media after casting his vote at a polling booth during the Maharashtra Assembly elections in Mumbai. Photo courtesy: PTI.

Rajkumar Rao, who voted at Mumbai’s Gyan Kendra Secondary School, called voting a fundamental responsibility. “It is our right in a democracy, so it is important that we go out and vote. I have done my duty. Now it’s your turn,” he said.

Actor Rajkumar Rao shows his indelibly inked finger after casting his vote during the Maharashtra Assembly elections in Mumbai. Photo courtesy: PTI

Actor Sonu Sood also urged people not to take election day as a holiday but as an opportunity to bring change. “This is very important for the country,” he said.

Actor duo Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza cast their vote in Latur, with Deshmukh expressing confidence in the prospects of Maha Vikas Aghadi. Genelia emphasized the transformative power of voting, calling it “an important day” and encouraged citizens to exercise their rights.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh shows his indelibly inked finger after casting his vote during the Maharashtra Assembly elections in Latur district. Photo courtesy: PTI

Bollywood actress Gautami Kapoor described the experience of voting as liberating. “Every vote makes a big difference. Please vote – it is very important. We can change the country,” he shared.

Musician Vishal Dadlani appealed to the voters, citing love for the state and country as the motivation to come out of the house and vote. Actress and filmmaker Pooja Bhatt also took to social media to urge fans to count the votes, writing, “Go vote Mumbai. Go to Bandra and vote. Your vote matters.”

Singer and musician Vishal Dadlani shows his indelibly inked finger at a polling booth after casting his vote during the Maharashtra Assembly elections in Mumbai. Photo Credit: Shashank Parade

Other early voters included filmmakers Kabir Khan and Zoya Akhtar, actors Ali Fazal and John Abraham and the multi-talented Farhan Akhtar. Farhan Akhtar, known for his civic engagement, reminded citizens that it is necessary to vote before raising complaints about governance, saying he hoped for more cinema screens in Mumbai.

Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar and film director Zoya Akhtar show their inked fingers after casting their vote during the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai. Photo courtesy: PTI

With voting taking place in 288 constituencies, key areas of the state are witnessing intense fighting. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar and other political bigwigs are competing for seats in this crucial election.

As voter turnout remains a focal point, the Election Commission and high-profile influential people continue to urge citizens to make their voices heard by going to the polls.