The Actor Who Portrayed the Buddha Pays Respects to Venerable Minh Tue in India

Admin 1
Jul 8
3 min read

On the morning of July 3, 2025, actor Gagan Malik paid his respects to Venerable Minh Tue at the former mortuary building of the Eye Hospital in Bodh Gaya, where the monks are currently observing the Vassa retreat, following their almsmeal.

Image: Venerable Minh Tue (left) and actor Gagan Malik (right). Source: Volunteer

Tiếng Việt: https://www.minhtuepath.org/post/dien-vien-gagan-malik-danh-le-su-minh-tue-tai-an-do

Gagan Malik – the actor who portrayed Prince Siddhartha Gautama in the renowned Buddhist film Sri Siddhartha Gautama – The Life of The Buddha (2013) – has long been a devoted Buddhist, wholeheartedly dedicating himself to the service of the Dhamma.

In 2014, Gagan Malik was honored with the Best Actor Award at the World Buddhist Film Festival, organized under the auspices of the United Nations. His portrayal of the Buddha marked a profound turning point in his life: not only did he study the teachings of the Enlightened One in depth, but he also redirected his path toward meditative practice and deep inner transformation.

During the Poson Poya festival in 2014 in Sri Lanka, Gagan Malik formally took refuge in the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha), embracing the Buddhist path as his spiritual foundation.“Poson Poya” is a highly significant day in the Sri Lankan Buddhist calendar, commemorating the moment when Emperor Ashoka introduced Buddhism to the island nation.

“I think this change is good for me to take his blessing. From that, I can work more for Buddhism in my life.” – Gagan Malik said.

Full Video of Gagan Malik’s Homage Ceremony:

Source: Compiled from videos recorded by volunteers.

This reflects how the journey of Venerable Minh Tue and the monastic community has been closely followed and respectfully regarded by the international Buddhist community on a daily basis.

In June of 2018, Gagan was appointed as an Honorary International Brand Ambassador by the National President of the Buddhist Society of India.

In 2019, Gagan was assigned to carry out the task as Ambassador of United Nations Peacekeeping Forces Council, Southeast Asia.

Gagan received the US PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY BOARD, prestigious award. Recongnizing his dedication to humanitarian efforts around the world promoting peace and human development.

In addition, Gagan Malik has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Asoka Award, Maha Naga Award, DhammoDoota Excellence Award, and the World Peace Award, among others.

Gagan Malik's profile: click here.

Some additional moments captured on July 3rd: