Mohitt Maalik recalls emotional visit to Shirdi old-age home: 'They ask for our time, not charity'
Mumbai, July 29
Actor Mohit Malik opened up about his heartfelt visit to an old-age home in Shirdi with his wife Aditi Malik.
The 'Mirzapur' actor shared how the experience left him humbled and reminded him of the importance of spending time with those who seek companionship and warmth. Taking to Instagram, Mohit shared glimpses from his visit with Aditi and revealed that their plan was to visit Shirdi on the occasion of Guru Purnima.
Recalling his return to the old-age home after eight months, the actor shared that the residents welcomed them with smiles, hugs, and warmth. Mohitt wrote, "Shirdi always has a way of humbling me, grounding me, and bringing me back to what truly matters. The plan was to be there for Guru Purnima, but Baba had other plans. We reached a day earlier and were blessed with a beautiful darshan. After that, Aditi and I made our way to @dwarkamai_vrudhashramshirdi .the old-age home that holds a very special place in my heart. It had been eight months since my last visit. Life got in the way, but they never forgot."
"The moment we walked in, they welcomed us with smiles, warmth, and hugs that said, "You came back." That feeling is impossible to describe. I've come to believe that the purest happiness we can achieve without being enlightened.. is serving by giving or serving with love. These beautiful souls don't ask for charity as much as they ask for something far more precious...our time. In a world where everyone is busy, your presence becomes the greatest gift you can offer."
Mohitt concluded by writing, "A few hours spent listening, laughing, holding a hand, or simply sitting beside someone can become the most unconditional form of prayer. If you ever get the opportunity, visit an old-age home. Don't just donate. Stay. Listen. Be present. You may think you're going there to give something. You'll come back realizing you received far more than you ever gave. Om Sai Ram."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Respect for this. It's easy to write a cheque and feel good, but actually showing up and being present—that's real. More celebrities should use their platform for this kind of work.
This reminded me of my own parents. We're so busy with our own lives that we forget the people who raised us. Mohit is right—presence is the greatest gift. I need to visit my hometown this week.
Honestly, this is so refreshing to see from a Bollywood actor. Mohit has always seemed genuine. The way he describes the residents' hugs... 😢 we need more compassion like this in society.
As someone who works in elder care, I can say this is spot on. The elderly don't need our pity or our money—they need our presence. Mohit gets it. Good on him for normalising this kind of volunteering.
Beautiful. But also makes me think—why do old-age homes even exist in India? We've lost our joint family culture. Parents who gave us everything end up alone in their old age. This should be a wake-up call for all of us.
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