After Oscar ban, Will Smith spotted at Mumbai airport; another Bollywood project on the cards? – Pics inside – Times of India

The actor, who was in the news all of last month for infamously slapping comedian Chris Rock on the Oscar stage, was clicked at the private airport early this morning. Rocking a white tee and a colourful chord around his neck, the actor was seen smiling from ear to ear as he was greeted by airport staff on his arrival.

Pic: Jayesh Ghotkar

Pic: Jayesh Ghotkar

While many would assume that the actor was in the city for his next possible Bollywood venture, ETimes has learnt that the star was in fact in the city for a spiritual session. Sources tell us, “Will Smith was in the city to visit the ISKCON Temple in Kharghar. There are mantra meditations, pujas and aaratis held at the temple daily. He arrived at the airport on Saturday morning and caught a flight to an undisclosed location.”

The actor is known to make quiet visits to India to participate in Hindu rituals, pujas and meditation sessions.

Back in 2020, Will Smith and his family made headlines when he spent time with spiritual leader Sadhguru. In a video, the actor revealed, “Sadhguru is in town. I have been following him for a while. He wrote a wonderful book called Inner Engineering. I want my family to meet spiritual people, to start interacting with people who are not hooked on the material world.”

This is believed to be Smith’s first public appearance since his Oscars controversy that lead to his suspension from the Academy Awards for 10 years. The actor who received the Best Actor award for his role in ‘King Richard’, issued a public apology to comedian Chris Rock and also to the Academy.

“I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness,” he said.

Smith has often been seen partying it up with Bollywood stars. He was last seen making a cameo in the Karan Johar backed ‘Student Of The Year 2’ starring Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria and Ananya Panday.