'Most beautiful day of my life': Gerard Butler on finding peace in chaotic Varanasi

Gerard Butler recently shared his experience visiting Varanasi, India, from a decade ago. In a recent interview, the Hollywood actor described the city's chaotic yet loving environment and the peace he found by the banks of the Ganges River.

Butler visited Varanasi with friends and performed a private puja during his trip. He recalled the memorable moment of taking a boat ride and participating in the city's famous Ganga Aarti.

He said, “I came to Varanasi 10 years ago when I was travelling with seven friends and it was very tough because everybody wanted to do something different. We had this plan to go all through India.”



He added, “When I arrived in Varanasi, I felt completely high. Meditated on the banks of the Ganges, at the ghats. I did a private puja which was so powerful to me. That night I went to the Ganga Arti and I remember sitting in one of those boats experiencing this. I thought this is the best day I’ve ever had in my life. The most connected, the most beautiful, the most open, the most magical and mystical. It had everything with the backdrop of this ancient city. Even then I remember we had a guide who would take us through the city which is so busy and everybody’s like on top of (each other) but still smiling. There’s heart and love in the chaos.”

On the professional front, Butler has several exciting projects lined up for 2025. These include "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera," "Naya: Legend of the Golden Dolphin," and a live-action version of "How to Train Your Dragon." He is also set to appear in "In the Hand of Dante" and "Greenland: Migration."