Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of the Rolling Stones, took to Calcutta’s streets on Diwali night.
He posted pictures of the expedition on his social media accounts with the caption: “Happy Diwali and Jai Kali Maa.”
One of the pictures shows Jagger standing on a road under a canopy of lights. In the backdrop is a pandal. It looks like a neighbourhood Kali Puja. A bicycle is parked by Jagger’s side and two men seated on a stage, near sound boxes, are looking at him.
Another picture has Jagger posing with two ghost idols — part of the Kali Puja decor at many pandals. A third shows him standing before a Kali idol.
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. They are one of the most popular and enduring bands of the rock era. They have had a Kali connection from the beginning: their iconic logo shows a gaping mouth with the tongue sticking out, all splashed in red.
The “Tongue and Lips” or “Hot Lips” logo, designed by John Pasche from London’s Royal College of Art, is said to have been inspired by Jagger’s large lips, and also his interest in Kali, the goddess of death, destruction and doomsday.
The red tongue and lips represent free expression.
Not surprisingly, Jagger’s post generated significant traction on social media. By 6.15pm on Monday, about 21 hours since the post had been shared, it had 17K likes and 1.1 shares on Facebook.
“Rocking vibes as Mick joins the Kali Pujo celebration in Kolkata! Uncanny, considering the Stones tongue symbol was inspired by Goddess Kali — a fusion of pop art and Indian spirituality...,” wrote Milind Deora, Congress leader and former Union minister.
Another user replied: “Good to know you’re a Stones fan sir! Just for this, my next vote goes out to you. If only other politicians knew what class is all about. Happy Diwali.”
Jagger is on a private visit to Calcutta. He was at the Eden Gardens for the England versus Pakistan match on November 11.
The Rolling Stones’ long-awaited new album, Hackney Diamonds, was released last month.
Jagger, Keith Richards and late joiner Ronnie Wood are the band members now.
