Parag Shah Viral Video: Mumbai BJP MLA Disguises Himself As Beggar in Ghatkopar; Here's Why
Billionaire Mumbai BJP MLA Parag Shah spent hours disguised as a beggar on Ghatkopar's streets during Jain Chaturmas. Acting on his spiritual guru's advice, he experienced life without his wealth, later revealing his identity to the locals. Scroll below to watch the video of Shah's experience as a beggar.
In an unusual social experiment, Mumbai BJP MLA Parag Shah - who declared assets exceeding INR 3,383 crore in his 2024 election affidavit - recently spent several hours disguised as a beggar on the streets of Ghatkopar. A video documenting the legislator sitting by the roadside, walking through the neighborhood, and asking people for alms has since gone viral on social media, with the well-known politician largely going unnoticed by passersby.
Sharing a video on X (formerly Twitter), Shah wrote, "Following Guru Dev's command, we changed into ordinary attire and spent time among common citizens in the Ghatkopar railway station premises, experiencing the realities of their lives up close."
BJP MLA Parag Shah Shares Video and Recalls His Experience
🙏 पवित्र पर्युषण पर्व पर एक प्रेरणादायी अनुभव 🙏
परम पूज्य राष्ट्रसंत श्री नम्रमुनि महाराज साहेब ने अपने प्रवचन में समाज के जरूरतमंद लोगों के प्रति संवेदनशीलता, करुणा और मानवता का संदेश दिया।
गुरुदेव की आज्ञा का पालन करते हुए वेशभूषा बदलकर घाटकोपर रेलवे स्टेशन परिसर में आम… pic.twitter.com/mFL2cWWfne
— Parag Shah (@ParagShahBJP) September 14, 2026
Spiritual Guidance and the Disguise
The exercise was undertaken during Jain Chaturmas on the suggestion of Jain spiritual guru Namramuni Maharaj. Shah reportedly agreed to experience what it is like to live for a day without the privileges associated with his wealth and political position. Viral Video Shows Woman Falling From Overcrowded Mumbai Local Near Mumbra.
Before taking on the disguise, he left behind his security detail, vehicle, and expensive belongings. Using makeup to alter his appearance, the MLA navigated Ghatkopar anonymously, interacting with ordinary residents and experiencing life from the perspective of those who depend on alms.
Follow-Up and Public Reaction
The experiment extended beyond the initial disguise. After removing his makeup, Shah returned to several of the same locations to meet and reveal his identity to some of the people he had encountered earlier. The episode provided him with a firsthand look at the daily struggles of individuals facing extreme hardship. Mumbai Burqa Controversy: Viral Video Shows Women Barred from Civic Hospital Premises.
Background on the MLA's Wealth
Shah is widely recognised as one of Maharashtra's wealthiest political figures. His 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election affidavit detailed assets worth more than INR 3,383 crore, with primary business interests tied to the real estate sector. Before winning his assembly seat, Shah served as a corporator in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2026 09:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
