Indian Tamil film actor Jay has spoken publicly about his spiritual journey and conversion to Islam, saying his experience inside a mosque left a deep impact on him because he felt “everyone was equal there.”
In a recent interview, the actor, who comes from a Hindu background, discussed his decision to embrace Islam in 2019 after years of personal reflection and spiritual exploration.
Jay said he began following Islamic teachings in 2011 and described his conversion as the result of inner peace and personal experiences rather than external influence.
The actor explained that before embracing Islam, he had also explored other faiths and spiritual practices.
He said he once wore the traditional mala associated with the Sabarimala pilgrimage and later spent nearly a year leaning toward Christianity.
However, he said certain unpleasant experiences and what he described as disrespectful behaviour at some temples left him disappointed.
Recalling his first visit to a mosque, Jay said he was deeply moved by the atmosphere and sense of equality among worshippers.
“I saw everyone standing together in rows for prayer,” he said. “Everyone knew I was an actor, but nobody inside the mosque approached me or treated me differently.”
He added that after the prayers, people spoke to him politely and respectfully, and no one tried to take photographs with him.
“That was the moment I felt that everyone here is equal, and it touched me deeply,” he said.
Jay also said he was impressed by the emphasis on humility in Islam, noting that no matter how famous or powerful a person may be, only God is considered supreme inside the mosque.
“No one pushes you, no one rushes you, and you can worship peacefully for as long as you want. It was a completely new experience for me,” he said, adding that accepting Islam changed both his personality and way of thinking.
The actor began his film career in 2002 alongside Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, in a Tamil film released that year.