From Bollywood to Believer in Christ; How a Celebrity Became One of India's Leading Gospel Artists

Teresa Neumann : Mar 12, 2010
Dibin Samuel - Christian Today

"Worship should be an integral part of a Christian's life...It is not that anybody can lead worship and write songs. One's life as well has to be a testimony for the Lord. In this regard it is also important to sing well and present ourselves as ambassadors of Christ. It would be advantageous if one has a musical background as well."

(Mumbai, India)—Vijay Benedict was a famous Indian singer, composer and actor who was in about 40 Bollywood films. Today, Benedict is one of India's leading Gospel singers. In an interview with Dibin Samuel in Christian Today, Benedict reveals how he came to Christ.

Notes, Benedict: "My younger brother working at a five star hotel was murdered in Germany. I flew to that country, and upon a little investigation learnt that a drug dealing was happening in the hotel which my brother witnessed and complained to the police. The drug dealers shot my brother and fled the scene even before the police could arrive.

"My brother's death shook me and led me to think on questions of life which I found no answer. My brother lacked nothing and lived a comfortable life. He had all luxuries he wanted but he wasn't there. This posed a lot of questions on human life. I was totally disturbed. Nothing at this crisis, including my wealth and status could fill this void in my heart. I was desolate, spiritless and unstable. What in this world can make me happy? What can render in me "everlasting peace" which I could not find in all the prosperousness of my life?

"I tried different things to find peace. My films were really doing well, but I can tell you I was not happy. Nothing could bring me out of this dejected state. It was then that somebody introduced me to Christ. My life changed thereafter. It was not the same. I can boldly confess today that I found peace in Christ and His Word. I learnt to rejoice in Christ's grace which now I know is sufficient for me in my life. Jesus, the living God, became the panacea of all my problems. I subsequently realized how beautiful it was being with God. None other than Him could fill this spiritual void in me. He taught me to forgive my brother's killers and love and pray for my enemies like He did.

"With the Lord's calling in my life, I decided to dedicate my music to God and to His worship. There was no turning back, my life was fully offered to Him from there."

To read the interview in its entirety, click on the link provided.