Pawan Kalyan’s Wife Anna Lezhneva Shaves Head in Tirumala, Donates Hair Amid Son Mark Shankar’s Recovery
Anna Lezhneva, wife of actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, visited the sacred Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala to offer prayers as her son, Mark Shankar, continues to recover from injuries sustained in a recent school fire incident in Singapore.
What drew widespread attention was Anna’s symbolic act of devotion — she shaved her head as part of a traditional offering at the temple. Several photos of her after donating her hair went viral on social media, and Pawan Kalyan’s political outfit, the Jana Sena Party, also shared images with a message acknowledging her gesture.
Reports suggest that Anna, who is of Russian origin, also signed the religious declaration required for non-Hindu devotees visiting the Tirumala shrine. This declaration affirms one’s faith and willingness to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara, a custom observed at the temple for non-Hindu visitors.
In Tirumala, it is a long-standing tradition for devotees to offer their hair — known as “mokku” — as a vow or act of gratitude after a wish has been fulfilled or as part of a spiritual renewal. Many pilgrims believe the ritual signifies humility and devotion, and see it as a powerful offering to the deity.
Anna’s visit comes shortly after her son, Mark Shankar, sustained injuries in a fire that broke out at a summer camp held at the River Valley Shophouse in Singapore on April 8. The incident left several children injured, and Mark suffered burns on his hands and thighs. He also underwent a bronchoscopy as part of his treatment.
Pawan Kalyan, who was in the tribal areas of Uttarandhra at the time of the incident, rushed to Singapore immediately upon hearing the news. He returned to India over the weekend and was seen arriving at the Hyderabad airport with Mark in his arms, accompanied by Anna.
The family’s recent spiritual visit is seen as an expression of gratitude and hope for Mark’s complete recovery.
