SS Rajamauli points out the difference between Hindu religion and Hindu dharma

Popular filmmaker SS Rajamauli is in United States these days promoting the Academy Award campaign of his film 'RRR'. During one such promotional event recently, he talked about the impact of Hinduism in his movies and also pointed out the difference between Hindu religion and Hindu dharma.

He stated, Many people think Hinduism is a religion, it is in the present context. But before Hinduism the religion, there existed Hinduism the dharma. It is a way of life, it is a philosophy. If you take the religion, I am also not a Hindu, but if you take the dharma, I am very much a Hindu. What I am portraying in the film is actually a way of life that has existed for many, many centuries and eons.”

Rajamauli then gave the example of a scene from 'RRR' in which Ram Charan's character adopts a persona inspired by Lord Ram. He stated, You can look at it as something that Lord Krishna has told Arjuna, so it is a Hindu religion verse, but if you look at the meaning of it, it has been taught to Indians irrespective of caste and where they were born. It’s about how to look at life, and not look at the result of what you do. That is what Hindu dharma says. So, I am a follower of Hindu dharma.”