Getting to know Mahesh Bang
Q. Tell us about yourself.
A. I was fortunate enough to have a very spiritual grandfather Late Shivkaran Das Bang, who lived his life in the best way possible. Observing him perform spiritual deeds for many hours in the day from the time I can remember, inspired me from a very young age. During these great years I would sleep on the terrace at my grandfather's house on summer nights, and would admire the stars in the night sky. Since then I have always been in awe of our cosmos.
My mother Mrs.Gayatri Devi Bang, who's very essence is purity, kindness and compassion is the biggest influence in my life. She means world to me. She stood with me, even when I failed at certain times. Her moral and emotional support and ocean of blessings are ever with me. She showed me this path of astrology and identified my abilities. This path was then brightened by my lovely and beautiful wife Sharika. Thanks to Jayshree Mathaji and my mother in law , Radhaloka, who entrusted me with the right girl for marriage.
Q.How did your career begin?
A. Aside from the special ability I have been blessed with, I think difficult times were a big part of the reason for choosing this career path, at a time when it was generally frowned upon.
Up until I turned 15 years old, we had a very comfortable lifestyle, however, my father lost his business and thereafter our struggle began. Being the eldest son among 4 children, I felt a huge responsibility.
We then moved from renting one house to another, trying to downsize each time. We would have changed 10 houses and at the end our household contents all put together, would have only been worth R5 000.
I felt that we did nothing wrong and my mother would ask astrologers why did this happen? And these so called astrologers asked for big fees to perform a small prayer to "rectify our situation".
This is when I decided that this must not happen to other people and my mother gave me her long saved money to purchase astrological books, so I could pursue this field. I endeavoured to study with such intensity to find perfect ancient wisdom for more successful , astrological remedies and bypass the ulterior motives behind certain people.
In this trying time, in the prime of my youth, I could have chosen depression or even wrong company, but I chose the name of God, I prayed and fasted for months on end.
I did the Sunderkand twice daily and 108 Hanuman Chalisa for many days.
By the blessings of Salasar Balaji (a miraculous temple where Lord Hanuman's presence is strongly felt ), my intuitive abilities were raised at its optimal, and it is only through his blessings and grace, that I am here today.
Prayer and faith truly changed my path.
This is the reason why I understand my clients difficult times so well, as I have myself have experienced extreme financial difficulties.
I also want my clients and readers to invest their time and resources in things that will be most beneficial for them according to their horoscope, instead of falling into the trap of some who have hidden agendas and don't have the true knowledge of astrology. This is why I discourage anyone who wants to do a prayer with an astrologer. It is best to do the prayer yourself or with a family priest.
Q. Can you briefly explain astrology?
A. Astrology is a science that helps to maximise a good future event and minimise a bad event. It is a guideline, and a map. It is a very valuable tool. If one seeks the advice from an honest and knowledgeable astrologer there is obviously so much to gain in the insight provided by just one consultation. However, I find that almost all of my clients appreciate the advice so much and seek it regularly, enabling them to live in harmony with their destiny, making their journey easier.
Q. What had led you to South Africa
A. I first stepped foot in this country in 2003 and attended the Eastern Bridal Fair. A year later I was introduced by the journalist Doreen, to her editor Niyanta, they interviewed me and decided to start an astrology column.
My first article appeared on August 1, 2004 in the Sunday Tribune Herald. In August 2024 I had completed 20 years as a columnist for the newspaper. The best news is that it is the longest running astrology column in the world for over two decades by the same astrologer, according to our research. The column still gets the very same response, love and warmth as when it first started. All thanks to the readers, who keep it close to their hearts and continue to inspire me.
Q. How did you meet your wife?
A. My spiritual master in India foresaw that the letter S would feature heavily in his life, so before coming here, I thought I would go to Switzerland. But I did a reading for a South African man (late Dheeren Parekh) visiting Jaipur, who arranged for me to make an appearance at Durban's Eastern Bridal Fair at the Kendra Hall in 2003. I thought there would be huts and wildlife on the roads and so I brought water bottles, soap and toothpaste in case it was not available.
I wrote an article about July 7, 2007 which being the most auspicious day in the century to marry (seven oceans, seven colours of the rainbow, seven steps around the fire in Hinduism , 7 days of the week etc).
On June 2 that year I did a reading for Sharika - (the letter S) who then became my wife.
She had consulted me on marriage. Later she realised the description I gave her of the perfect man for her, fitted myself.
As a medical doctor, she scoffed at the idea of marrying an astrologer.
I consulted my and her horoscopes and realised they fitted perfectly and tried to arrange another meeting. Sharika was reluctant, but persistence paid off. Within a month of meeting, I proposed on the 5th of July and on 07/07/07 we got married. To this day , people say that I did some special prayer for this to happen so quickly.
Q. You mention the significance of the letter S in your life. Can you tell us more.
A. Yes. I had done a palm reading for Bollywood's Sanjay Dutt (the first letter of his name begins with S) in which I predicted that his court case would go on for a decade, even though the final verdict was going to be in a months time. Sanjay bhai scoffed at my prediction but it proved correct. So Sanjay believed in me and introduced me to many Bollywood clients who use my services to this day.
Then it is the country South Africa.
Despite the chances to settle in different countries of the world, I was drawn to South Africa because of the warm and welcoming nature of people here. I know it's my destiny too. Special thanks to readers, friends, family, well wishers and clients for being a part of my journey. Special mention to Ashok , Brownie , Pawan , Sanjay, Sherry, Upasana and the late Devraj. These individuals who contributed to my spiritual projects.
Another important and remarkable S is Sunday Tribune, where I became a medium to spread the knowledge of ancient wisdom passed on for generations. I'm eternally grateful to Sunday Tribune, as it has given me such unexpected fame in South Africa.
Q.You have a wide array of clients. Please tell us about them.
A. In this career I have been fortunate to have met different people from all walks of life. My clientele ranges from the common man to high profile individuals, various leading politicians, industrialists, celebrities, hoteliers, doctors , administrators and anyone who requires my advice and foresight. I would have viewed well over 100 000 horoscopes of people from all around the world, thus far.
Q. What has been the response to your Sunday Tribune Herald column?
Over the years I have been blessed with the warmest sentiments of my readers. Some of the comments from there are: "So informative and helpful, there are so many things we are still learning from your articles. Thank you for being in this country to guide us"; "We follow your column and advice, you are a God sent to this country"; “ Your name is a household name, everyone knows you. My granny is a big fan of yours”.
Some more examples of some of their words that inspired me are the following:
“I cut out the articles every Sunday, over many years and compiled a book, so that I will have a record for future generations” - Shanti.
"I only buy the newspaper for your column" - J.J. Singh.
"The first thing I read in the newspaper is your column"-Inderpathy.
"Good authentic, useful information is so hard to come by these days, but when it comes from you, I'm assured that it is bonafide. You have inspired even my young kids to turn to spirituality"- Sherry.
Q. What is you personal success mantra?
A. 1. First it's good intention, which gives rise to pure and positive thoughts, this influences our speech and gives rise to action (Karma), the result is seen in the fruit of action i.e ends as ones good destiny.
2. Feeling of gratitude, kindness, compassion are essential every day emotions that makes you human and able to attract cosmic energy in abundance.
Q. What were your most unforgettable and regretful moments?
I have had many unforgettable moments. A few that happened this year was the opening ceremony in Ayodhya, then attending the mangal arti of Ram mandir with my mother, who was unwell. We did blissful prayers along with my dear friend Ashok on Guru Purnima at Salasar Balaji from midnight to morning. All these experiences are filled with celestial divinity. On a professional level doing Vastu for the momentous opening of Manish Malhotra showroom at Dubai Mall. Finally, getting the awards from Bollywood friends and the Sunday Tribune dedicated to my 20 years of excellence.
Q. And your moments of regret?
A. 1. During my difficult time at the height of my teenage frustration, I was troublesome to my mother for a year. If I could rewrite that part of my destiny I would. I want to inform teenagers not to make the same mistake.
Q. What is your message to readers?
1. Hard work and positive thinking is the basic ingredient to live this life. Everyone on this globe struggles at some point in their life. Take it as a learning curve.
2. Among friends and family, any words said in anger is meaningless and must be devalued.
3. The purpose of human life is to evolve ourselves in all opportunities available to us between birth and death, planetary alignments and circumstances are a force to enable this to occur i.e. always work on becoming a better version of yourself.