Dr. Mungali Seva Foundation

A feature documentary in development

In the Presence of Maharaj-ji

This documentary invites audiences to feel the continuing presence of Neem Karoli Baba through the lives and firsthand accounts of Dr. Nirmal Mungali and Krishna Das. Together, they revisit their time with Maharaj-ji and share how his grace shaped their lives during his lifetime and continued to guide them after he left the body.

Krishna Das and Dr. Nirmal Mungali beside the fire, mid-conversation
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How do you tell the story of a saint who never preached?

To tell it, we sit with two people who knew him closely, were graced by him and still carry his presence in their lives. Then we listen.

In the Presence of Maharaj-ji begins with a warm, unguarded conversation between Krishna Das and Dr. Nirmal Mungali. As laughter, silence, song and memories carried across a lifetime unfold, the film moves beyond the room and carries the viewer through the homes, roads, temples and sacred places of India where their stories took shape. Past and present begin to flow together, revealing Maharaj-ji not as a figure confined to history, but as a living presence that continues through the lives he touched.

The film does not ask anyone to adopt a belief. It simply invites the audience to listen and spend time with two people who were changed by him.

“The story is alive. You become part of it.” Dr. Nirmal Mungali

What the film is about

In the Presence of Maharaj-ji is a feature-length documentary that invites audiences to feel the continuing presence of Neem Karoli Maharaj through the lives and firsthand memories of Dr. Nirmal Mungali and Krishna Das.

As they revisit their time with Maharaj-ji, their memories open into a cinematic journey across India, moving through family homes, mountain roads, temples, kitchens and sacred places where these experiences unfolded. Dr. Mungali remembers Maharaj-ji through family, childhood, medicine and a lifetime of deeply personal encounters. Krishna Das reflects on closeness, separation, regret, surrender and the chanting that became his service. Their paths are different, but Maharaj-ji's grace is the bond that runs through them both.

At its heart, the film asks how someone can leave the body and still remain present. The answer is found not in explanation, but in lives transformed by love, in memories that remain alive, and in the song, service and storytelling through which that presence continues to be shared.

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Krishna Das and Dr. Nirmal Mungali together at a temple courtyard in India at sunset

Krishna Das and Dr. Mungali, together again in India

The storytellers

These two voices carry the film. Their memories, side by side, are what the whole story is built from.

Krishna Das

Storyteller

Krishna Das

Krishna Das is one of the world's most recognised voices of kirtan and a Grammy-nominated recording artist. He travelled to India in 1970 and spent two and a half years with Neem Karoli Maharaj, who gave him the name Krishna Das.

Krishna Das speaks here as a disciple. He remembers the closeness of being with Maharaj-ji, the pain of being sent away, the regret of not returning when called and the surrender that later shaped his chanting. His story shows how a private relationship became a lifetime of service.

Biography reference: Krishna Das official biography, krishnadas.com.

Dr. Nirmal Mungali

Storyteller

Dr. Nirmal Mungali

Dr. Nirmal Mungali grew up in Haldwani in a family that knew Maharaj-ji closely. Maharaj-ji called him Nimmi. He carries personal memories that are sacred, playful and sometimes difficult.

His story moves through family, childhood, medicine and a lifetime of knowing Maharaj-ji. As a doctor, he also reflects on the limits of knowledge and on the experiences that changed his understanding of healing. Through Divine Nectar, he continues to share lesser-heard Leelas of Maharaj-ji with new generations.

In active development

Where the film stands

In the Presence of Maharaj-ji is currently in active development.

We have filmed an extensive fireside conversation between Krishna Das and Dr. Mungali. The fundraising trailer is complete, and a detailed story treatment lays out the structure of the feature film.

The next phase includes focused filming in India, selected follow-up conversations, editing and post-production.

We are expecting to release the film in early 2027. We will share updates as the work progresses.

What support enables

Filming in India

Story-essential homes, roads, temples, ashrams, kitchens, landscapes, objects and present-day acts of service.

Focused follow-up filming

Concise pickups with Krishna Das, Dr. Mungali and selected witnesses where the story requires clarity or emotional completion.

Archival research and permissions

Family photographs, documents, historic images, audio and other material that can be verified and legally cleared.

Editing and story construction

Shaping extensive conversation footage and new material into a disciplined feature-length film.

Post-production

Sound edit and mix, colour grade, music clearances, subtitles, graphics, mastering and quality control.

Release preparation

Legal review, insurance and clearances, festival and platform deliverables, publicity assets and audience materials.

₹50 lakh target

We are raising ₹50 lakh, presented as an indicative completion fund. The allocation below may move modestly as access, archive and rights costs become firm — any material change will be explained in supporter updates.

Use of funds Indicative amount Share
India filming and production ₹17 lakh 34%
Editing and story construction ₹9 lakh 18%
Archival research, licensing and permissions ₹6 lakh 12%
Post-production: sound, colour, music, subtitles, masters ₹10 lakh 20%
Release preparation, legal and deliverables ₹4 lakh 8%
Contingency, payment costs and campaign administration ₹4 lakh 8%
Total ₹50 lakh 100%
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Help carry these stories of grace forward

Every contribution helps us film with care, preserve rare memories and complete the documentary to the standard this story deserves.

Support In the Presence of Maharaj-ji and help this intimate conversation reach audiences around the world.

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