‘India Calling’ a huge draw
Bhangra dancers entertaining the attendees.
Over 15,000 sat enthralled all through the spectacular musical treat presented jointly by National Geographic and Incredible India at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on September 20, which was the high point of the “India Calling” celebrations.
Hollywood Bowl, one of the most prestigious venues for musical performances in the world, saw the presentation of classical and contemporary music from India. The event started with a special ensemble created by Pandit Ravi Shankar along with daughter Anoushka.
India Calling signage at Hollywood Bowl.
Thereafter the public tapped their feet to the beats of Bhangra put up by Malkit Singh; later Kailash Kher touched their souls with his soothing voice. The melodies of Rajasthan came alive with the rendering by folk singers from the heartland of Rajasthan. Commenting on event, the producer of the show Danny Kapilian said “It is a very rare and special thing when an opportunity comes along to produce a one-time event such as “India Calling”.”
Sujit Banerjee, Secretary Tourism said, “The rewards of producing “India Calling” are endless but are rooted in promoting more inbound tourism for India from all around the world and exporting India’s culture at the same time.” Leena Nandan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of tourism said on this landmark occasion that they had specially integrated a handicraft village and a travel expo with the event at Hollywood Bowl so that the combined impact of the craft and cultural traditions of India would spur people to make their travel plans.
Crowd at the Rural Crafts Village.
Los Angeles also got a taste of India with a gala dinner prepared by the top chefs specially flown in from the Taj, Oberoi, ITC, Hyatt and Leela hotels, dance performances, a fashion show, an exhibit of photographs of India by renowned National Geographic Photographer Palani Mohan and the showcase of rural arts and crafts from villages in India. The entire event was hosted by the Experience India Society, a society comprising the leading industry stakeholders.
Public waiting to get into the venue.
The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the National Geographic Society. The dinner was attended by more than 200 special invitees comprising leading members of travel trade in LA area, airline representatives, media, prominent NRIs and local government representatives. Prominent among the guests were Sukanya Shankar, wife of Pundit Ravi Shankar, Olivia Harrison widow of George Harrison and Vijay Amritraj.
Commenting on the event, Dawn Drew, Vice President National Geographic Travel said, “Few places offer the mosaic of cultural experiences found in India; and tonight we have had only a sample. National Geographic is proud to be a partner in this fantastic event by providing the gigantic photographic exhibition, the music and creating the rural artisan crafts village to round out the night.” Besides the dinner featuring the best of Indian cuisine, another highlight of the event was a fine presentation of Indian fashion by well-known designers Ashima Leena & Anju Modi from Delhi who brought out the wonderful colors and patterns of Indian fashion and enthralled the audiences with a spectacular display of Indian designs.
[ BY HEMA FERNANDO ]
