Bollywood songs to classical violin: A musical welcome for PM Modi at the White House

South Asian a cappella group ‘Penn Masala’ performed a rendition of the Bollywood song ‘Jashn-E-Bahaara’ from the film ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ at the White House ahead of PM Modi’s arrival Thursday. The performance also included a rendition of ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ from the movie ‘Dil Se..’.

VIDEO | South Asian a cappella group Penn Masala performs rendition of Bollywood song 'Jashn-E-Bahaara' from the film Jodhaa Akbar at the White House ahead of PM Modi's arrival. #PMModiInUS pic.twitter.com/BcKUSJCYn9

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 22, 2023

On Friday, Vibha Janakiraman, a youth violinist and 2023 US Presidential Scholar in the Arts, welcomed PM Modi and other guests arriving at the White House for the state dinner hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

The instrumental piece on the violin “honoured her cultural connection to Western classical and South Indian classical music”, said the US First Lady in a tweet.

Vibha Janakiraman, a youth violinist and 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts kicked off the Official State Visit for the Republic of India today.

Vibha honored her cultural connection to Western classical and South Indian classical music for guests at the White House. pic.twitter.com/zqRIZJXCHA

— Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) June 22, 2023

During his speech at the state dinner held at the White House, PM Modi said, “Indian Americans have come a long way in the US and have always found a respectful place in America’s melting pot. Indian Americans have played a significant role in further strengthening the inclusive society and economy of the US.”

He also thanked US President Joe Biden for hosting a wonderful dinner and making the visit successful, ANI reported. “Two great nations, two great friends, and two great powers. Cheers,” Biden told Modi in a toast at the state dinner.